Sever All Ties
Chapter Thirty Two: Uncertainty
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.
Deep in thought, Jack stared at the floor; the Arbitrator was gripped tightly in his hands. He was trying to sort out everything that had happened in the last few days. Just two days prior, he had been absolutely certain of both his purpose, and his ability to succeed. Then, his thinking and strength had been challenged. Suddenly, he was left with nothing at all; he doubted his purpose, and couldn't rely on his strength. Then, after regaining his strength and purpose, he had been shunned. As quickly as things seemed to clear up, they had become uncertain again. So, he sat quietly holding his sword, trying to figure out what was going on around him. A glance over his shoulder made him realize that dusk had fallen upon the Fort. Everyone would be gathering for dinner, and he should be there as well. Jack rose to his feet and sheathed his sword in one fluid motion. He then strode out the door and made his way down the hall.
When Jack made his way into the courtyard, he saw that the table had already been set for the evening meal. Only a few of the dwarves were seated at the table. Dyvad smiled and gave a nod in Jack's direction as he took a seat at the table. Jack walked to the far right side of the table and found three seats; one each for he, Ridley, and Ganz. He was still deep in thought, but tried not to allow any of the others to notice. A few minutes later, Ridley and Ganz appeared in the doorway. Jack looked up and caught Ganz's eye as they entered. However, his former squad-mates seated themselves across from Jack, and on the opposite end of the table. Jack was perplexed by this decision, and opened his mouth to speak. However, as he did so, he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"I wouldn't," Gil said, taking the seat Jack had reserved for Ganz. Jack didn't understand why he shouldn't speak to his friends, but nodded and remained silent.
Moments later, Gawain and Lord Zane entered the room, and seated themselves at the table. Gawain took the seat that Jack had saved for Ridley, while Lord Zane seated himself at the head of the table. Finally, everyone was seated and the meal began. The conversation, as always, was fragmented. No single topic dominated the table, but smaller groups each discussed their own separate issues. Jack listened politely as Gil talked about a poem that he was composing. However, while he did catch bits and pieces of the elf's words, he was not really listening. His mind was still racing through everything that had transpired recently, and what it meant for him. Finally, at the conclusion of dinner, Lord Zane rose to his feet.
"Good evening," he began. "I trust everyone is well tonight? There are a few important matters that need to be discussed before we go our separate ways. First, I have some unfortunate news. After being injured while attempting to contact Aphelion, Lord Parsec was slain by the Radiata Knights on Fire Mountain."
These words shook everyone visibly. There was a great deal of murmuring, and doubt was written on many faces. The Light Elf cleared his throat to get everyone's attention, and then continued.
"Nevertheless, we will continue down the path before us," Zane said, confidently. "Without Lord Parsec's strength and leadership, our task will be considerably more difficult, but we can still succeed. Ganz Rothschild has come to us, and his strength will be a great addition. We are now in a time of great uncertainty. In the coming weeks, we must be prepared for any and all contingencies. It is possible that the humans will attempt to attack us, and it is also possible that we could have to attack them. I simply want everyone to be aware of these possibilities. That is all."
As everyone went back to finishing what was left of their meal, Jack felt many eyes fall on him. He ignored them as much as possible, but eventually forced himself to look up. Immediately, the eyes looked away, and focused on anything but the swordsman at the end of the table. On his right, Gawain and Zane had risen from their chairs. Gil was standing as well.
"Come with us," said Zane. His words were spoken so softly that only Jack could hear. Wordlessly, he rose from the table and trailed after them. Though conscious of the eyes following them out of the room, neither Jack nor any of the others looked back. No one spoke as they walked through the Fort and into the room where Gawain and Lord Zane spent the vast majority of their time poring over a large map of Radiata. After they had entered, Gil silently shut the door behind them. Lord Zane wore a very troubled look on his face, and Gawain did not look pleased. Gil, as always, was unreadable.
"We have another mission for you, Jack," said Gawain. "I know it's sudden, but think you're ready."
"I am," Jack nodded. "What do I need to do?"
"If we are to defeat the humans, we need to present a united front," Lord Zane said. "This means that all of the races must work together. Unfortunately, this isn't happening. Your job will be to resolve the issue of the orcs."
"The orcs," Jack asked. "What about them?"
"Their internal conflicts," Gawain said, pointing to the map. "The green orcs and the blood orcs are so busy fighting each other that they cannot do anything else. We will need their combined strengths if we are to succeed. Especially now."
"The green orc leader, JJ, came to us seeking aid," Zane explained. He pointed to a point on the map just north of the City of Flowers. "His people have been captured by the blood orcs. You will be going to the Desneuf Region, and to the blood orc capital of Borgandiazo. An ideal arrangement would be one in which both groups of orcs aid our cause; however, at the very least, we need to have the support of the green orcs. So, your primary objective is to free the green orcs, and enlist the aid of the blood orcs if possible."
"I understand," Jack said with a nod. "Don't worry, I can take care of this."
"Somehow, I doubt it," said Zane. "After your previous failing, I don't think you should be traveling alone this time. Gil will be accompanying you, and anyone else you see fit."
"I'm perfectly capable of…" Jack began.
"That was not a request," Zane replied. "This is the way it will be. You mustn't be so stubborn, Master Russell. You don't have to do everything yourself."
"You're right," Jack said with a nod. "I apologize. I'll look for some other help for us tomorrow."
Jack strode out of the room with a grim look on his face. Gil looked to Lord Zane, who gestured that he was free to depart. The assassin left silently, leaving the Zane and Gawain alone. Both stared at the doorway, lost in their own musings. Gawain turned and sat down at the table with the maps; a moment later, he heaved a heavy sigh. Zane looked over his shoulder, and cast Gawain a furtive glance. He slowly made his way over to the table.
"Something's troubling you," Zane said, seating himself across from Gawain. It wasn't a question, but a statement.
"We're destroying Jack," Gawain replied. "This has all been too much for him."
"We have done very little," Zane said, curtly. "If the circumstances have created stress on him, that is unfortunate, but we are hardly responsible."
"I suppose that's true, but it's still happening to him," Gawain continued. "Things have gone from bad to worse very quickly."
"For all of us," Zane interjected.
"That may be true," Gawain nodded. "But, they have gotten very bad very quickly for Jack. These past weeks have been a great change for him, and I'm not sure he was ready."
"It's too late now," Zane countered. "We have no choice but to move forward."
"I won't let him die," said Gawain. His voice was determined.
"I'm not planning on having him killed," Zane responded icily. "If you want to help him, then by all means do so. He's very skilled on the battlefield, though."
"I'm not worried about that," Gawain answered. He rose to his feet and began walking toward the door. "I just want things to go as well as possible for him. He's the only one who doesn't have to be here, yet he's done the more to further our cause than nearly anyone else. If possible, I'd like to see things go well for Jack."
Elsewhere, Jack was walking down the hallway to where he hoped to find both Ganz and Ridley. The journey to visit the blood orcs would be the perfect opportunity to talk to Ridley, and sort the entire situation out. Not to mention the fact that they were two of the best warriors fighting for the non-humans. Jack knocked on the door at the end of the hall, and waited patiently. Moments later, Ganz opened the door and gave Jack a genuine smile. Wordlessly, he gestured for Jack to enter the room. There were only two chairs in the room, and Ridley was seated in one; Ganz motioned for Jack to take the second seat, and stood by the bed. There were several long moments of silence, before Jack decided to speak.
"I'm leaving on a mission in the morning," he stated. "I'm going to try to negotiate with the orcs, and convince them to join our side. There might be some fighting involved. I'd feel a lot better if you two would accompany me."
"Is that a request, or a command," Ridley asked icily.
"Lady Ridley," Ganz interjected, urging civility.
"It's all right Captain," said Jack. "Ridley, I'm sorry for the way things have played out these last few days. I've had a lot to deal with and it hasn't been easy. I wish it hadn't happened like it did, but that's just the way it went. I can't change that. I'm asking you to put it behind us and help me."
"I'm not going with you tomorrow," Ridley said curtly.
"All right," Jack said, nodding his head. "What about you, Captain?"
"Yes, I will accompany you, Master Jack," Ganz answered. Ridley looked surprised.
"Thanks," Jack said, standing as he spoke. "Gil and I are leaving from the practice yard at 8:00. We'll see you there. Good night Captain."
"Good night Master Jack," Ganz said. Surprisingly, rather than stay with Ridley, Ganz walked out the door with Jack.
"Captain," Jack started as Ganz closed the door.
"I am sorry for the complicated nature of things Master Jack, but I believe you are right," Ganz said. "I will meet up with you in the morning."
As Ganz walked away, Jack was stricken with indecision. Rather than follow, he turned around to face the door he had just walked out. He reached out to the doorknob, not wanting to leave things as they were. However, he stopped short of grasping the knob. A moment later, he turned his back and walked away.
Vegeta26: It took a little longer than I had hoped, but there it is. Thanks to all who continue to read and review. Please, don't stop. Let me know what you think. Thanks.
Cisqua: Good to hear from you again. Thanks for the reviews. I still look forward to seeing some of your work. I look forward to hearing from you again.
MelMuff: Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you're still with me, and that you enjoy the story. I'm anxious to hear your thoughts on this chapter.
Weasel Debater: For every conflict resolved, there's one more that needs resolving. I hope to hear from you again.
Lord Voldios: The orcs will have to be dealt with before the City of White Nights. I can assure you that the ensuing battles will be quite good.
Zeyro: Thank you for the review. It's good to know that you're enjoying the story, and I hope I'll hear more from you.