Sever All Ties
Chapter Thirty Nine: Showdown
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.
Leaving the warrior guild's Deputy Chief behind them, Jack, Ganz, and Gil continued down the desert path. Suddenly, they came around a bend in the road and ran out of desert. The scene before them had changed suddenly; where they had seen rough rock and sand before, they now saw smooth stone pillars and pathways. The stones were shaped into a circular structure that seemed to rise endlessly into the sky, like a pale skeleton. Jack could see that pathways and ladders had been cut into the stones, making it possible to travel and the circular structure and to ascend to the higher levels. Looking closer, he saw that the stones were crumbling and broken in many places, attesting to their age. Though they had left the desert in the middle of a scorching hot afternoon, this new place was cool and appeared to be in the middle of the night; the sudden change in temperature sent an involuntary shiver down Jack's spine. Gazing up at the clear, starlit sky, Jack did not need to be told that they had reached the City of White Nights. The road that they were on narrowed into a path that wound its way out to the skeletal city. The entire formation seemed to be hovering over a bottomless abyss. Jack was beginning to walk down the path when he heard an all too familiar voice.
"So, here we are again, Jack," Cross' voice rang out as he and the Noire Mouton Brigade walked toward Jack. His tone became more serious as he spoke again. "What's your game, Jack? What are you plotting with your nonhuman and dragon friends?"
"We're not plotting anything," Jack began. "Just what is it that you're so afraid of anyway?"
"What," Cross sounded shocked. "Did you say…I'm afraid?"
"All this killing, dwarves, elves, dragons" Jack said calmly. "Seems to me you're afraid of something."
"Don't make sport of me," Cross shouted. His hand was on the hilt of his sword. "We are worlds apart, you and I. But, we have unfinished business from Helencia. Jack, draw your weapon!"
"I came here to bring Ridley home," Jack said slowly. He would not let Cross get to him. "I don't have time to mess around with you."
"What's the matter," asked Cross. "You don't think you can beat me?"
"I don't have anything to prove to you or anyone else," Jack replied. However, his right hand was inching closer to the hilt of his sword.
"Maybe you don't," Cross answered. "But you still want to fight. I can see it in your eyes."
"I want to pay you back for what you've done," Jack said solemnly. It was taking all of his self restraint not to grasp the Arbitrator's hilt. "But not now. Now, I have to get to Ridley."
"Then come through me," Cross said smugly. "Though I hardly think she's worth all the trouble."
"You're wrong," Jack shouted. Instantly, he drew the his sword. "Let's do this then."
"That's more like it," Cross said, freeing his blade as well.
"Keep your brigade out of this, Cross," Jack said. "This battle is between us."
"Very well," Cross agreed. "Noire Mouton! Kill the elf and the other human. Jack Russell is mine. Are you ready, Jack?"
"I'm ready to be done with you," Jack answered. His grip on the Arbitrator tightened. "Ridley's waiting for me."
Cross charged at Jack with his sword raised, ready to destroy his young adversary. Jack stepped forward, preparing an attack of his own. Their swords met, and the two warriors were immediately pushing against one another. Jack twisted quickly, parrying his opponent's sword and counterattacking. Cross pivoted and brought down a powerful sword stroke. Jack dove out of the way as his opponent's blade crashed down where he had just been standing. When he came to his feet, Cross was already attacking again. Jack deflected the quick slashes from his sword and continued to look for an opening. He spun and narrowly avoided the bigger man's blade, but immediately countered with an attack of his own. Cross blocked Jack's first two strikes and forced him back. Instantly, the two adversaries were rushing toward each other again. Swords clashing, they continued to battle back and forth. When the Arbitrator was slow in coming down, Cross found an opening and left a slash mark across Jack's chest. Taking advantage of his opportunity, Cross stepped forward and struck again; the second blow knocked Jack onto the ground.
Jack scrambled to his feet, anticipating the next attack. However, Cross had turned his gaze to Jack's companions. Gil and Ganz had dispatched the handful of men that Cross had brought with him. They looked first at Jack, and then at Cross, as if trying to decide whether or not he needed their assistance. Jack simply shook his head, indicating that they were to let him fight the battle himself. Clutching at the wounds on his chest, he determined that they were not deep enough to be serious. Nevertheless, he was frustrated. Things had gone much smoother the last time he and Cross fought. His injuries irritated him more than they hurt, the crimson stain on his shirt seemed to proclaim that Cross was the superior warrior. Jack's anger was boiling up inside him as he strode over to his travel bag and opened it. He drew the Hatred Edge, and Cross turned his attention back to their battle. With a sword in each hand, Jack turned to face his opponent. He was determined to win, but he was also struggling to keep his anger in check.
"Two swords," Cross commented. "That's interesting. That new sword is powerful."
"I know," said Jack. He never took his eyes off of the his opponent.
Rushing forward, Jack took the offensive. His frustration was apparent by the look in his eye, and the way he attacked. The Arbitrator cut from left to right, but Cross deflected it. Stepping forward, Jack immediately thrust the Hatred Edge; Cross pushed the sword away an instant before it plunged into his body. As Jack launched into a barrage of slashes and thrusts, Cross was forced to scramble backward. The older man was unable to do anything against the onslaught that he was now facing. Jack continued his relentless attack, determined to break through his opponent's defenses and destroy him. Cross ducked to avoid a slash that was aimed at his head, and parried the accompanying thrust. Jack's fury was written on his face as he continued to force Cross to give ground. Finally, the Arbitrator was able to create an opening, and Jack's Hatred Edge connected.
Cross fell back, clutching at the cut that Jack had made on his left leg. He didn't have time to even steady himself before Jack was charging toward him again. The younger man was unyielding in his desire to defeat his adversary. Their blades met again and again, Jack whirling and slashing as he searched for an opening. He was determined to find his mark. Jack's swords broke through his opponent's defenses, and he left crisscrossing slashes on the Knight Captain's right arm and chest. Off balance and retreating, Cross was finally able to regain his bearings and counterattack. His sword met Jack's as he attempted to get back on even footing with his opponent. He parried and avoided Jack's swords as he struck blows of his own. He was adapting to Jack's new style, and utilizing the longer range of his two handed sword.
Jack continued to charge forward, trying to power his way through his opponent's defenses. However, Cross was fighting on equal footing. Spinning and countering, he was able to keep Jack's blades at bay. Jack was becoming frustrated again as Cross was able to get himself back into the fight. As the bigger man fought back, Jack began to grow even more reckless with his attacks. When he attempted a downward slash, it gave Cross the opportunity that he needed. The Knight Captain caught the Hatred Edge in the groove of his sword and twisted while pulling it away from its wielder. Cross caught the sword in his left hand as it fell, and was suddenly on the offensive. When his own sword cut down his arm, Jack staggered backward in pain. The cut on his arm was immediately paired with a second cut on his leg, and Jack hit the ground. Lying on his back, he saw Cross admiring the new sword held in his left hand. Jack slowly began to rise, keeping his eyes on Cross. When he got to his feet, his train of thought was noticeably altered. It was as if a veil had been lifted and he was suddenly seeing things more clearly. His anger had left, replaced by an odd sense of calm determination.
'Is this is what Sir Gawain and the Deputy Chief were talking about,' he wondered. 'The malice in the Hatred Edge'
"I must say, this is an incredible sword," said Cross. His words brought Jack's attention back to his current situation.
"It's an Agrypa blade. Be careful, it has a malicious aura," Jack said, repeating the warning that had been given to him.
"It's powerful, that's what matters," Cross said. Jack felt a chill race down his spine.
'How did I not feel what that sword was doing to me,' Jack asked himself. 'I won't be like Cross.'
"I believe it's time to settle the score," Cross said, flourishing the two swords.
"I suppose it is," Jack answered. He took a calming breath and raised the Arbitrator.
Cross closed the distance in an instant, swinging the Hatred Edge. When the two blades collided, Cross immediately swung his longer sword. This blade also crashed into the Arbitrator. The force of the blow pushed Jack to the side, and he struggled to hang onto his sword. Even though he was off balance, Jack managed to spin around and deflect the next attack. The two men had now traded positions, with Cross launching a series of vicious attacks with the intent to kill his younger adversary. Jack stayed calm, refusing to panic or let his anger take control. He deflected Cross' swords over and over, trying to find an opening to counterattack. The Hatred Edge met the Arbitrator again, and Jack turned sideways as the Cross thrust his larger blade. The sword barely missed Jack, and he immediately countered. He grabbed the hilt of Cross' sword as he spun, pulling the blade away from its wielder. As he spun, Jack pulled Cross forward and struck, leaving a slash down his back. This left the younger swordsman holding two blades again. Cross turned to face him, rage written all over his face.
"Why you," he started. He looked as though he wanted to say something else, but couldn't find the words.
"It's over, Cross," Jack stated. He didn't feel the excitement he had imagined.
"It's not over," Cross countered. "I'm going to defeat you."
"I don't have time for this," said Jack. He no longer cared about Cross, only Ridley. "I have to get to Ridley."
"I'll show you," Cross snapped. Volty flames surrounded him.
"This is pointless," Jack replied. He prepared a volty blast of his own.
Cross charged at Jack with the Hatred Edge pointed at him, ready to strike; rage was written on his face as he prepared to attack. Jack stared calmly as his opponent came closer and closer. His grip tightened on the swords he was holding, waiting for the right moment. As Cross got closer, he grasped the sword's hilt with both hands. He lifted it over his head, preparing a powerful downward stroke. Watching closely, Jack prepared to defend himself. When the sword began to fall, he found his opportunity.
"Soul Cleaver," Cross shouted, the blade streaking toward Jack.
Jack crossed the two swords he was holding and caught the Hatred Edge between them. Cross' power was apparent in the force of his blow, but Jack refused to give ground. The bigger man continued to push closer, trying to force his way through his opponent's defenses. The Hatred Edge was slowly inching closer to Jack's chest. Just as it seemed the attack would connect, Jack stepped forward with his left foot and twisted his upper body; Cross was unable to hang onto the Hatred Edge, and it was pulled from his hands. Both warriors watched the sword hit the sand, but it was Jack who reacted first' stepping forward with his right foot, he kicked the Hatred Edge with all of his might. As Jack turned to face Cross, he saw the cursed sword fall over the edge and into the abyss below. Immediately, he lunged straight for Cross.
"Blade Dance," Jack cried. The two swords found their target, and the young warrior continued his attack. Slash marks appeared all over Cross as Jack struck from all sides.
After the final sword stroke fell, Jack kicked Cross and sent him skidding across the sand. The once proud Knight Captain was now laying on his back, hanging on the edge of conscious. Cross' armor was battered, and his body was covered in sweat, sand, and blood. Dropping the sword he had taken from his opponent, Jack fell on Cross and raised the Arbitrator to deliver the final blow. Cross gave Jack an empty look, that held no fear. Though his blade was poised to strike, Jack stopped short of delivering the final blow. He let the Arbitrator fall to his side and rose to his feet. Cross looked confused, and bothered by the younger man's actions. As he strode toward the skeletal structure that was his destination, Jack turned to look at his companions.
"Jack," Ganz started, sounding puzzled. He and Gil joined Jack, walking toward the City of White Nights.
"What are you doing," Cross asked weakly, trying to rise. "Kill me."
"General Dynas, and Gawain, and Ridley, have all stepped in to save your life," Jack said levelly. "I won't disrespect their wishes. Besides, I'm not here for you."
While Cross was trying to come up with a response, they heard a cry from above. Looking to the sky, they saw a figure flying toward them. Black wings beat slowly and purposefully as the creature flew toward the City of White Nights. Jack was unsure exactly what he was looking at. Though it looked like a dragon, the creature looked as though it would stand on two legs. It was larger than a human, but still small when compared to the other dragons he had seen. Hearing movement, Jack brought his attention back to Cross. The Knight Captain had pulled himself to his feet and retrieved his sword from the ground where Jack had dropped it. He was stumbling toward the dragon.
"The…silver dragon," he stammered, walking toward the creature. "My prey, my beautiful prey."
"Cross, stay back," Jack shouted. His words were unheeded, and the bigger man continued forward.
Suddenly, without any warning, a beam of light formed around the silver dragon. In an instant, the beam had shot to the ground where Cross was standing. The force of the blast and the radiance of its light caused Jack and his companions to brace themselves and shield their eyes for protection. They were momentarily blinded, and the shockwave had kicked up the dust and sand. When the dust finally cleared, only a scorched patch of ground was left in the place of Cross Ward. Jack and Ganz wore matching looks of surprise, while Gil was anxiously looking skyward. As the dragon cast his gaze on them, Jack looked up. Even from a distance, its blue eyes seemed to pierce Jack to his core. Nevertheless, he held his ground and maintained the stare.
"Sinners shall be destroyed," the dragon proclaimed. "Young hero, I shall wait for you with the Quasar's vessel in the castle of the gold dragon."
Upon speaking these words, the dragon turned and continued his flight toward the City of White Nights. As he flew toward the center, Jack could see that he was gaining altitude as well. They were going to have to climb the ancient structure in front of them if they intended to reach Ridley. Casting a single, solemn look back to the spot where Cross had been standing, he turned and started down the path that led to the City. His adversary was finally defeated, and he couldn't bring himself to care. At the end of the day, he realized just how unimportant Cross really was. He had nearly allowed his anger and hatred to take him away from something far more important.
"Hang on Ridley," Jack whispered as he stepped into the City of White Nights. "I'm coming."
Vegeta26: That's it for chapter 39. As always, I'm appreciative of all of those who continue to read and review. Let me know what you think.
Zeyro: Thanks for the review. I try to do each fight just a little differently, so that each battle has its own unique meaning.
Weasel Debater: Even though swords switched hands during the fight, the Hatred Edge was used. Hope to hear from you again.
aguyuno: As always, thanks for the review. I try to provide as vivid a description as possible when I'm writing, and I think that adds a lot to the story. I'm trying to get new chapters up faster, so hopefully this trend will continue. I look forward to hearing from you again.