Sever All Ties
Chapter Twenty Three: The Quarto 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.
Racing down the path to the Dorse Region, Jack was beginning to question the wisdom of his decision. He hadn't encountered any adversaries yet. The whole point of coming through the Adien Region had been to catch his opponents from behind, yet they were nowhere to be found. As he continued running, Jack was unsure whether or not this was a good thing. It was possible that Radiata's forces had not left yet, and that he was now well ahead of them. However, he also knew that he could be well behind them. There didn't appear to be any middle ground to be had. Whatever the case, he knew he had to hurry to Fire Mountain. Defending the fire dragon was of the utmost importance. He also knew that the sooner he rescued Lord Parsec, the sooner he could return to Ridley. He could only hope that she overcame her current ordeal; that she maintained supremacy within her own body. When he saw a figure standing on the road ahead, Jack slowed his advance. As he came closer, he could clearly make out a lone swordsman blocking the road. When he saw who it was, however, Jack knew that the man before him was not alone.
"Hello Jack," Sergeant Caesar said levelly. The Quarto Squad's leader stood resolutely in his path. He wore his traditional samurai armor, and looked ready for anything.
"It's been a while," Jack replied. "Where are Aldo and Gareth? I know they've got to be around here somewhere. One of them is probably behind me, and the other is behind you, yes?"
"You always were perceptive," Caesar said simply. "I'm not sure I've ever seen a better student of war. You've certainly had the opportunity to hone your skills of late."
"More opportunities than I wanted," Jack stated. He casually looked over his shoulder. "Are you ready, Gareth?"
"As ready as I'm going to be, Jack," Gareth answered. As he spoke, he tugged on his steel breastplate, making certain it was snug.
"This isn't the practice yard anymore," said Jack.
"I know," Gareth said.
"So, are you guys using one of Aldo's fancy strategies," Jack asked.
"Yes, as a matter of fact," Caesar said. "We are employing several new ones, with real tactical merit. He found them in The Book of Gods. I think you'll be impressed."
"We'll see," Jack said. He drew his sword. In front of him, Caesar's blade was freed as well.
A moment later, the two swordsmen were rushing at each other, blades ready to strike. Then, just before they made contact, Caesar stepped aside. The ensuing moment of indecision cost Jack dearly. Directly behind him, and hidden until that moment, Aldo stepped forward and slammed into him. Skidding across the ground, Jack collected himself as best he could. He immediately had to roll away from Gareth's falling pike. However, trying to avoid this attack exposed him the exact same danger from Aldo's weapon. Rolling again, Jack came to his feet just in time to deflect Caesar's katana. Whirling and twisting, Jack continuously blocked and evaded attacks from all sides. Try as he might, he was not able to position himself so that he faced all three of his adversaries. They remained split up, moving when he moved, so that he could never be sure where all three were. He was simply incapable of watching and fighting all three of them at once. Subsequently, several cuts appeared upon Jack's sleeves and legs. Their movements were definitely more intricate than any he had ever seen; The Book of Gods must have been a very valuable tome.
Aldo and Gareth collected themselves and rushed toward Jack from his right and left sides. He could not see Caesar anywhere, so he stepped forward to avoid their attacks. As he turned to face charging men, their Sergeant appeared behind him. Jack stumbled back a step as he deflected Caesar's sword. As he stepped back, he realized that he was being pushed back into Aldo and Gareth's blades. Quickly, he ducked to avoid Aldo's stroke, just getting his neck out of the way in time. Immediately, he had to jump to evade Gareth's stroke, which was aimed at his legs. When Jack's feet hit the ground, he felt a foot hit his chest. Sergeant Caesar had taken advantage of his disorientation and landed a kick directly in the center of Jack's upper body. Once again, the young swordsman found himself in the dirt, scrambling to regain his feet and dodge the falling blades of his former allies. Jack did manage to get back to his feet. Winded, he watched as the Quarto Squad entered another attack formation and charged at him. This time, he was unable to do anything to disrupt their movements. As he was harried back and forth across the field, it was all Jack could do to turn their blades aside and hope he stayed out of their way. He was not entirely successful. The more his efforts came to naught, the more frustrated he became. He was waiting for an opening that wasn't presenting itself.
Soon, however, Jack soon began to notice repetitive movements, and started watching more intently. His gaze focused on Gareth. Everywhere Gareth moved, Jack moved. Isolating a single opponent would make the battle easier. This shift did not go unnoticed; both Caesar and Aldo stepped up their efforts. Jack, however, continued to focus on Gareth, trying to break down the taller man's defenses. Finally, he succeeded in finding his opening. Gareth's pike was a little slow coming up, so Jack launched a vicious attack, cutting into his opponent's abdomen. Stepping forward, Jack struck again, this time hammering into his shoulder. As Jack tried to strike again, he found that his blade was deflected by another. Caesar stepped between Jack and his subordinate, and Jack was suddenly forced to defend against a barrage of sword strokes. Past Caesar, he could see Aldo trying to help the wounded Gareth. Frustrated, Jack threw himself at Caesar, determined not to let his edge slip away. As their blades clashed over and over, Caesar was forced to give some ground. Attacking with incredible speed, Jack parried Caesar's sword, and lunged past him.
With their opponent almost directly upon them, Aldo had to let go of Gareth and take up his weapon. He positioned himself directly between Jack and Aldo, hoping to halt the advance of his former ally. As both Aldo and Gareth were forced to fall back, Jack continued his offensive. As he pressed the advantage, Jack was mindful of Caesar behind him. He feigned ignorance of the older man's approach, biding his time and attacking Aldo. Finally, when just before he felt Caesar's sword thrust between his shoulders, Jack dove to the left. Aldo wore a look of shock as his Sergeant's sword became lodged in his chest; a look of horror was painted on Caesar's face. Jack wasted no time, taking advantage of the situation. While the other two members of his Squad were distracted, the wounded Gareth had to defend himself against Jack's onslaught, something he wasn't capable of doing. Though he managed to turn aside a few of sword strokes, Jack's weapon found its mark almost immediately. Following his first hit, Jack struck again and again; three consecutive attacks that ended with Gareth stumbling backward. As his weapon fell from his hand, and his legs gave out, Jack turned around to a sight that saddened him.
Kneeling on the ground a dozen feet away, Caesar was holding Aldo's body. Though he was obviously suffering, Aldo still looked determined. His helmet had been removed, and a mixture of sweat and blood adorned his brow. The wound Caesar had dealt was fatal, and all three knew it. Clutching his subordinate's dying form, Caesar wore a look full of sorrow and pain. It was then that Jack remembered the story of the Quarto Squad's Sergeant. Caesar had a perfect record of mission completion. He had never failed an assignment. And he had always returned alone. Though he had never failed a mission, he had always finished alone. Every time Caesar had accepted a mission with his Squad, his comrades had always been killed. And now, it was clear that success would, once again, come at a high cost. No one spoke as they stood on what had become their battlefield. When Aldo finally stopped breathing, Caesar gently laid him down and rose to his feet. He wore a look of cold determination, yet there was an unmistakable air of defeat around him. As if he felt he had already failed.
"Once again, I will be the only one to leave the field of battle," Caesar said morbidly. "I often wonder what it would be like to die in combat."
"No fun," Jack said with a half smile.
"No fun, indeed," Caesar agreed. "You still have no fear of death, do you Jack?"
"No, I don't," said Jack. "It will come when it comes."
"It comes late for some, and early for others," Caesar added cryptically.
"Whatever that means," Jack replied.
"It means these two should not have died," Caesar said with a frown. "It means I should have died long ago, but lived instead. It means that I must not die, but avenge my fallen friends."
"I wish we hadn't had to fight," Jack said earnestly. "But we did, and we do. I can't see any other way."
"That's because there isn't one," Caesar stated. "I am more weary of fighting than you can possibly know, Jack. But, you must understand; as much as I would rather be freed of all of this, it is my duty live on, fighting for my fallen comrades."
"I'm tired too," Jack said simply. "I'm tired of having to fight my friends needlessly. But, I fight for someone who hasn't fallen yet. She hasn't fallen."
"Come, young Jack," Caesar said, brandishing his sword. "On the night you came to Vancoor, I asked you whether or not you would have the strength to fight when those around you had fallen, and you were left on your own. Let me show you that strength."
After this last remark, Caesar charged at Jack, who rushed forward as well. When their swords connected, Jack felt the strength that Caesar was speaking of. In their earlier confrontation, the two swordsmen had been nearly equal in strength. Now, just as he had said, Caesar seemed to have found some reserve source of power to draw upon. Every time their swords met, Jack was forced to step back. It was all he could do to keep his balance and keep Caesar's sword from finding its mark. The older man's sword moved incredibly fast, and with a great deal of precision. He was able to move seamlessly between thrusts and slashes without opening himself up to Jack's counter. This made it next to impossible for Jack to defend. His opponent was both stronger and faster. Finally, Jack broke completely. When a particularly strong overhead came crashing down, the force of the blow forced him to sink to his knees. Immediately, his leg left shot out, catching Caesar's right and causing him to momentarily lose his balance. Jack sprang to his feet and knocked Caesar to the ground. The Quarto Squad's Sergeant stayed calm even as he and Jack rolled across the ground. Both had lost their swords in the tussle, and neither was willing to let the other regain his weapon first. Then, Jack was able to free himself from Caesar's grip, and rush for his sword. By the time he had retrieved his blade and turned around, Caesar had recovered his katana. Their eyes locked, and both brought their swords up.
"Jack, it's time," said Caesar.
"Yeah, I know," Jack replied.
Both swordsmen stood in place for a long time, neither of them making a move. Jack's muscles were tensed, ready to strike. His sword was held up, parallel to the ground, the hilt just below his chin. His feet were planted firmly, ready to charge forward. Caesar's stance mirrored his own, and his countenance had darkened even further. Both knew the significance of the next strike; it would be the last one of the battle. Long moments passed by, with neither moving an inch. At last, the two swordsmen rushed forward, each determined to come away the victor. As they converged on one another, each drew his sword back slightly before thrusting forward. The force of impact was greater than any Jack had ever felt, and his momentum continued to carry him forward. He hit the ground hard, and slid a dozen feet. However, as he collected himself, Jack realized that the fall was the only thing that had injured him. While he rose, his eyes scanned the field for Caesar. The elder swordsman was lying on his back not far from where they had collided; Jack's weapon was stuck in his chest. He walked over slowly, and perceived that Caesar was still conscious. Kneeling down, he forced himself to look the older Sergeant in the eyes.
"A well struck blow," Caesar said with surprising clarity.
"Thanks," Jack said with a nod.
"You amaze me," Caesar said.
"How so," Jack asked.
"You just wouldn't give up," Caesar replied. "In all my years on the battlefield, I have only met two people whose wills were stronger that mine. Until today. You are the third."
"I told you," Jack said. "I cannot die, not yet. I'm fighting for someone who still needs me. But, like you, I'm also fighting for the fallen ones."
"You," Caesar asked.
"Yes," Jack said. "I never liked fighting against my friends, but I knew that I had to. If I fail, then all of that will have been for nothing. And, I won't let it be nothing."
"Well…spoken," Caesar said. He was finally being affected by his wound. "I would be honored if you would carry my memory."
"Of course," Jack said gravely.
"Good," Caesar said, almost smiling. "So, this is what it feels like. A death in battle is not…nearly as bad as I might have…expected. I feel as…if a burden has…been lifted. My fallen friends. I can…can finally join them in the next life."
After saying these words, Caesar's eyes closed for the final time. Jack knelt beside him for a moment, too numb to move. But, he quickly composed himself and got to his feet. As he extracted his sword, he looked down the road, knowing that he would have to move even faster if he hoped to catch up. Sparing one last look for the Quarto Squad and its leader, Jack resumed his trek down the road. As he ran, Jack became aware of the time. The sun had nearly sunk on the horizon, and dusk was settling, which only made him more aware of the little time he had.
Vegeta26: Well, the Fire Mountain conflict is getting even more intense. These next few chapters will be action-packed, and I hope they will be to your liking.
Light of the Demons: Good to hear from you again. Fire Mountain is definitely one of the toughest sections of the game. It's certainly not going to be easy for Jack. Going solo isn't going to help his situation any, but it seems more appropriate for his character.
Oghma-Marduk: Nice to hear from you, and it's good to know that you're enjoying the story. I do understand that I've taken some liberties regarding Jack's character, but feel that they're not without reason. It's true that Jack remains essentially carefree in the game, but he doesn't have any real interaction with the people left behind. Whether or not he's too serious is a matter of opinion, I suppose. As an aside, I do appreciate the diplomatic way in which you expressed yours. Thanks, and I hope to hear from you again.
: As always, thanks for reviewing. I'm to stay true to the storyline of the game, while still showcasing the differences in Jack's character. I glad to hear that you're enjoying it.