Sever All Ties
Chapter Thirty One: New Conviction
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.
Staring at the broken remnants of his sword, Jack didn't know what to think. His weapon was destroyed. The saber that had seen him through so many battles had broken. When he needed it the most, it had failed him. Now, weaponless, he had to face Gawain Rothschild. The Lion of the West wore a satisfied smile on his face as he silently regarded his opponent. Jack knew that he didn't stand a chance without the blaze saber. He felt as helpless as ever. His sword shattering only reinforced the notion that he was unable to achieve victory. Casually, he tossed the broken sword away. Turning his back on Gawain, he began to walk toward the Journey Pig.
"So that's it," Gawain asked.
"You've won," Jack replied. "What more do you want?"
"I want to see you turn around and continue this fight," Gawain exclaimed. "I want to see that fire that I just saw in your eyes. I want you to believe that you can win. I want you to have a reason for that belief. I want you to fight with everything you've got."
"You want a lot," Jack stated. I don't have a weapon, you've beaten me, and I can't do anything."
"You idiot," Gawain shouted. "You lost to Cross, get over it! Get stronger and beat him senseless the next time. You defeated me in the Sediche Region, and you defeated Elwen outside of the Dichett Region. Either of us could destroy Cross, and so could you. You have to believe in yourself, and what you're fighting for. Your battle with Elwen shook your beliefs to their core, and you weren't mentally ready to face Cross yet. Yet, Jack. You could get your edge back in an instant if you would stand up and do it. Instead, you're running because you're a little scared. You have to move on. Talk to Ridley, get stronger, and go on. The only way everything you've done so far will be meaningless is if you give up now."
"I…I…" Jack stuttered. His mind was working furiously, contemplating everything Gawain had said. He finally turned around to face his opponent.
"Show me the confidence and strength you had before Fire Mountain," Gawain began. "And then, combine them with the knowledge you gained while you were there. Then face me."
Wordlessly, Jack bent down beside his equipment bag. When he rose to his feet, the deep lance was in his hands. Dyvad's weapon shone in the sunlight, and appeared menacing. The quality of the weapon, forged from the ore Jack had brought back from Earth Valley, was apparent. Jack was not as skilled with spears as he was with swords, and knew that he would have to be exceptional if he wanted to win. After a few practice swings, he turned to face Gawain. Jack's demeanor was completely different than it had been only moments before. He wore a resolute, determined look on his face, and appeared as if he wanted to win. He even managed a half-hearted smile as he spoke.
"I almost did something very foolish today," Jack stated. "The Chief was right, Sir Gawain. I suddenly had no idea why I was fighting, and that scared me to death. I thought that everything I had done was meaningless, and that I had made a mistake. So, my hatred came out against Cross, and I lost. The loss only confirmed my feelings of inadequacy. I didn't want to tell Ridley, and I didn't think she understood. I guess I'm the one who didn't understand, huh?"
"Something like that," Gawain answered. "Do you know how to use that thing?"
"This," asked Jack. He gestured with the spear as he spoke. "Not really. I've never really had to use it before."
"Well, you're going to have to now," Gawain replied. "Don't expect me to take it easy on you, it's your own fault you never learned."
"I know," Jack said. "I never expected you to take it easy anyway."
"Good," said Gawain. "Let's see how well you adapt."
Jack charged forward to meet Gawain's attack. As he ran, his hands slid down the haft of the spear. The length of the spear meant that he could utilize quick thrusts to attack without Gawain getting close enough to counterattack. Unfortunately, his distanced attacks were not very powerful, and were quite easy for his opponent to defend against. Gawain's counter came in the form of a bolt from his crossbow. Jack didn't think he could deflect the shot with his spear, and dove out of the way. When he came to his feet, Gawain was charging toward him. The length of the spear came up immediately to block the mace. The shock of the blow forced Jack to give ground, and Gawain continued to advance. Though he managed to deflect a series of well-placed attacks, the younger warrior could do nothing more than continue to fall back and defend. Finally, he found an opening to swing his spear. The resulting series of blows sent Gawain reeling backward, and found Jack going on the offensive. When Gawain regained his composure, he countered, and pushed Jack backward. The two eyed each other intensely.
"Now you've got the hang of it," Gawain said with a nod of approval. "You're thinking and fighting at the same time; that's quite an improvement for you."
"It doesn't matter unless I win," Jack answered.
"I suppose that's true enough," said Gawain. "Let's see if you can manage to do that."
Jack watched as flames appeared around his opponent. Gawain was preparing his volty blast. The Leo Smash Royale was one of the most devastating moves Jack had ever seen. He had been subjected to it once, when he and Gawain fought in the Sediche Region, and had barely won. That time, he had been wielding the blaze saber. He wasn't sure if the weapon he had would stand up to the move. Determined to succeed, he exhaled slowly and braced himself. He didn't have enough strength for a volty blast of his own, so he would have to defend first. Gawain was now completely surrounded by an intense red flame.
"Leo Smash Royale," he cried, jumping into the air.
The spiked ball of Gawain's mace was now swinging freely, connected to the haft by a length of chain. Just as it seemed certain to hit him, Jack took a great leap backward. The mace ball buried itself in the ground, and Jack reversed his grip on the spear. Rushing forward, he threw it straight down. The deep lance's blade went through a link of the chain, pinning it to the ground. Continuing his charge, Jack plowed into his opponent and knocked him to the ground. As the two rolled across the grass, they grappled back and forth. A flurry of blows fell as Jack and Gawain swung at one another. When he was able to get to his feet, Jack immediately retrieved his lance, and pointed it straight at Gawain. The bigger man raised his arms.
"I have no desire to fight to the death, Jack," Gawain said. "You are the victor today. And, it seems you have your fire back."
"I guess so," Jack said, lowering his weapon. "It took long enough."
"Indeed," Gawain replied. He went to retrieve his weapon, while Jack returned his to its place with his other equipment. As he did, something caught Gawain's eye. "Why did you choose the spear, Jack? It looks like you had another, more suitable choice."
"What," asked Jack. "What are you talking about?"
"You're carrying your father's sword, aren't you," Gawain asked. "Why didn't you draw the Arbitrator?"
"It's just never felt right," Jack said. "I'm not worthy of the sword."
"Let me see it," Gawain commanded. Jack promptly retrieved the sword. Handling it reverently, he gave it over to the bigger man. Gawain talked quietly to himself as he examined it. "Cairn's old sword. It seems to be free of the after-effects of Algandars."
"What are you looking for," Jack asked.
"Nothing," Gawain replied. He held the sword out to Jack. "Just making sure it's been taken care of. I, Gawain Rothschild, Lion of the West, declare that you are fit to wield this, your father's sword. Jack Russell, you are the inheritor and new wielder of the Arbitrator."
"I…thanks," Jack said, taking the Arbitrator from Gawain. He gave it a few swings before securing it at his side. "So, what happens now?"
"You'll wield the Arbitrator as we continue down the path that's before us," Gawain stated. He smiled slightly before continuing. "But first, you need to speak with Ridley."
"Right," Jack nodded. "I'll go talk to her now."
Walking across the practice yard, Jack became conscious of the time. The sun was sinking low on the horizon, indicating that he and Gawain's exchange had lasted quite some time. Entering into Fort Helencia, he wondered if there was anything he could say to make Ridley understand what had happened to him. He decided that he would have to tell her and hope that she understood. Jack saw a variety of looks directed toward him as he walked through the Fort. He perceived that most of the non-humans were surprised to see him returning. The majority looked pleased at his return, but he could tell that some had had their confidence shaken by his hasty decision to leave. Regardless, he walked confidently down the hall and toward the room where he had left Ridley. He opened the door, and saw Ganz sitting with Ridley. His arm was wrapped around her, and her head was buried in his shoulder. When he looked up and saw Jack, Ganz's face was unreadable. His normal, cheery demeanor was gone, and a somber look had replaced it. Jack offered a half-smile as he stepped into the room. As he deposited his travel items on the floor, he saw Ridley look up. Ganz, tactful as always, stood up and walked out of the room.
In the silence that followed, Jack and Ridley studied each other closely. He saw that she had been crushed by his actions. Her hair was in disarray, here eyes were red from crying, and she looked fragile. She saw a conviction that he had been lacking when they last spoke. She saw genuine concern in his eyes, and took a small measure of comfort in that. Jack watched as Ridley slowly moved to the edge of the bed she was sitting on. When she got to her feet, and walked toward him, a small smile of relief crept over his face. This smile was quickly erased, as Ridley's fist connected with Jack's face. The force of the blow caused Jack to stagger backward and his vision to blur. As he regained his balance, Ridley embraced him. Her arms wrapped tightly around his waist, and tears ran down her face as she spoke.
"You deserved that," she said angrily. "How could you even think about leaving me?"
"I'm so sorry," Jack replied, holding her close to him. "My fight with Elwen, Lord Parsec's death, losing to Cross, it all really messed with my head. I didn't want to hurt you. Please forgive me."
"Of course," Ridley answered, regaining her composure. She smiled a little as she pulled out of Jack's grasp.
"Ridley, I…" Jack stuttered, confused by her gesture.
"I'm glad you decided to stay," said Ridley. As she spoke, she walked past him and out of the room.
When the door closed behind her, Jack sank onto the bed. He didn't know what to think. He had anticipated Ridley's frustration, but her reaction was strange. He thought back to the night she had come to him in Radiata, telling him she was leaving to join the non-humans. She had seemed momentarily vulnerable, and had immediately become stoic again. Although she had not behaved in this fashion for a while, Jack decided that it was just the way she reacted. Slowly, he drew the Arbitrator out of its scabbard. He examined his father's sword carefully, thinking about what it would mean to him in the coming days. The waning rays of sunlight glinted off of the blade, and Jack gripped the hilt tightly. The sword was the symbol of his new strength; strength he would desperately need if he were to see his journey to its end.
Vegeta26: So that's that. Thirty-one chapters down, and who knows how many to go. I hope that everyone reading along is continuing to enjoy the story. Please let me know what you think via a review. Thanks, and I'll see you next time.
Weasel Debater: Thanks again for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed the explanation. As for the way Jack handled it, that's really just the way the story is going I suppose. It's mostly about the loss to Cross coming right after the fight with Elwen. I trust I'll hear from you again.
Lord Voldios: Thank you for the well-written review. The breaking of the blaze saber was, indeed, a way for Jack to transition between his two trains of thought regarding the path he has chosen. As for the other Guild Leaders… we'll see. I can't wait to hear from you.
MelMuff: Good to hear from you. I hope you're still enjoying the story, and that I'll hear from you again.
PaulXion: I appreciate the review. I don't know if I would agree that the story is all about "killing and slaughtering", but the fighting will continue as the story goes on. I look forward to hearing from you again.