Sever All Ties
Chapter Twenty Eight: A Reprieve
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.
General Dynas' eyes continued to dart back and forth, moving from Jack to Cross and back again. Both men appeared to be alive, but unconscious. Cross' chest rose and fell in a quick but steady rhythm, indicating that he was alive, but hurt. Jack's volty blast, the "Army of Shadows", was a powerful move, indeed. The attack, which the General had never even seen, relied on three duplicates all approaching the target from a different angle; the four warriors would then converge on the target and attack in unison. The move was very efficient. Jack's speed and precision had been remarkable. His blades had struck Cross before the older man had time to react. However, he had not been fast enough to get clear of Cross' attack. Jack's breaths were much more spasmodic, coming in longer intervals; he had apparently taken the brunt of Cross' attack. The "Celestial Line" was a move that Cross rarely had to use. General Dynas had only seen it on two other occasions, and only one of those was actually in a real battle. Suffice to say, the battle had been an intense one. Just as the General began to wonder what he should do, Cross began to stir. Dynas watched as Cross slowly regained not just consciousness, but also an awareness of his surroundings. However, he made no move to assist when Cross began to rise to his feet. General Dynas was not all that fond of his arrogant comrade, and was certainly not about to offer him any assistance.
After he had managed to stand, Cross examined himself, checking the severity of his wounds. He was still breathing heavily, and appeared to be having difficulty maintaining his balance. This weakness was somewhat displaced when Cross' eyes settled upon the unconscious form of Jack Russell. The boy he bore so much hatred for was only a few yards away, and Cross wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity before him. After several moments, Cross saw Jack begin to stir, and sprang into action. Looking around, he immediately spotted his sword where he had left it. The blade was still buried in the floor, and Cross began to walk toward it. His movements were slow, but deliberate, and he soon made his way to the weapon. All the while, Cross was conscious of Jack's presence. The younger man was regaining consciousness, and Cross did not want to lose his advantage. His hand closed around the sword, and Cross wrenched it from the ground. After freeing the blade, he had to take a moment to regain his balance before turning and setting his sights on Jack. Cross calmly strode over to where the young swordsman had fallen. Standing over his opponent, the Knight could not keep a smug grin from his face.
"What a valiant effort from the would-be hero," Cross said mockingly. As he said this, he kicked Jack sharply in the ribs.
Jack screamed in agony as he felt Cross' foot collide with his body. Teetering on the edge of consciousness, Jack had been aware of Cross' movements, but had been unable to force himself to move. Now, as his adversary took advantage of this momentary weakness, Jack experienced pain unlike anything he had ever felt before. It was the most excruciating pain he had ever felt. He was exhausted to the point where he could barely move, the room they were in was unbearably hot, and his body was covered with cuts and bruises. All of this pain and suffering were amplified by the knowledge that he had failed in his task. He had failed to save the Fire Dragon. He had failed to save his sister. He had failed to defeat Cross. These failures, compounded the physical pain he was feeling, created a horribly unique sensation of suffering in Jack. The fact that Cross had already regained his feet and could still fight only made the entire situation worse. As he felt Cross' foot connect again, Jack cried out once more. The pain was becoming almost more than he could handle. He felt himself slipping back into unconsciousness.
Suddenly, he realized that the blows had stopped falling. When Jack opened his eyes, his vision was so blurry he could hardly see. He could just make out Cross and General Dynas speaking to one another. The blood pounding in his ears made it difficult for Jack to discern what they were saying, but their body language made it clear that they were not in agreement. Finally, after the passage of what seemed to be an eternity, Jack's senses slowly returned to him..
"…no reason to put him through this," General Dynas said adamantly. "Enough is enough."
"This traitor has killed countless men," Cross snapped. "He is not deserving of a quick, painless death. The honor of our fallen comrades demands that he suffer."
"Does it Cross," asked Dynas angrily. "Is this really about what our fallen comrades want? I've never seen you care about any other knights before, much less the members of the Guilds in town. So, is this really about them? Or, is it about your own feelings of inadequacy? Is it about Jack's father, Cairn the Dragon Slayer? You think that if you best his son, that will prove something? Our dead comrades don't care about how Jack Russell dies, and your senseless grudge does nothing but showcase your own insecurities. If you're so set on killing him, at least give him a quick death."
"You…I…" Cross stammered. A look of pure rage had overtaken his countenance, and he glared at the General as if he would attack at any moment.
At last, Cross turned his back on General Dynas. Still angry, he looked down on Jack. The two locked eyes momentarily. Cross' fury was still apparent, and he attempted to use that emotion to stare Jack down. However, Jack refused to give Cross that pleasure, and did not look away. He stared back at the Knight Captain with equal intensity, and it was Cross who had to look away. Only a moment later, Cross looked back at Jack, and raised his sword above his head. An evil grin came over his face as he did so, and he stopped, seeming to savor the moment. Cross regarded Jack for a moment with his sword held aloft, and an idea seemed to come to him.
"Beg for your life," Cross said in an arrogant tone. "Beg, and I might let you live."
"Never," Jack said stoically. "I'd rather die."
"Then die you shall," Cross exclaimed, swinging his sword in a downward motion.
Jack's eyes closed involuntarily, anticipating the blow he was sure would finish him. He was somewhat surprised at the feelings that washed over him when confronted with his death. He was not afraid. He was not angry. He was not holding on to the hope that he would be rescued. He was completely aware of his current situation. Jack Russell was aware that he had failed. He had failed to protect those around him. Ridley Silverlake, his sister Adele, Parsec the fire dragon; he had failed all of them, as well as the non-human races. He had failed to defeat Cross Ward when the opportunity had been put in front of him. Now, as death descended upon him, Jack Russell thought of his failings.
Just when the blow should have fallen, Jack heard a harsh metallic clang. When he opened his eyes an instant later, he saw that Cross' blade was buried in the ground next to him. The Knight Captain's countenance was one of both shock and rage. Even the normally unshakeable General Dynas appeared stunned by what he saw. Turning his head slightly, Jack saw the source of Cross' anger, and Dynas' amazement. Standing only a few feet away, Gawain Rothschild had a solemn look on his face. His weapon, the Morningstar, was resting against his shoulder. The giant mace was a formidable weapon, and Gawain was very skilled in its usage. Jack was relieved to see his ally, but did not rise from the ground. He was not sure that he could rise from the ground.
"And just who do you think you are," Cross demanded. His grip on the hilt of his sword tightened.
"It's been a long time," Dynas began, walking toward Gawain. Cross turned around to look at the General. "Hasn't it, Sir Gawain?"
"Indeed it has," Gawain replied with a nod. Cross, angry at having been ignored, fixed Gawain with a look of hatred.
"So, another traitor shows himself," said Cross. "I hope you don't mind sharing the same fate as Jack Russell."
"Well, Jack's fate is to leave here alive," Gawain stated simply. "So, no, I don't mind sharing his fate."
"I promise you will not leave," Cross said, raising his sword. Gawain did not move, but remained staring at his opponent. "I will kill you, instead."
"Cross," Dynas exclaimed. "Stand down! You will not win this fight."
"I'll not stand down," Cross replied without even glancing at his superior. "I will not miss the opportunity to defeat this traitor."
"You are in no condition to fight another battle," Dynas said firmly. "And, even if you were, you would not defeat Sir Gawain. He is beyond even my capacity."
"It is a proud moment when a teacher sees his pupil succeed," Gawain said to Dynas. As he spoke, the Lion of the West made his way to Jack's body. "It's good to know you still think clearly, Dynas. And, I imagine you must be quite strong by now if you're in charge of all of Radiata's Knights."
"It is a proud moment when a pupil is recognized in such a fashion by his teacher," Dynas responded. As the General spoke, Gawain grabbed Jack and gently draped the younger man's body over his shoulder.
"General, you cannot mean to let them get away," Cross roared.
"I do not," Dynas said levelly. "Sir Gawain, surely you must return to the cause of Radiata. I know not why you left all those years ago, but I assure you the King will welcome you back; especially at this critical time."
"This boy is the reason I left Radiata," Gawain answered. Turning his back, the former knight began walking toward the exit. The young swordsman on his back was on the brink of unconsciousness, and groaned slightly at the movement. "And, unfortunately, I will not be returning with you to Radiata. I wish you nothing but the best, Dynas; hopefully we will never have to face each other in battle."
"Indeed," Dynas said with a nod of his head. "The next time we meet, I will not be able to stop myself. Regardless of the cost, we will be forced to engage you."
"I know," said Gawain. He looked over his shoulder at his former pupil one last time before walking out of the chamber.
As he felt himself being carried away, Jack could faintly make out the sound of Cross arguing with General Dynas. The younger Captain was unhappy with the mandate that he withdraw from facing Sir Gawain. And, he was far from pleased at being required to relinquish his hold on Jack Russell. However angry he was, General Dynas had the final say, and the two former knights were unhindered as they left Fire Mountain and the Dichett Region. Jack was also vaguely aware of the fact that Sir Gawain was speaking to him. However, he could not make out the words, and was only able to mumble in response. Jack was clinging to consciousness with everything he had, trying to stay awake. As waves of fatigue and pain washed over him, he realized that his battle was a losing one. Jack's final thoughts as he drifted into unconsciousness were of Cross, and held a promise of revenge.
Vegeta26: Well, here we are again. This chapter took a little longer than I had hoped, especially considering it's more of a filler, but I think it came out all right. Thanks to all of those who continue to read and review; don't stop now.
lordwhatucallit: It's good to hear from you. Rest assured that the suspense will continue as long as the story does. Which will be for quite I while, I think. I hope you'll still be reading when it does.
Weasel Debater: For novices, it doesn't sound like you had too bad a showing. Cross is not stronger than Elwen. In these two in-game encounters, Elwen is level sixty, while Cross is level forty. Yet Jack beat Elwen, and not Cross. Don't worry, this will be explored in the next couple of chapters. Hope to hear from you again.
Cisqua: I'm not sure what you mean by foolish…but Jack is still a little headstrong. As for maps of Radiata, I found mine on the Internet. Just do a search for Radiata Stories websites, and go to the images. I'm sorry I don't remember which website it was, but I know you can find them.
Oghma-Marduk: I'm glad you continue to enjoy the story. The battle with Cross was meant to be unique from the other battles, particularly in the enmity that Jack has. This feeling makes Jack a totally different fighter, and I thought it was important to capture that. Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Zeyro: Nice to hear from you. I'm glad you like the story, and you really should finish the game. It's tons of fun. Also, I'm planning on writing this story until the end of the game, so if there haven't been spoilers yet, there probably will be.
KitsuneRei02: It's good to hear that my story is recommended to others. And…welcome to the Radiata Stories fandom. Thanks for the review, and I'm definitely interested in hearing more from you.
Passionate-melody: I understand how busy schedules can change your plans, and I'm glad you finally got to read (and review). It's nice to know that you're still enjoying the chapters. Hopefully that trend will continue, and you will continue to let me know (via review, of course).