Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 22

Chapter 22: The Last Mors

            Jaden sat in the Crimson Spinner’s briefing room, staring into the air and barely making any movement. The memory of letting Damien die in her arms was still fresh in her mind and it clouded her focus on her mission in Qurrentine. She could still feel Damien’s warm body around her arms, a feeling which went cold as he died from the Dark Lightning spell which somehow penetrated Jaden’s body. She lost yet another childhood friend, but was glad that she was at least able to see him, and his seemingly deranged sister.

            She was mostly alone, and the only other individual with her was Vader, who was standing still not far from her while looking at her. She caught sight of Vader as she looked around and remembered Jaina’s frantic saying that the VX Synthetic was frenzied without his master in close proximity with him. She wondered if Vader’s programming was truly conflicted, or was it genuine stress. She had that idea as she was beginning to feel that Vader truly had emotions, though that cannot be confirmed as of yet.

            The door to the cabins opened up and Tareshah walked out of it. She walked to Jaden, while giving a suspicious glare to Vader.

            “The agent, Kida Mors, is in one of the cabins. Now, I know you two knew each other from before, but since she was affiliated with Iblisan, I am taking precautions. I asked her to dismiss her demon minion, which she did, before tying her up and restraining her to a chair. Go ahead and interrogate her. Let me know what she says once you’re done.”

            Jaden sighed, somewhat unhappy with Tareshah lack of trust, but nodded and stood up before making a beeline for the cabins. She walked through the hallway, looking into each of the cabin rooms and walking past the one where she slept in, before spotting Kida in one of the room.

            As Jaden looked upon Kida, she realized that Tareshah was not kidding about restraining Kida. Using very long wires which were unused, Tareshah tied Kida’s wrists and ankles together, with her wrists placed on her back. Her arms were pinned down by a very long wire, which wrapped around much of her abdomen and near the lower portions of her chest. The wire went around the backrest of the chair she was sitting on. The whole time, Kida was facing down, still struck hard by Damien’s untimely death and not even struggling against her restraints. The pitiful sight saddened Jaden even further.

            Jaden approached Kida, muttering out her name along the way. Kida slowly looked up, revealing a pair of violet eyes which were no longer glowing. Her cheeks were stained with dried up tears smudged with make-up. “Jaden.” Kida managed. She continued staring at Jaden as she grabbed a nearby chair to sit on. She placed the chair in front of Kida and sat on it.

            “Kida…are you alright?” Jaden asked.

            Kida, still staring at Jaden, replied, “No…I just lost what was left of my family.”

            Jaden went speechless for a while. Kida’s answer reminded her of her own family, whom she lost in a near instant to Dark Viper.

            “Yeah…I know how you feel. Viper took away my family too.”

            “I have no more purpose in this fucked up life. Just kill me now Jaden. I have nothing left.”

            “No Kida. Don’t say that.”

            “Jaden, everything that I have done for much of my life has been to protect my family from suffering a fate that has befallen many in the past 20 years. I’ve been trying to save them from death and I have already failed my parents. Now…I failed my own brother. If I can’t protect them, then I am no better than Dark Viper himself. Just kill me now, so that I can rest with my family.”

            “Kida, we strive and fail…that is what makes us human. We can’t all accomplish what we want and running away from our failures won’t clear our conscience.”

            “I let my family die under my watch. Don’t you think that I am deserving of some punishment?”

            “No. You didn’t kill your family.”

            “Even if I didn’t, I let them die.”

            “Perhaps, but don’t you want to avenge your family?”

            “Revenge won’t bring them back.”

            “Yes…but it will certainly bring you and your family peace.”

            Upon hearing Jaden’s word, Kida went silent. She thought hard about Jaden’s words while Jaden simply watched her.

            Jaden heaved a heavy sigh and told her, “Kida…if your family was alive, they would not want to see you in this miserable state. They would’ve wanted you to ensure that no more innocent people would suffer the same fate as them. They would want you to do…what is right.”

            Kida looked up to Jaden, her eyebrows bent to show the sorrow in her heart.

            “Kida…help me and my entourage. We need your help. We can take out Dark Viper and Iblisan together. We can bring back peace, liberty and serenity to the Salvagers as one.”

            “How the hell do you think I can help?”

            “You’re a Warlock, a powerful Magic user that reign terror in any battlefield. Warlocks are the most feared of Iblisan’s men, able to summon forth monstrous demons from an outwardly realm to destroy their enemies. Well, at least, that was what the stories I heard said. The Salvagers may have banned the use of Warlock magic…but I can’t afford to be picky…especially when one is my childhood friend.”

            “Jaden, I am not proud of what I am.”

            “Yet, your powers could be used for good. My mother once told me something: Magic is not inherently good or evil…it is how it is used that matters. I use Dark Magic, something which Dark Viper was known for, but I use it in self-defense and to assist my allies, not to murder people without reason.”

            Kida stared at Jaden for while before giving the answer that Jaden wanted to hear, “Alright. I guess the powers that Iblisan gave me can be used for good. I’ve done many horrible…selfish things just to protect my family. It is time for me to give it all back.”

            “I’m glad to hear that Kida. Just like old times, we hang out with each other.”

            “Yeah I guess.”

            “But, before we can do anything, I need to ask you several questions which may assist us in our mission.”

            “What are you doing back in Qurrentine anyway? I heard that you escaped the planet after Viper slaughtered your family.”

            “I wanted to unite everyone against Viper and Iblisan, under the name of the Liberator Alliance. As you would’ve probably seen, I am getting a lot of help. So far, I got the Mannihilators to help me. Now, I am trying to get help from the Salvager remnants here but they can’t help us with bounty hunters hot on their tails. Their leader, Tareshah, wanted me to eliminate them.”

            “She and her men can’t do it themselves?”

            “They know that I defeated Dark Viper in a duel and you managed to silence a lot of her men. She thought that I was powerful enough to deal with you so she needed my help.”

            “Alright I see. Fortunate…I guess…for us to be old friends.”

            “Yeah…but I always wondered…why are you working for Dark Viper?”

            Kida remained silent for a while. She looked at the floor with a deep sigh, appearing hesitant to give an answer.

            “It was something I had no control over Jaden. If I refuse to work for Viper, he would have my entire family slaughtered.”

            “Why would he want to slaughter your family, or seek help from you?”

            “He knows that my ancestors used to be one of Iblisan’s cultists back in Ariel’s times. Magic will always be passed down. Even if the Energies were not retained by the descendents, the potential is still there. He knew I had a potential in becoming a Warlock so…he threatened through telepathy to kill my family if I refuse to become his personal Warlock.”

            “How did he know of your family origins?”

            “Our family had an encounter with him. We were Salvagers, you know, not Qurrentines. Like the remnants, we were refugees. I’m guessing he sensed the potential in me when he was attacking my home village.”

            “So, you worked for Viper, unwillingly?”

            “Not really. I was angry, bitter at the request that Viper gave me. I refused at first…and the day after, my parents were killed by cultists…assassinated under Viper’s order. My anger then consumed me and then…well…I suffered from Magical Overflow. I killed those assassins with my own bare hands.”

            “Is that why you ceased contact with my family for five years?”

            “It wasn’t me that did it. It was a twisted version of myself, overtaken by my own Magical Energies. Despite that, my twisted self kept Damien unharmed and taking advantage of it, Dark Viper recruited me. He personally trained me on how to become a Warlock, a knowledge passed down to him by Iblisan. Last year, I was sent to watch over the bounty hunters, who allied themselves with Iblisan. I was to protect their hideout and to keep an eye on them.”

            “How did you overcome your Magical Overflow?”

            “I…don’t really know. When you were fighting Dark Viper, he ordered me through telepathy to stay out of the fighting. But, I felt Damien’s pain…his fears…and I sensed Damien’s life…fading away…leaving his body. It is almost as if he and I shared a psychic bond which I could not explain. When he finally died…I…was freed…no longer being controlled by my Magical Energies.”

            As Jaden listened, she was reminded of her own brothers. Like Kida, Jaden could sometimes feel what her brothers feel and sense her brothers’ presence when they were near. She wondered if she and Kida had a mental bond with their siblings but decided not to ask about it.

            “So, you betrayed Dark Viper?”

            “Without regret or false hope. That bastard promised not to harm Damien as long as I am working for him. Now that I am no longer the twisted Kida he knew, that lying fucker will pay for killing my little brother.”

            “Good to have you on our side. Anyway, Kida, any information you can provide us about Viper and Iblisan would be helpful. But, for now, we need to know where the bounty hunter hideout is.”

            “Alright…I’ll tell you. Those bounty hunters were cowardly jerks anyway. But, even if I tell you, the bounty hunters would still heavily outnumber your little group and trust me, they are trained killer. However, I know a way to infiltrate their ranks without much combat.”

            “Really?”

            “Yeah. But, it is best that I discuss this with everyone in your ship. Now, if you could just untie me…”

*     *     *

            “So, that orbital laser was from an upgrade that Jaina gave you?” Gavin asked Vader.

            “Yes human. Jaina gave me an orbital laser cannon which Reed helped deploy into Qurrentine’s atmosphere. When Reed gave the order, I sent the laser down upon Dark Viper and his men. It requires a recharge after a use however.”

            “Nifty technology those Snow Mannihilators have. But, VX Synthetics were never studied by Mannihilators. How did she do all these upgrades?”

            “Anything can be upgraded provided that the user has mechanical expertise. And that Jaina has a lot of experience in the engineering industry. I respect her skill.”

            “What? A robot…respecting a human. Unfathomable.”

            “Well, I said it so it is not unfathomable.”

            The door to the cabins opened up and Jaden walked into the briefing room with an unrestrained Kida in tow. Held in her arms was her spear-staff hybrid weapon. Reed, who was sitting near the hologram control, stood up in surprise to see Kida, unrestrained with a gleeful smile on her face.

            “Ok…I’m guessing the reason why you called for this meeting has something to do with our young and hot prisoner walking around untied with a weapon in hand.” Reed commented.

            “Jaden, why is Kida untied? I demand an explanation before I execute this little wretch.” Tareshah exclaimed.

            “Try anything on me and I’ll turn you into a baby bitch…or perhaps I should burn you like I did to my dead brother.” Kida retorted.

            Attempting to stop the fighting, Jaden stood between them and exclaimed, “Girls, this is not the time to fight! Tareshah, Kida knows where the hideout is but she claims that assaulting the hideout would be suicide. She wants to discuss a way into the hideout without much conflict. Now, for the love of Ariel, put your weapons down!”

            Convinced, Tareshah lowered her rifle and holstered it. “If you try anything, I will kill you myself.” Tareshah threatened.

            Kida followed Jaden to the hologram control. As she required the map of Qurrentine, Reed manipulated the hologram control to conjure a holographic map of Qurrentine.

            “Alright, here’s the map of Qurrentine. The bounty hunter hideout is here.”

            She pointed at one of the tall warehouse buildings located in the heart of the city.

            “Don’t be fooled by the size of the building. The bounty hunters never actually operated inside. Rather, their hideout is under the building, underground, and can be accessed through a hidden passage. I know of the passage but directly assaulting them would mean death. We need an alternative.”

            “So, what do you suggest Miss Mors?” Gavin asked.

            “Well, I can sneak one of us into the hideout and assassinate their leader, Blake Mason. He is a former slaver and a paranoid fucker who prefers to be left alone most of the time. Shouldn’t be hard to take him down with just me, my demon minion and anyone of you.”

            “Why just one of us, not two or three or four?” Reed queried.

            “Thing is that he locks himself inside a room, isolated from the rest, and he won’t open the door unless the person knocking on it has a good reason to see him. I need to have a reason to see Mason personally as he is only willing to entertain those who have worthy news. From what I am aware of, he normally lets in bounty hunters who captured a bounty, so that he can personally execute the bounty or send them to the person who placed the bounty.”

            “So, you can only bring one of us because it would make it seem like you captured a bounty? The one who goes with you would have to pretend to be captured.” Jaina said.

            “Exactly. That person would need to be skilled enough to fight the leader of the bounty hunters and any of his men who comes to aid him.”

            “Wait. If one of us is to be a hostage, we can’t be seen holding our weapons.” Reed said.

            “Don’t worry. I know someone who can hold on to your weapons.”

            Suddenly, her hands glowed dark purple briefly and a huge portal appeared in the air above her. A massive demon, the same demon that attacked Dark Viper earlier on, exited the portal and landed right behind Kida. The impact caused the ship to rock slightly, as the demon itself is very heavy. The portal then vanished in an instant.

            “My good friend, A’trus Hathgrave, can hold on to your weapons. When the time is right, I will summon him and he can return your weapons. Don’t worry. This big guy can be trusted.”

            As Jaden observed the demon, who was right next to her, she was reminded of Kle’to Maniark, a powerful shifter demon she encountered back in Mannihilate. Remembering how Maniark behaved, she found it hard to trust Hathgrave with her weapons.

            “Kida, the last demon we encountered tried to steal my katana. I find it hard to trust Hathgrave with our weapons.”

            “You speak of Kle’to Maniark.” Hathgrave responded.

            “He was exiled for his tendency to steal our weapons. We are not all like him.”

            “Ok…I guess.”

            “Don’t worry Jaden. Hathgrave is a willing servant of mine. He can be trusted. Don’t let his looks deceive you.”

            “Heh, alright.”

            “So, I need to bring someone to Blake Mason. Who is the most powerful person amongst you all?”

            In an instant, almost everyone pointed at Jaden, with the exception of Vader. Jaden looked at the others and replied, “Oh come on. I barely finished my Energy Bladesman training and now everyone thinks I am so powerful simply because I defeated Dark Viper in a duel.”

            “Not just that Jaden. You survived a second encounter with him and survived prolonged electrocution from his Dark Lightning spell.” Gavin added.

            “You survived a powerful spell from Maniark that blasted a hole into our fortification. Anyone else would be turned to ash.” Jaina added in her share of words.

            “Your actions angered someone as powerful as Iblisan. Few are able to do that. Besides, if Kida double-crossed us, I trust you can dispatch her yourself.” Tareshah said.

            “And here I am saying something inspirational and heroic. Well, if you want me to say something, I’ll say, Jaden’s a hot badass.” Reed added.

            Jaden listened and almost felt warm within, touched by their words, although Reed’s words almost destroyed the mood. She sighed and said, “Alright. I’ll go with Kida.”

            “What do the rest of us do?” Gavin asked.

            “The rest of you can wait in this ship but be prepared to help. We’ll radio or Jaden could telepath back if we need help. Oh, and if Blake Mason somehow managed to catch up on our little scheme, the rest of you better be prepared for battle. He might send his bounty hunters to deal with you all.”

            “Alright. We got our assignments. I’ll go with Kida and…”

            “Hold on! I still don’t trust Kida enough with our leader. I’m coming with you two until we reach the warehouse.” Reed retorted.

            “Reed, I…”

            “No Jaden. It is alright. We won’t encounter any bounty hunters as long as we haven’t entered their hideout and are keeping a low profile. Besides, your friend could help us fight any thugs that may threaten us.”

            “Well, if you say so Kida.”

            Following with the plan, Reed went back into the cockpit, where he left his trusty rifle, and prepared himself for battle while Jaden grabbed her katana from her cabin. Kida dismissed A’trus Hathgrave, intending to call him back when Jaden is supposed to give her katana to him. She then went back into the cabin to take the wires which were used to tie her up previously. She thought to use it to tie Jaden to make it seem like she’s been captured.

            When she returned back to Jaden, she told Jaden, “Hehe, I hope you like how I look when I was tied up because now, I’m tying you up.”

            “Haha very funny Kida. Let me get captured while I am helpless and I will kill you.”

            “Haha relax. I was only joking.”

            “Gotten over your brother’s death already?”

            “Only because Viper is still alive. I can mourn his death properly once Viper’s six feet beneath the ground.”

            “If you really want to tie me up, do it once we reached the warehouse.”

            “Of course. You can’t defend yourself without your arms."

Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 21

Chapter 21: The Return of the Warlocks

            Dark Viper slowly raised his free left hand, almost resembling a signal. In an instant, a large number of armed cultist appeared at the rooftops of the buildings surrounding the party, all jumping out of cover. All of their rifles are aimed at the party and they can easily overwhelm the party should the order to open fire be given.

            “Try anything stupid and my men will shred your pathetic hides.” Dark Viper taunted.

            Jaden looked around, thinking hard on how to escape their sticky situation. Regardless, she knew well enough that any sudden movements would mean her death. Still, Reed turned to Viper with a smirk and replied, “Nice one Viper, but we have our own tricks up our sleeves.”

            Suddenly, a massive, blue laser penetrated the skies of Qurrentine and instantly incinerated one of the buildings holding a number of the cultists. The laser could have killed Dark Viper but he rolled away in time from the impact zone. The impact was so intense that the ground shook lightly, causing everyone to lose balance, even Dark Viper. A strong wind bursts out of the laser’s impact zone and it brushed through everyone in the area, causing Jaden’s long hair to flow with it and her blindfold to almost be carried away.

            Despite not knowing where the laser came from, Jaden began to realize that the laser distracted Viper and his men. Capitalizing on the distraction, Jaden darted at Dark Viper for an attack while the rest of her party opened fire at the cultists. Viper turned around in time to see Jaden’s approach and brought up his katana to parry her strike. He then ordered his men to open fire, although his order came too late as some of the cultists were already shot down by Jaden’s party. The duo traded blows with one another before being locked into a struggle.

            Using her pure anger, she ushered all of her strength to push her katana against Viper’s. He struggled to push against Jaden’s push but his expression remained emotionless. To free himself of the struggle, he shoved his head into Jaden’s, head butting her and causing her to stagger back. He dashed at her and thrusts a strong kick to her abdomen, sending her onto the ground. He then made a Magic-induced jump and dived down at her in an attempt to finish her. Jaden looked up to see him in the sky and rolled away, barely saving herself from his powerful attack. A cloud of sand and dust enveloped Dark Viper’s landing spot and as it was fading away, all Jaden could see was him recovering from that hard fall.

            Jaden quickly stood back up and reentered her fighting stance, waiting for Viper to make his next move. He turned to Jaden, his green glowing eyes still visible amongst the dissipating sand cloud, and walked out of the cloud. He shook his left arm slightly, almost as if he was stretching it, before twisting his head in an attempt to crack his neck.

            “Not bad.” Dark Viper commented. Almost immediately, his left arm began surging with electrical Dark Energy. Jaden anticipated a Dark Lightning spell and brought up her Light Energy enchanted katana, remembering that Light Energy absorbs Dark Energy. However, instead of casting it, Viper placed his left hand on his katana and began sweeping it, enchanting it with a concentrated amount of Dark Energy. Once he was done, his katana was glowing brilliantly with red lightning and he thrust his katana onto the ground.

            “I bet you never seen a Dark Shockwave before.”

            Both his hands clasped the hilt of his katana and with full force, he forced his katana forward, slicing the ground open and sending a massive, electrical shockwave towards Jaden. Never seeing such an attack before, Jaden panicked and attempted to roll away from the shockwave. However, while she was away from the brunt of the force itself, she was still close enough to be tossed away by the force.

            The force slammed her back into one of the concrete buildings before falling face first onto the dusty ground. Her blindfold fell onto the ground, revealing her glowing eyes. The excruciating amount of pain she felt surging from her back made her recovery difficult. She tried, again and again, to stand up but her arms had no strength to lift her. Her vision began to blur and her hearing began to muffle. Not even the gunfire from her party member’s gunfight can be heard.

            “I dare you…to stand up!”

            She heard a familiar voice saying that familiar sentence not far from her ears. Knowing what was coming, she ushered all her remaining strength to recuperate. As she stood up, Dark Viper stared at her and noticed her eyes, glowing brilliantly with blue and was surprised to see her fighting against Iblisan despite her seeming Magical Overflow. Hence, he decided not to attack her, but attempted to convince her to stop the rebellion.

            “How pitiful. Your eye glow is the very indication of your strength, your power and fortitude. You are to be feared, respected, worshipped. Iblisan would’ve welcomed you into his ranks with open arms, yet you run around, forming a rebellion which you thought I had no knowledge of. You rely on others to do all your fighting for you. You’re weakening yourself with your friendships and alliances. It is a shame. You’re young, younger than Elysia, and still you’re being an immature brat by fighting a losing battle.”

            Once Jaden stood up, she glared at Dark Viper, angered that he even bothered to try and sway her thoughts. Instead of attacking, as Dark Viper usually would once his prey stood up, he gave out a hand to Jaden, as if he wanted her to shake it.

            “If you come with me now, there will be no need for all this fighting. We’ll be unstoppable. Not even Iblisan could hope to stop us together.”

            Infuriated by the offer, Jaden charged her hand with Dark Lightning and attempted to electrocute Dark Viper, only for him to dodge out of the way.

            “To hell with your dealings. There’s no human in this world powerful enough to defeat you and that’s why everyone fears you. But now that I am here, you’re the one who feared me and now, you’re trying to eliminate me as a threat by making me join forces with you? You’re the one who’s pathetic. You knew well enough that I defeated you once...and I will gladly do it again.”

            “You’re no better than your mother.”

            At the speed of light, Dark Viper dashed towards Jaden, stopping right next her and sending a strong gust of wind brushing past them. He thrust his free hand into Jaden’s abdomen and a stinging pain surged through Jaden from it. She yelled in pain and looked down to see blood, pouring out of Viper’s hand. He pulled out his hand, revealing several Magical claws that he summoned and Jaden kneeled down from the pain.

            “If you’re not with me, then I have no use of you.”

            Viper raised his katana in an attempt to execute her with a fatal blow to the back of her neck. Just as he was about to swing his katana, several bullets flew past him. He turned to the gunfire to see Reed, Tareshah and Gavin, shooting at him, apparently done with their gunfight and surviving it. Her deflected some of the bullets and began to throw Dark Vines at them. Using the vines, he grabbed Reed’s neck and sent him crashing into Tareshah, knocking them both out. He then grabbed Gavin and tossed him towards a nearby dumpster, knocking him out too and revealing Damien, who panicked and ran out of his hiding spot.

            At the same time, Jaden was beginning to lose consciousness due to the excessive amount of pain she felt. Attempting to remain awake, she used her Light Energies to heal her wounds. Fortunately, since she was wearing clothing rather than armor, her spell was able to penetrate her apparel and heal her wounds properly. The relief from the pain was so great that she let out a heavy sighed. Ready to continue her fight, she stood up and turned to see Dark Viper, staring at Damien who ran out of hiding.

            Dark Viper turned to Jaden to reveal a sinister smile on his face “This is what happens when you rely on others. You weaken yourself.” As he spoke, Jaden could see his left hand surging with Dark Energy. Immediately realizing what he was about to do, she gasped and dashed towards Damien swiftly, aided by her Magical Energies.

            She stopped by Damien and immediately pulled him in. She hugged him tightly in an attempt to shield him while he curled up, fearful of what was coming. Then, Dark Viper unleashed his Dark Lightning spell upon the duo, electrocuting Jaden.

            Jaden let out an intensifying scream from the excruciating amount of pain she felt but refused to let go of Damien, whom she was protecting from the spell. Damien whimpered in fear while Jaden tightened her grip around him. Her screams began to soften as blessed unconsciousness was about to befell her.

            Reed woke up upon hearing Jaden’s loud screaming. He sat up to see Dark Viper, electrocuting Jaden, who held Damien in her arms. He looked around for his rifle but saw it several feet away, too far for him to reach out for. In a desperate attempt to save Jaden, he dashed at Dark Viper and tackled him, interrupting his spell casting. Jaden, no longer being electrocuted, ceased her screaming and almost went limp from the pain.

            Reed and Viper landed onto the ground, with Reed mounted on top of him. Angered by what Viper did, Reed began throwing punches into his face. He then slammed Viper’s right arm onto the ground, forcing him to disarm his katana. As he was about to punch Viper one more time, Viper stopped his fist by blocking it with his left hand. Raising his right hand into Reed’s face, he unleashed a strong force of Kinetic Energy, sending Reed off his body and landing several feet away.

            As both men recovered, Dark Viper told him, “You haven’t changed Reed. You’re still the cold murderer I knew from before. I can still feel the desire to kill from within you. Don’t ever deny your thirst for more blood.”

            “My murderous past is over Viper and you know that! I will never work for a wretch like you ever again. Jaden’s my boss now and I will aid her until my last breath if I have to.”

            “We’ll see if you remain loyal to her once you know her connection with me. Not everything is as it seems Reed. You’re making the same mistakes as good old Blaze Hazard.”

            “Blaze Hazard? Who the hell is that?”

            “Jaden’s father.”

            “What the hell are you trying to say? Do you always have to be so cryptic?”

            “You’ll find out, soon enough.”

            Using Dark Vines, Viper grabbed his katana and pulled it back into his hand. He then directed the vines to Reed, wrapping him up and beginning to strangling the life out of him.

            “Now…you must be thinking…I am helpless eh? Hehehehe” Reed managed.

            Reed placed his hand on the vine and it began glowing white, releasing a burst of white Omega Energies. In an instant, the vine vanished, revealing the spell that Reed cast to be an anti-Magic spell. Dark Viper’s brow rose slightly and he said, “Still keeping in touch with your natural weapons I see.”

            “Don’t count on it Viper.”

            “Still, you know well enough that Omega Energies can’t save your hide from a Dark Shockwave.”

            Dark Viper charged his katana with Dark Energies was about to do another Dark Shockwave. However, suddenly, a huge, muscular being jumped out of the corner close to Viper and began swinging its massive axe around. Viper turned around and dodged the swing in time. In retaliation, he cast Dark Lightning upon the being, flinching but seemingly causing no damage upon it.

            As the being recovered, a figure walked out of the corner. Though darkened by the darkness, a pair of glowing purple light can be seen on its head. As it walked into the light, it was revealed that the figure was a young teenage girl. She was dressed in several dark, revealing leather apparel, almost resembling some of the gang clothing seen all over Qurrentine. She had blood red hair, a pair of glowing purple eyes and lips reddened with lipstick. Her skin was fare and her body was somewhat skinny. Held on her right arm was what seemed to be a spear-staff hybrid weapon.

            “Dark Viper.” The girl spoke.

            “Kida Mors. Betraying your master? How unwise.”

           

            “Trust me Viper. This is personal.”

            Charging her hands with a dark purplish Energy, she unleashed several Energy projectiles towards Viper, forcing him to dodge or deflect them while her muscular minion charged in to attack. Viper occasionally attack Kida’s minion, though the minion seemed to be resistant to most of his attacks. Reed simply watched, unsure on how to react. He then turned to his rifle and quickly picked it up before opening fire on Dark Viper, forcing him further into defense.

            After blocking and dodging some of Kida’s attacks, Viper exclaimed, “You’ll pay for this betrayal Kida. Iblisan will make sure of it.”

            In an attempt to save himself from being overwhelmed, Dark Viper raised his arm and sent a massive, kinetic wave flying around him. The wave forced Reed, Kida and her minion into the ground and just as Reed was about to recover, Dark Viper was gone and nowhere to be seen. Reed sighed and said, “Are all bad guys always so cowardly?” He then looked at Kida and told her, “Thanks for the save.” although she did not react, merely staring at him.

            Jaden breathed in and out heavily, resisting the pain she felt from that extended amount of electrocution. Tears flowed down her cheeks and her heartbeat was incredibly fast, almost as if she was going to suffer from a heart attack. She was also amazed that she was able to survive that. She released her weakening grip around Damien, wanting to reassure him that everything will be fine. However, there was no answer and the boy’s body was limp.

            Jaden looked at Damien and realized that his eyes were closed. His body felt cold and barely any movement was felt. Jaden closed her eyes and began to sense for Damien’s heartbeat. She heard none.

            “Damien?” she muttered out. Still, there was no answer. More tears began to well up in her eyes as she began to see the reality of Damien’s fate. She began to sob and pulled Damien in one last time, embracing the boy’s lifeless body. She closed her eyes and laid her head on Damien’s shoulder, while crying her heart out for her old friend who got tangled with her own problems.

            Reed turned to the crying noises to see Jaden, crouched onto the ground and sobbing. Kida walked past Reed and moved to Jaden’s side. She knelt down and placed a hand on Jaden’s shoulder.

            “Damien..” she muttered out. Upon hearing Kida’s voice, Jaden’s head rose and she turned to Kida.

            “Kida…” she managed. “I’m sorry…” Jaden gently place Damien’s corpse onto the ground before pulling in Kida and hugging her. Kida then began sobbing herself, crushed by her younger brother’s death.

            Reed had no idea what to do. Damien was a stranger to him but he knew well enough that he was a friend of Jaden’s. All he could do was to stare at the pitiful sight.

            Suddenly, he heard a rifle reloading behind him. He turned to see Tareshah, awake and aiming her gun at Kida. Reed shoved her rifle away and asked, “What the hell do you think you are doing?”

            “That’s the agent! That girl’s one of Viper’s Warlocks!”

            “Yeah I know. And she just betrayed her master.”

            “What? Are you sure?”

            “I wouldn’t be alive if I am lying. And besides, she just lost her brother. Show some sympathy.”

            Tareshah, though still angry at Kida for turning her into a child, acknowledged Reed’s words. She lowered her rifle and simply looked at Kida and Jaden, crying over Damien’s corpse. Gavin, who just woke up, moved to Reed’s side and asked, “What just happened?”

            “A lot of things my Mannihilator friend.”

Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 20

Chapter 20: To Master the Hunts

            The crate maze was not as hard to navigate as Jaden initially guessed as it was merely a single linear path right to the centre of the area. She and her party stood around the meeting area patiently for Tareshah and her lieutenants to make an appearance.

            “So, the bounty hunters are allied with our enemies. Do you know any of those bastards by any chance?” Reed said to Jaden, attempting to strike up a conversation to let time fly.

            “No. I normally isolate myself away from people outside my family, although I do have a friend outside my family.”

            “Really? Why don’t we look for this friend of yours?”

            “She’s not a trained fighter. I do not wish to drag her into this. I bet she had no idea that my family is wiped out, save for myself.”

            “Wait, your friend’s a she? Hmm, how old is she? Mind taking me to her?”

            “Reed…”

            “Alright alright. I was merely curious. But really though, how old is she?”

            “Much younger than I am. If I am correct, she’s only fifteen now. She had a younger brother last time we talked.”

            “I see. That’s nice.”

            “Well, don’t you at least want to see if they’re alright?” Gavin asked.

            “Maybe. Once we have the time, we could visit them.”

            Just as Jaden was done talking, Tareshah and a few tall men, all armed with rifles, walked into the makeshift meeting room. Tareshah was still dressed in the apparel that she was wearing when Jaden last saw her; a red trench coat over a black t-shirt and white pants with boots, child-sized of course. As Jaden watched her enter, she began to feel amazed that a child was able to carry something as large and heavy as a rifle. It made her wonder how she would shoot with its sights considering her size. Her lieutenants that followed were dressed in gang clothing, notably leather vests and black jeans.

            Everyone gathered around the table that held several maps, one of which happened to be a map of Qurrentine. Tareshah, being too short for the table, had to place a stool next to the table and sat on it just to be at a height tall enough for her to look at the table’s content s. This amused Reed, who chuckled slightly as Tareshah was getting help from her lieutenants to sit on the stool. She noticed his laughter, but paid no attention to it.

            She pulled out the map of Qurrentine and placed it on top of the other maps. “Alright, as I mentioned before, the bounty hunters are a huge problem to us Salvager remnants. Despite of our best efforts, we failed to discover their hideout and when many of us left to go hiding, we lack the manpower to actively search them.”

            She then pointed her index finger and on the map, circling around the city’s heart. “But, we do know that a large majority of attacks on my men occurred in this huge area. Their hideout is around there.”

            “But, we don’t know their hideout. You can’t really expect us to scan that entire area for something secret.” Reed retorted.

            “I’m not asking you to search the area.” Tareshah replied. “If my scouts were right, there is an agent of Dark Viper living around the area, possibly sent there as an ambassador to show the truce between the two groups. My scouts claimed to have seen the agent cast spells and sense a high Energy level on the agent. We believe that the agent knows where the hideout is. We could capture the agent and hold a nice little interrogation session.”

            “Oh? That sounds easy enough. Problem is, who the hell is this agent?” Reed exclaimed.

            “It’s a fairly young individual. Quite powerful too. She blends in well with the crowd, properly disguised as one of them. My scouts claimed that she had blood-red hair and violet eyes but changes apparel very often.”

            “The agent’s a she too? This is my lucky day.” Reed said with a smirk.

            “Back to the matter…you idiot…we know for certain that she lives around the area.”

            “You know, you could’ve asked your scouts to capture her.” Gavin suggested.

            “I did. They never came back. Considering what Jaden has accomplished, I believe you guys can handle this powerful Magic user.”

            “Um, what I have accomplished?”

            “We know Jaden. We know that you defeated Dark Viper in a duel, survived something many thought was impossible. One of our scouts was watching your duel with him from a distance. Your victory brought some hope to my people, especially the ones who stayed and never left. I bet this group would’ve disbanded without the knowledge of your victory. Be grateful that not everyone in Qurrentine knew, especially the cultists.”

            “Why don’t the cultists knew?” Reed asked.

            “I’m assuming that Dark Viper did not tell his men, embarrassed by such a defeat.”

            “But, earlier on, you asked me what I did to piss Iblisan off? I assumed that you had no idea that I defeated Viper in a duel.”

            “Iblisan and Dark Viper don’t actually get along. Hell, I believe that it amuses Iblisan to see Dark Viper getting defeated by a younger, female Energy Bladesman. So, you merely amused him and we all know that. What we don’t know before was what you did that riled Iblisan enough for him to place a bounty on you. Also, back then, our scout had no idea who you were. Now we know; the connection between the duel and the massacre on the docks is fairly obvious. The Jaden Highland that people are talking about these days is the same woman who defeated Dark Viper one-on-one.”

            Jaden was shocked speechless, surprised to hear that her victorious duel against Dark Viper brought hope to Salvager remnants that heard of her deeds. She could not believe how much her actions are influencing them.

            “So, back to the matter at hand, we need to find and capture this agent. Jaden could try to sense out her high Energy level amongst the populace. My scouts claimed that she’s often alone but be prepared for more just in case. My lieutenants will stay here and monitor the Veraslag in my absence.”

            “Your absence?”

            “I’m coming with you. It was this agent bitch that turned me into this. I tried to capture her once myself, and look at what she did to me. I am a woman, not a child, and I intend on showing that agent what a woman will do to another once you piss her off. This is going to be personal.”

            “Whoa. If this agent did this to you, do not expect me to deal with her myself. The last I need is to go through puberty twice.” Reed said.

            Tareshah sighed and rub her head. She then exclaimed, “Thanks for reminding me of what will I go thought as I grow up in this bloody child form.”

            “Don’t mention it.” Reed replied with a huge smile on his face.

            “Alright, enough fooling around. Once we’re ready, we’ll head out.”

*     *     *

            “Jaina, status report.”

            “Pretty quiet here Jaden. No hostiles detected around you or the Crimson Spinner. Yeah, everything is all fine. No worries, well, except Vader. He’s being a bit erratic lately.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “He sometimes speaks to himself, saying things like completing his mission but conflicting with his current orders. Sometimes, though, he just outright shoots the open air.”

            “Damn. I forgot. Vader’s mission was to protect me.”

            “Oh now I see. He wants to protect you but it conflicts with the order you gave him. You better get this mission done quickly. He blasted two holes in the Crimson Spinner from the stress.”

            “He did what? If I come back and find my ship broken to pieces…” Reed exclaimed.

            “Stress? A robot can stress?”

            “Well, not literally. What I meant was that the conflict within his programming is causing his body to overheat and his hardware to behave unpredictably. I had to constantly reassure him that you’ll be back.”

            “Well, keep doing that. This mission could take some time to complete.”

            “I’ll try. Crimson Spinner out.”

            “You know Jaden, if we capture this agent, perhaps we can take her back to the Crimson Spinner. I bet Vader has some interrogation techniques which we humans may never think of. Besides, it might calm him down a little seeing you alright.” Gavin said.

            “Maybe. We’ll see once we get our hands on that agent.”

            “I’m sorry, what is this Crimson Spinner you spoke of?” Tareshah asked, eavesdropping the banter between Jaden and her crew.

            “It is an old Salvager military transport ship that we are using as transport. Crimson Spinner is a nickname Reed gave the ship, mostly because the ship has a unique crimson coloring. It was…well…‘given’ to us by our ally, Vader.”

            “And who is this Vader?”

            “A VX Synthetic.”

            “You’re kidding me right? A VX Synthetic, outside of Asimo, helping a Qurrentine…their enemies?”

            “If you don’t believe me, you can meet him yourself.”

            “Oh yeah. I think I’ll blast a hole through his chassis to save us all the trouble of dealing with a rogue VX Synthetic.”

            “Trust me Tareshah, he’s been far more helpful than you probably would’ve expected. His aid saved my life several times. Hell, even Reed can admit it. Vader was an invaluable member of the team.”

            “Jaden’s right. I never like Vader, but he’s a great help.” Reed said.

            “Even I agree that Vader’s a good addition to the team. I saw him sniping cultists from a great distance back in Mannihilate, thinning their numbers swiftly.” Gavin added.

            “Look, VX Synthetics may not be a human’s best friend unlike before, but this is especially not the time to reignite old hatreds when we have new ones.” Jaden told Tareshah.

            Tareshah frowned and replied, “Alright. I’ll keep my gun away from him. But, the minute he display any signs of betraying us, I’ll save a bullet for his metallic head. Make me his personal executor.”

            “So, now that we’re in this area, what should we do Tareshah?”

            “Try to use your Magical Energies to sense for other people’s Energy level. You know how to do that I hope?”

            “Yeah I do.”

            “Well, do it then.”

            Jaden stabbed her katana onto the ground and clasped her hands together. Unlike her previous attempt to read one’s Energy level, which was done on Kle’to Maniark, she’s reading the Energy level of the populace around the area, which requires her full concentration and powers. She closed her eyes, ceasing the use of her five senses and allowed her Light and Dark Energies to reach out to the populace around the area. She began sensing the Energy level of people around her. Sensing one’s Energy level is almost like going close to a fire. The higher the Energy level, the stronger the heat gets.

            Since she’s mass sensing, she accidentally sensed her party member’s Energy level first. She sensed Gavin’s first, who was standing closest to her. His Energy level can barely be felt, mostly because, as a Mannihilator, he went through a Proving ritual unique to them. This made Jaden assume that Omega Energies cannot be sensed, they are naturally weak, or its lack of usage by Gavin made his Energy level weak. This contrasts with Ser Nora, whose Energy level was fairly high. Being an Ohmni Knight, she probably may have used Omega Energies more often.

            She then sensed Tareshah’s Energy level next. Hers was slightly stronger than Gavin’s as Jaden can feel a slight heat emitting from her. Regardless, it is still not noticeably strong and this made Jaden assume that she never underwent her Proving. Considering her choice of weapon, which is a rifle, she guessed that Tareshah may have been a soldier in her Salvager times.

            This caused Jaden to recall one of her deceased family friends, Lilian, who used dual pistols as weapons before she was murdered by Dark Viper. Lilian was a soldier too and she once explained to Jaden that soldiers of the Salvagers are always the ones using guns. Jaden began to feel sad and remorseful over her death, as Lilian was one of the more kinder and graceful of the Six Exiles and once Lilian gossiped to her that she had a crush on Raydon, another member of the Six Exiles and a warrior who mentored her triplet brother, Lucas. It nearly frustrated Jaden that Lilian died before she had the opportunity to share her feelings with Raydon. It especially made her mad that her triplet brothers were taken from her. Regardless, she was beginning to lose focus in her cast, hence she directed her Energy level sensing away from Tareshah.

            She then sensed Reed’s Energy level next and quite surprisingly, his Energy level was hot, indicating that his was higher than both Gavin and Tareshah. She never saw him use his Omega Energies before but his Energy level implied that he may have used them more often than she thought. It made her wonder if it had anything to do with his murderous past, at least that was what Fabian claimed. Still, she refused to dwell on it and direct the Energy level sensing to the rest of the populace around.

            As she began sweeping the area, Jaden felt all kinds of Energy level. Some had no sensible Energy level at all while a few others, normally cultists or gang members, possibly Salvager remnants, had Energy levels that were somewhat hot. Still, none of the populace had Energy levels that were burning hot or at least of noticeable power. Suddenly, her focus was disrupted when something was pulling her jeans.

            Jaden reopened her eyes and looked down to see a young boy, looking up to her with his large blue eyes. He was pulling her pants in an attempt to call her but ceased his pulling when he realized that Jaden had stopped her Energy level sensing.

            “Uh, who is that kid?” Tareshah queried.

            “Jaden? It is you right?” the boy asked.

            Jaden stared at him, trying to remember him as she found his voice strikingly familiar. And then, it hit her.

            “Damien? Damien Mors?”

            “Jaden! It is you!” the boy exclaimed.

            Jaden kneeled down to hug the little lad. She pulled him in and felt the warmth of the small boy’s body. She felt gleeful to see one of her old friends still alive, considering everything that had happened.

            “Jaden, who is this Damien?” Reed asked.

            “He’s the little brother of my friend I spoke of.”

            “Jaden, I’m so glad to see you alive! I heard of what happened to your family. I am so sorry.”

            “Hey, I’m still alive. Dark Viper will get what’s coming for him. How’s your sister, Kida?”

            “Um…fine I suppose.”

            “Jaden, we don’t have the time for this.” Tareshah retorted.

            “Tareshah, I am not letting this opportunity slip off my hand. I never had the chance to speak to the Mors in years.”

            Though disappointed, Tareshah nodded and allowed her to converse with Damien.

            “Damien, you sound pretty worried. Anything wrong with Kida?”

            “Nothing really wrong but, she’s been acting weird lately.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “She sometimes walks around, talking to herself. It is like as if a ghost is right next to her and she can see it. Sometimes, when I went out to look for her, she would be surrounded by dead bodies. All of the dead bodies look like gangsters. I never knew she could kill anyone. And sometimes, I saw her throwing out red lightning out of her hands.”

            “What? Wait a minute. Are you saying that Kida became a Magic user? A Dark Energy user?”

            “I don’t know. It looks cool for a while but it then becomes scary. She even had this weird glow around her eyes that I can see in the dark.”

            “Damn it. Magical Overflow.”

            “And she killed gangsters? Don’t tell me those are my scouts.” Tareshah exclaimed.

            “I don’t know. She said that those men attacked her.”

            “Damien, take me to your sister. I’m worried about her.”

            “Of course. I was actually hoping you would come and see her.”

            “You aren’t going anywhere Energy Bladesman.” A voice said, coming from behind the party. The voice was familiar but unlike Damien’s, it was a voice Jaden was hoping not to hear again.

            The party turned around to see a short, hooded figure, standing very still and staring at them with green glowing eyes. He was wearing sports apparel and held a katana, which was glowing red with Dark Energies, in a Reverse Grip fighting stance. As he looked up to reveal his face, only two words came out of Jaden’s mouth.

            “Dark Viper.”

            “Jaden! Shore party, are you there? A huge squad of soldiers is closing in on your position. They are surrounding the area and are armed with rifles. Shore party, do you copy?” Regardless, Jaden did not reply as her attention was fixed on the man who murdered her family.

            “We copy Jaina. We’ll signal you when we need help.” Reed exclaimed.

            “Damien, hide. We’ll deal with this.” Complying, the boy ran to a nearby dumpster and hid behind an opening behind it.

            Dark Viper took small steps towards the party while saying, “So I see you have been busy since we last met. Iblisan didn’t like it one bit. It amuses me though, to see him so unhappy with your actions. I, for one, am glad to see you alive. This gives me the chance to redeem my past defeat.”

            “I’m right here. I dare you to try.” Jaden taunted. Her words halted Dark Viper but barely changed the intimidating look on his face.

            “Very well.”

Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Veraslag

            “Something bothering you Gavin?” Jaden asked as she turned to Gavin, who halted and stared at the sky with an unnerving expression on his face. Reed shrugged and told her, “Forget about him. He’s just getting used to walking in a dark planet.”

            “Reed, come on. He looks disturbed.”

            “Actually, he’s right.” Gavin turned his attention to Jaden and said, “I live my whole live within the tropical side of Mannihilate. I am very used to the brightness around the planet and the only time I ever embraced darkness is when I am sleeping within my tent. But this…”

            “I thought you would be used to the darkness within the Crimson Spinner.”

            “Even then, your ship is well lit, even amongst the darkness of space. It’s just that…I’ve never been in an entire planet which is completely dark. The red skies, the black clouds, the decaying surroundings, the dark alleys. It feels like I am in a different world. I admit, I was hoping that I end up in the ship party. I was already nervous looking at the planet as we descend in. I tried to ignore it all but…I couldn’t.”

            “Geez. And here I thought the big, scary Mannihilator has nothing he fears.”

            “Everyone has a fear Reed, no matter how big or small, old or young, brave or cowardly you are. I know it well enough. It is not fair to assume that someone is supposed to fear nothing.”

            “Jaden, are you even serious? He’s a goddamn Mannihilator. They are known for their unshakeable bravery and fierce determination and their former Lord is afraid of the dark? Not to mention the fact that he’s a male human. Males are supposed to be brave.”

            “So, what are you trying to say? Women are supposed to be cowards? I’m supposed to be a coward?”

            “I didn’t say…”

            “Just because he’s a man, he needs to be fearless? Just because I am a woman, I need to be a bloody coward? Is that what you’re telling me? Do you always generalize and stereotype? Everyone is different and using our gender to differentiate and judge our capabilities is sexism Reed. I can bet that you have something you fear which I do not.”

            Reed remained silent, his usual childish smile gone and his happiness gone, replaced with both guilt and regret. He nodded and replied, “Alright…I get it. I’m sorry Gavin.”

            Jaden then direct her attention to Gavin and moved to him. She placed an ungloved palm on his stiff shoulder and look at him with a reassuring smile. He simply stared at her, fear still in his face. “Hey, don’t worry alright. You got us. You’ve nothing to fear.”

            Gavin nodded and almost smiled, the soft touch of Jaden’s palm made him feel warm and calm, eliminating the cold fear from his body. “Thanks Jaden. I won’t let fear compromise our mission.”

            Jaden revealed a gleeful smile and told him, “We have our fears. We just need to overcome them.” She pulled back her hand and told the duo, “Let’s move on.”

            The party moved on south towards the Fat Man’s Factory, walking past disgruntled civilians, unwary cultists and tough thugs. The darkness that overwhelms the planet was such a common sight that overtime, Gavin began to get used to it, though his hands still shivers slightly. Reed, still feeling guilty about before, asked Jaden, “Um, Jaden. Actually, I think I am afraid of something which I believed you aren’t.”

            “What is it? You want to talk about it?”

            “Um…I am afraid of…swords.”

            “What? Swords?”

            “That’s why I always use a gun.”

            “Why are you afraid of swords? I mean, I’ve been using one and you don’t seem to react.”

            “I am not afraid of looking at them. It’s holding one that can rile me up.”

            “Why are you afraid of them?”

            “I guess you can say that I’m traumatized by them. Every time I hold one, I remember something which can really mess with my mind.”

            “Is it because of your murderous past?” Jaden said in her thoughts. What came out of her mouth was, “Is it because of something that happened before?”

            “Yeah. I don’t really want to talk about it. Just know that I don’t like swords.”

            Jaden shrugged and replied, “Alright. I guess I have no problems keeping my katana close to you without worrying about you stealing it.”

            “I’m not a thief!”

            “Just kidding.”

            Reed smiled and nudged her. He then told her, “Heh. Seems like I’m not the only one with a sense of humor in this crew.”

*     *     *

            After several minutes of walking, Jaden’s party caught sight of the Fat Man’s Factory in the distance behind several buildings. Though not clear due to a slight mist, the Fat Man’s Factory sign can be seen. Thus far, their march has been safe and without hostile contact and she was anxious to see the Salvager remnants; people associated with her deceased family. Hence, she began to pick up on her walking speed, which Reed and Gavin noticed but they caught up nonetheless.

            Once they are within proximity of the factory’s gates, they spotted a pair of guards, dressed in leather vests and dark blue jeans. Both were armed with assault rifles and stood in their posts, unflinching. Jaden approached the duo while Reed and Gavin simply followed suit.

            “Hold it right there gal. You approach the territory of Veraslag. State your business.” One of the guards demanded while gesturing to Jaden to stop.

            “My name’s Jaden Highland. I wish to speak with your leader.”

            Upon hearing her name, the two guards reacted with a mild shock and turned to each other. They stared at each other for a while before nodding.

            “Alright. We’ll let you and your entourage in. Tareshah is in the office on the second of the factory. You are only permitted to go there, nowhere else.” The guard said while his partner helped opened the gates. “Thank you.” Jaden said with a slight bow before she went inside with her party in tow. Once inside, the guards closed the gate behind her, prompting Jaden to think that they prioritize security above all else.

            As they walked towards the factory’s entrance, they observed their surroundings. The Fat Man’s Factory looked like an abandoned factory as majority of its lightings were turned off and much of the factory’s fortification appeared old, rusted or simply fragile. Stashes of weapons and explosives are scattered around the area, implying that the factory was once a weapons factory or the Veraslags kept their weapons around. Several other Veraslag gangsters, or Salvager remnants, wander the area and though some gave hostile glares at Jaden, others were giving more confounded stares.

            Once the party entered the factory, they found that the dimly lit interior was littered with massive crates and navigating the area may potentially be similar to a maze. Fortunately, a staircase leading to the second floor was right next to the entrance and the office was the only visible room on the second floor. As they made their way to the office, Jaden looked down onto the first floor and see that right in the middle of the large crates were several tables with what seemed to be maps and sextants. A few guns and swords were also on those tables, along with ammunition and clothes. When she turned to the crates, she read, “Warning: High explosives. To be used with caution.”

            “Wow Jaden. These Veraslags really pack a punch do they? Nice find girl.”

            “I’ll say. Not even us Mannihilators have this much explosives.”

            “Let us find this Tareshah and find out if she and her men are willing to assist us.”

            Jaden opened the door to the office and see a desk on the other side of the room. The rest of the room were filled with drawers and closets and like the building itself, the walls were old. On the other side of the desk was a chair facing away from her and whoever that was sitting on it, according to the sound, seemed to be loading a gun with ammunition. Jaden walked towards the desk and asked, “Are you Tareshah?”

            “And you must be Jaden Highland.” said what appeared to be a little girl’s voice.

            The chair turned around and revealed Tareshah’s appearance. Instead of the noble, ragged Salvager that the party expected, Tareshah happened to be a female human child. From her appearance, Jaden assumed that she around nine years old. She had long brunette long hair which stretched down to her chest and fare, slightly tanned skin. She had a pair of large silver eyes and small, sharp nose. Held in her hands was a revolver pistol, fully loaded. On her face was a smirk and despite her youthful appearance, Jaden could not help but feel that she may not actually be a child.

            Reed laughed instantly and said, “Ohohoho! What’s this? A joke? All this time, the almighty kingpin of Veraslag has been a little girl?” Suddenly, a bullet round hit the wall close to Reed, causing him to jump with shock. He turned to the gunshot and realizes that Tareshah nearly shot him.

            “Make fun of me as you wish but don’t ever call me a little girl.”

            “Pardon my friend’s manners but he did bring out a point. Are you sure you’re the leader of Veraslag?”

            “I’ve never been more sure lass. And please, don’t judge me by how I look. I am far more mature than my appearance may let on.”

            Jaden could almost believe her, considering how she spoke like an actual adult rather than a child.

            “Jaden, seriously, how could this kid be a gang leader? Heck, how could she be the leader of Salvager remnants?”

            “Reed, what did I say about stereotyping?”

            “This isn’t stereotyping. This is logic. How could a person as young as that lead a group like this?”

            “So I see you three are aware that we Veraslag are not truly gangsters.”

            “Yes. We were informed by a squatter named Fabian.” Gavin said.

            “Ah Fabian. That old bloke has been a friend of us Veraslag for a time now. And you, you’re neither Salvager nor Qurrentine aren’t you?”

            “I am neither. I am a Mannihilator.”

            “I knew it. You have that look about you.”

            “You know Gavin’s a Mannihilator by…looking at him?”

            “I’ve fought my share and I seen enough of them to be able to tell them apart from us. I have no love for the Mannihilators but considering these dark times, I’m willing to overlook your friend.”

            “You’ve fought some of my people? Jaden, maybe you should go through her memory, see if she’s telling the truth.”

            “Go ahead Jaden. Do it. I don’t mind.” Tareshah insisted.

            “Well, alright.” Jaden agreed with a bit of reluctance. She closed her eyes and calmed her mind, bringing a sense of serenity around her body. She reached out her mind for Tareshah’s and begin scanning through her memory bank.

            Jaden began to see a young woman, dressed in the traditional royal purple uniform of Salvager militants, fighting several other humans at once, possibly Mannihilators as their uniforms vaguely resembled Gavin’s. She then see other flashes of memories, including an instance where the same young woman was helping Salvager refugees escape from Dark Viper, who was assaulting a village. Then, after a while of looking through those memories, Jaden realize something.

            That woman was Tareshah herself.

            Once Jaden ceased her memory reading, she opened her eyes said with awe, “You were a woman once?”

            Reed and Gavin’s brow rose with surprise as they listened to Jaden.

            “Yes…I was an adult before this. A fateful encounter with one of Iblisan’s lackey turned me to this.”

            “I’m sorry.” Jaden said with sorrow, sad to see the fate that has befallen the Salvager remnant.

            “So…now do you believe me?”

            “I do.”

            “Well, if Jaden believe you, then I should.” Reed said with Gavin nodding after him.

            “One of Iblisan’s men did this to you?”

            “Yes but we can speak of it on another time. Right now, I want to talk about the bounty on your head. What have you been doing that pissed Iblisan off lass?”

            “Reed and I slaughtered a large battalion of his cultists in the docks in an attempt to escape this planet. I then went to Mannihilate and formed a rebellion group with them, called Liberator Alliance…though I doubt Iblisan knew of that.”

            “Yes, I have heard of a huge fight taking place in the docks weeks ago. And, you allied yourself with the Mannihilators?”

            “Now, I know that you don’t like the Mannihilator but, we can’t defeat Iblisan’s army alone. Besides, why would it matter if they’re Mannihilators and you’re a Salvager? We’re all still humans and we humans have a common enemy, the Fallen Angel of Temptations, Iblisan Alkaidus. We should be fighting him, not each other.”

            “Well, I guess I should overlook our former enemies for the future of our people. After all, those anti-Magic freaks could help deal with cultists who are Magic users. So, what do you Liberator Alliance want with us?”

            “We were hoping that Veraslag are all willing to fight with us, to restore the Salvagers back to its former glory.”

            “I see. Well, we are willing, trust me. But, we can’t do much with our current situation.”

            “Great. A potential ally can’t help us because they have their own problems. Have we heard that before?” Reed retorted.

            “In times like this, you can’t seriously expect everyone to be problem free do you?” Gavin asked.

            “I know that everyone has their own problems. What I want to know is why we are their problem solvers?”

            “Your friend here talks a lot.”

            “I get that a lot. Last person to say that was a shifter demon.”

            “I see. Seems like the entire universe agree that you talk a lot.”

            “And that’s Reed Robinson for you kid…uh…my lady.”

            Tareshah rubbed her face with a sigh, apparently annoyed by Reed’s attitude. Regardless, she turned her attention back to Jaden and told her, “You see Jaden, the number of Salvager remnants you see here pales in comparison to the number of remnants hiding within the populace of Qurrentine. Many of those who are hiding were once members of Veraslag but broke away from us in fear of getting killed or captured by the Cult of Iblisan. To make matters worse, all of the bounty hunter gangs within Qurrentine are allied with Iblisan, unwilling to suffer the Fallen Angel’s wrath. They happily carry out any bounties set for them, including the one placed on your head.”

            “Really? I never heard of such bounty hunting gangs.”

            “They are nearly as discreet as us. We only learned of their existence when they managed to kill a few of our members. Don’t ask me why. A bounty is placed for each Salvager remnant captured or killed. Compared with those inefficient cultists, these bounty hunters are trained killers and while the cultists seek out the bounties by order of Iblisan, the bounty hunters seek out the bounties because they love it. They will do anything to get their hands on their target bounties, even if it takes years.”

            “Heh, I wonder if there are any bounty hunters seeking me out.”

            “There probably are, just that you don’t know. Now, here’s the problem. Ever since the bounty hunters began to assault some of our men, many of the Salvager remnants were fearful that they may be next. Considering how all Salvager remnants are targets for the bounty hunters, some of us believe that hiding amongst the populace is better than forming a group which may be discovered eventually.”

            “Those Salvagers have a point. Better to hide than draw attention.” Gavin said.

            “Yes, their intentions are good. But, since they are all scattered all over Qurrentine, it would be hard for me to organize them or for us to look out for one another. We Salvagers should stick with each other. Anyway, Jaden, there are a lot of us hiding right now and I am not talking about just a handful or a dozen. I’m talking about battalions or crowds. Many of us escaped Dissidia during the Grand Betrayal, many more than Iblisan may believe.”

            “So, why not just come together and attack Dissidia if you have such a large group here?” Reed asked.

            “Because it is not enough. The cultists and the bounty hunters still outnumbered us. Not to mention the fact that Iblisan is a very dangerous foe. He has been known to decimate entire armies. But, with the Mannihilator’s support, we may have a chance.”

            “So, what do you need us to do?” Jaden asked.

            “That’s what we need to discuss about. Go to the meeting space within the crates. You can see it from outside my office. I’ll call for my lieutenants and we’ll hold a meeting there.”

            “Well, alright. It’s been a pleasure speaking to a Salvager veteran.”

            “That it has been young Highland. Now go. I will be joining you soon.”