Sever All Ties
Chapter Thirty Five: Emotions
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 sound of steel on steel echoed. It seemed to come from everywhere. The sound was almost immediately followed by the sound of a sword finding flesh; he heard people cry out in pain. Jack couldn't see anything, only hear the sounds. Suddenly, he was able to see the source of the conflict. Jack saw himself. He was the cause of all the destruction. Surrounded by a seemingly infinite void, Jack saw himself fighting. Watching from above, he saw himself swinging his sword. Unable to move or look away, he watched as he faced a group of Radiata Knights. One by one, they all fell to his sword. It was over in a moment; the knights were all dead. As the knights faded away, Jack watched as more opponents appeared. Familiar faces from Radiata were in front of him once again. Again, Jack tried to look away, but was unsuccessful. Each and every opponent that he had faced since leaving Radiata stood in front of him once more and fell once more. He watched as, one by one, he cut them down. When the battle was over, he calmly sheathed his sword. Even in the black abyss that surrounded him, Jack could make out the forms of the fallen warriors all around. His eyes were cold and hard.
Jack awoke with a start. He instinctively reached for the sword sitting next to his bed. As his hand closed on the hilt of the Arbitrator, he realized that he was in his room inside Fort Helencia. He was sweating and his heart was racing as he looked around the room. He forced himself to take deep, calming breaths. He hadn't been bothered by nightmares for quite some time. This time, however, he was shaken by what he had seen. He knew every sword stroke that he had seen in the dream. Each warrior in his dream had been defeated exactly as they had been in life. It was the first nightmare he had had since leaving Radiata. The thing that troubled him the most was the look in his eyes. He knew that he had felt different when he was fighting, but had no idea what it had turned him into. Everything suddenly looked so different. Staring at the ceiling in his room, Jack was deep in thought. He was trying to decide what to do. After being rejected by Ridley, nothing made sense. Since leaving Radiata, protecting her was the only thing that had mattered to him. He had come with her the night she left Radiata, saying that he would do anything for her. Looking back, he realized that, at the time, he had no idea what that meant. It had changed frequently during his time with the non-humans. In the beginning, he had believed that standing up and fighting was all it would take to succeed. Jack had rushed into combat, thinking that it was the solution. Then, when things had become tougher, he thought that protecting Ridley meant being willing to sacrifice himself for her. He had risked both of their lives for his idea of what was best. When he was reminded of why he was fighting, he felt as if nothing could stop him. He knew his strength would be enough to protect her. Unfortunately, he had been reminded of his purpose only to be defeated on Fire Mountain. The doubt this caused led him to believe that he couldn't protect Ridley. And now, now that he was absolutely certain of his purpose, she had turned him away.
'What do I do,' Jack asked himself. 'I can't just give up; but that's what Ridley said she wanted. What does that mean, though? Was I wrong? Was she? I don't know when things started to go wrong.'
Jack's head was spinning as he tried to figure out exactly when and where things had gone wrong. He was thinking not only of Ridley, but also of all of his friends from Radiata. So much had changed since the night when he and Ridley had come to Fort Helencia. All of it, he realized, had happened because of one decision. The night in Radiata when Ridley had come to visit him, he had chosen her. He had promised to stay by her side, and now she was pushing him away. Without her, he had lost his sense of purpose. Without Ridley, he didn't have anything to fight for. Jack felt his old feelings of doubt and frustration creeping up, and tried to suppress them. This time, however, it was impossible. Seeing the faces of his former friends in his dreams, and then thinking of being without Ridley, it felt like too much to bear. In a desperate attempt to stop his mind, Jack tried to go back to sleep. However, his mind continued to race, and his thoughts were all unpleasant.
'I guess I'm leaving. Tomorrow morning,' Jack thought. Sorrow threatened to engulf him as he drifted into a restless sleep.
The following morning, Jack was woken abruptly by loud noises coming from outside of Fort Helencia. He quickly sat upright, his hand immediately closing around the Arbitrator's hilt. Not wasting an instant, he sprinted down the hallway and into the courtyard. The normally bustling area was completely deserted. He was now certain that the sounds coming from outside were of battle. Hurrying to the front gate, Jack ran outside to a shocking scene. The Radiata Knights had launched an assault against Fort Helencia and the non-humans. Bodies were strewn all over the field in front of the Fort. The non-humans, taken by surprise, were suffering heavier casualties. However, they had managed to regroup and were in the middle of launching a counter offensive against the knights. Off to his right, he heard someone call his name.
"Master Jack," shouted Ganz. He was fighting off a pair of knights. "It's a surprise attack!"
As a pair of knights charged toward him, Jack pulled the Arbitrator from its scabbard. The attackers were within range before he could even move, and he immediately found himself falling back and defending against their attacks. However, his counterattack came quickly, forcing the knights to give ground. His sword moved quickly as he advanced, cutting into his opponents. Jack's superior speed allowed him to easily finish the attackers. When he finished with his first two opponents, he began scanning the battlefield for Ridley. By now, it was second nature for him to try to find her. When Jack finally spotted Ridley, she was on the far side of the field. Three knights were attacking her, and Jack immediately started in her direction. He was intercepted by a small group of knights, determined to prevent him from advancing. Jack didn't even break stride as he launched himself into their midst. He attacked ferociously, putting them on the defensive. As the knights attempted to regroup, Jack felt a rush of heat all around him. A volley of elven fireballs flew past him and struck the knights. As the elves charged forward to continue the attack, Jack pushed on toward Ridley.
When a second group of knights rushed toward Jack, he again prepared to fight. His sword moved quickly as he deflected attacks from all sides, and he counterattacked with a series of horizontal sword strokes. The knights began to spread out, and Jack was forced to fall back so that they couldn't surround him. This small retreat allowed the knights an opening, and they attacked. Moving quickly, Jack prepared to defend. The Arbitrator felt like an extension of his arm as he used it to parry sword strokes from all sides. Twisting gracefully, he managed to deflect or avoid all of their attacks. Quickly countering, Jack cut into the knights. His sword thrusts pushed them back, and he quickly eliminated them. When he looked across the battlefield, he saw that the situation had changed. The knights of the Noire Mouton were attacking Ridley from all sides. Jack raced toward her, sword ready to strike. He let no one stand in his way as he charged toward her. Urgency gave him strength, and he cut down would-be attackers without breaking stride. As he got closer, Jack began to survey the situation. Ridley was doing her best to hold back the Noir Mouton, but they clearly had the upper hand. Cross was nowhere to be seen, but Jack threw himself into the fray.
When he came to his feet, Jack was standing next to Ridley. A look of astonishment came over her when she realized who had come to her rescue, but she immediately returned her attention to the knights in front of her. Standing back to back, she and Jack fought against the Noir Mouton. Though they were in the midst of a heated battle, Jack still felt his heart jump when his back touched Ridley's. Sword swinging furiously, Jack felt that he was exactly where he was supposed to be. He was with Ridley, helping her, and protecting her; everything felt right. As the two of them fought, he realized that they were moving in unison. When they needed to move, both moved at the same time and in the same direction. Though no words were spoken or signals given, they always moved in tandem. Patiently attacking and defending, the two of them systematically dismantled the Noir Mouton Brigade. Jack was beginning to look for a new opponent when he heard a familiar voice.
"So, here we are again, Jack," Cross said as he strode across the battlefield. "How's that wound I gave you on Fire Mountain? Healed up yet?"
"Something like that," Jack replied. "How's the one I gave you?"
"Oh, that little scratch," Cross said with a smile. "It was gone in no time."
"I doubt that," Jack countered, fighting down the rage inside.
"I guess I'll just have to give you another lesson," said Cross. He drew his sword and pointed it at Jack.
"We'll see about that," Jack said. He also drew his sword.
Though a battle raged all around them, Jack forgot about everyone else as he charged toward Cross. From the beginning, it was clear that Cross was more determined than ever to win. His first downward strike was aimed directly at Jack's head. Cross immediately took the offensive, launching into a series of vicious attacks. Jack gave ground, making sure to avoid any of Radiata's Knights. When he parried and countered, Cross did not give any ground. Jack used a series of powerful sword thrusts, but his opponent defended well. The two swordsmen continued to exchange blows as they moved elegantly across the battlefield. As they fought back and forth, Jack forced himself to maintain control over the anger building up inside of him. All of the hatred he had felt for Cross on Fire Mountain was working its way into his mind again, and he was trying to keep it down. Spinning and slashing, he fought to stay on even footing with the Knight Captain. Their swords were moving with incredible speed, steel meeting steel over and over again. Suddenly, Cross stepped backward and Jack went on the offensive. The bigger man gave ground as his sword continued to fend off attacks. Jack continued to attack, trying to take advantage of the opportunity he was being given. It was not until he was knocked to the ground that Jack realized he had been led into a trap.
Jack's head was spinning; he had seen the attack coming a moment too late, and had been struck by the haft of an axe. Scrambling quickly to his feet, Jack found himself confronted by knights. Cross had intentionally fallen back and led him into a group of four waiting knights. Jack felt the anger inside him swell as he moved to engage his new opponents. Though they seemed surprised at how quickly he regained his feet, the knights quickly prepared to face his assault. The four knights were standing in the shape of a box, each man acting as one of the corners. Just as he came into range, Jack leapt into the air. He landed in the midst of the knights, and immediately attacked. Two knights were cut down as they attempted to turn around, and another fell as he turned and slashed. The fourth tried to block Jack's downward stroke, only to have his axe cut in two. Jack followed with a quick thrust to finish his opponent. The last knight had barely fallen before Cross was charging toward Jack again. Off balance, Jack spun to avoid the first thrust, and quickly deflected a series of slashes. When he counterattacked, Jack immediately pushed Cross backward. The younger warrior's sword was a blur, seeming to strike from everywhere at once. Cross was saved by his exceptional footwork, which allowed him to avoid and defend against Jack's sword. As he stumbled, Cross swung his sword wildly and forced Jack to step back. The two warriors locked eyes, their emotions written all over their faces. Cross was enraged, and he made no effort to conceal his hatred for his opponent. Jack was holding his anger in place, and wore a look of determination. Both were breathing heavily. As Jack looked around for Ridley, he realized that the battle was all but over. The non-humans had turned back the Knights' attack, and most of the humans were fleeing. Jack smiled as he spoke.
"I guess we're behind schedule," he said. "Maybe we should wrap this up?"
"Yes, I've had enough of you," Cross answered. As he spoke, he raised his sword parallel to the ground. Jack mirrored his opponent.
The two swordsmen stared silently at each other for long moments, neither moving at all. Finally, the two combatants rushed toward each other. When their blades locked, the force of the impact jolted through Jack's arm; he struggled to continue pushing against his opponent, but he could not lose to Cross again. The two of them pushed each other back and forth, but neither was willing to give way. Suddenly, Jack turned his body and twisted his blade, forcing Cross to lose his sword. In an instant, Cross was staggering backward with a series of cuts in his armor. Before he could recover, Jack struck his head with the Arbitrator's hilt and knocked him to the ground. He immediately jumped on top of Cross, poised to deliver the killing blow. However, just as his sword began to descend, it was knocked from his hands. When he heard the metallic clang, Jack turned to his left and saw General Dynas. The commander of the Radiata Knights, he had used his mace to deflect Jack's weapon.
"Jack, drop your sword," Dynas shouted.
"No, he has to pay," Jack replied. Unfazed, Jack picked up his sword from and prepared to finish Cross. This time, he was grabbed from behind and hoisted off of his adversary.
"So, we meet again Dynas," Gawain said calmly.
"Yes," Dynas replied. "I am ashamed to have to meet my former master under these circumstances."
"A product of the times, I fear," Gawain stated. Jack was struggling to escape his grasp and attack Cross.
"Yes, but I'm here to stop that," Dynas began. "We never wanted for this attack to take place."
"No, I'm sure you didn't," said Gawain. His voice never wavered as he held on to the struggling Jack.
"This fool launched the attack on his own initiative," Dynas said, gesturing to Cross. "And I'm here to take what's left of our men back."
"What's the matter Jack, can't you kill me," Cross taunted.
"That's it, you're dead," Jack shouted. He broke free of Gawain's grip and charged at Cross with his sword raised.
"Jack, stop," Ridley exclaimed. Jack's sword stopped just short of its target. "Listen to General Dynas. Enough blood has been shed today."
Looking around, Jack saw the aftermath of the battle. Corpses littered the battlefield; humans, elves, and dwarves were lying on the ground. Blood stained the ground, replacing the vibrant green with a deep crimson. The elves' fire magic had left the ground charred in many places, and a distinct smell. The ground was littered with weapons. There were familiar faces everywhere; knights Jack had met at the Castle lay dead beside the non-humans he had met at Fort Helencia. Frustration and anger were forcing their way into his mind again. When Cross forced himself to his feet, Jack made no move to stop him. Cross and Dynas turned to walk away and gather the few men that were left. When Sir Gawain made no move to stop them, the rest of the non-humans began to tend to their wounds and the wounds of their friends. Jack offered what help he could, though there was little that could be done for most of the warriors. Finally, he made his way back into the Fort. He had not altered his original plan, and planned on retrieving his equipment and leaving Fort Helencia for good. However, when he walked into his room, there was an envelope waiting on his bed. It was addressed to him, so he sat down and opened it.
"Jack, meet me under the Ressan Tree at 7:00," he read. The letter was signed by Ridley. Jack looked up at the clock on the wall, and saw that it was just after 6:00. He stood up and began to walk toward the meeting place.
Vegeta26: All right, there's another one done. We're starting to get kind of close to the end. Scary, huh? Anyway, thanks to those who continue to read and review. Please, don't hesitate to let me know what you think. See you next time.
aguyuno: Good to hear from you again. There are going to be quite a few more chapters before it's all said and done, so don't worry about that. The orc chapter, as I said, wasn't the best, but hopefully it'll all work out in the end. Thank you for your kind words, and I hope to hear from you again.
Cisqua: I guess the best way to explain is that Ridley doesn't really want to agree with Hap, but believes that he is right. Thanks, as always, for reviewing.
Weasel Debater: No apologies necessary. It looks like your Jack/Ridley question will be answered fairly soon, huh? As for Zane, I really do think he doesn't understand humans. The elves' immortality gives them a very different outlook on life than the humans have. His inability to understand that makes it that much harder to understand human emotions and decisions. I look forward to hearing from you.
MelMuff: Good to see that you're back for a while. I hope you continue to enjoy the story, and that I'll hear from you again.
Triggerhappy Sniper: Nice to see a new face. My story is somewhat unique, but I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying it. Thanks for reading, and I hope to hear from you again.
Passionate Melody: Welcome back, it's been a while. I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter; I was really trying to convey their emotions. It was supposed to feel real. Thanks for coming back from your hiatus, and I look forward to hearing from you again.