Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Defection

            Despite the familiar voices and faces, Jaden continued staring at the duo with awe, finding it hard to believe that her triplet brothers were alive. Recalling the incident, she remembered seeing the deceased bodies of everyone living with her, along with her mother’s death under Viper’s hands. After a while, though come to think of it, she never did saw her brothers’ dead bodies. This made her assume that they may have escaped Viper’s assault. Still, their very convenient appearance still made her doubt that the duo was indeed her brothers.

            Lucas and Markus, smiling at Jaden, approached her and pulled her in, embracing her in a group hug. Jaden barely reacted, still wondering if what she was seeing was true. When she made contact with their bodies, however, she felt something familiar about the feeling that comes. Indeed, she had hugged her brother many times before, and the feeling was no different. Lucas then whispered to her ear, “Jaden, we thought you were dead. We were so worried…” and the concern that she can sense behind his words convinced her.

            They were indeed her brothers.

            Her glowing eyes began to well up with tears, wetting her blindfold. She tried to smile, though the sadness and the happiness warped the smile into a wave. She brought up her arms and welcomed the hug, embracing both her brothers. She laid her forehead on Lucas’s shoulder and muttered out, “Lucas…Markus…I…I can’t believe you two are alive…”

            The trio released each other while Markus replied, “We neither. We heard about the rest dying and we assumed you died too. But, after hearing that you defeated Dark Viper, we’ve been trying to find you.”

            “Indeed Jaden. We heard you attacked the cultist occupied docks and left the planet. Where did you go? Markus and I were hoping to regroup with you.” Lucas asked.

            Jaden had difficulty speaking as she was still coming to terms with her brothers’ unexpected return. After wiping her wet cheeks and blindfold, she replied, “I…I left with Reed and Vader to form a rebellion.”

            “The Liberator Alliance right? Iblisan and Dark Viper are aware of it. They placed a bounty on your head for trying to start a rebellion. From what I heard, you gained full Mannihilator support. Am I right?”

            “Yes Markus. The Mannihilators wished to help us.”

            “Unexpected really. Lilian and Raydon used to say that the Mannihilators are terrorists, our enemies. Strange to see them helping us out of the sudden. And to add to that, that Vader…a VX Synthetic…your crewmate. So, why you came back?”

            “She wished to gain the support of the Salvager remnants in Qurrentine. And yes, I know of it.” Mason answered.

            Jaden turned to Mason, unsure on what to do with him. She asked, “How’d you know?”

            “Dark Viper told me. He saw you and Tareshah fighting together.”

            “You must be Mason. Aww, I actually expected you to be half-naked and wearing a manly bikini. Can’t say I’m disappointed; I’d rather stare at a female siren.” Reed jested.

            “And you must be Reed Robinson. Your bounty information said a lot about your jesting habits.”

            “I do my best. So, Jaden, what the hell are we going to do with him?”

            Jaden remained silent, unsure on what to do with Blake Mason and his surviving bounty hunters, considering the fact that Mason cannot be killed conventionally.

            “So, I see that my two new recruits have been reunited with their long lost sister.” Mason said.

            Lucas nodded and retorted, “Yes we are. And here I wonder why you are so friendly out of nowhere. That’s pretty suspicious you know.”

            “Strange that you’re accusing me of being suspicious when you two just betrayed me and my men. Still, I’m not angry about that.”

            “Our mom said that you care for your men. This is unlike the Mason we heard in her stories.”

            “I do care for them. In fact, I would’ve ripped both your heads off by now for killing them. But, this is an exception. Dementius did spoke of this after all.”

            “What? Spoke of what?” Jaden asked.

            “It was many years ago, before the Grand Betrayal. Dementius kept mentioning a vision he saw.”

            “What vision? He never told us anything about a vision.”

            “Hmph, I can see why he wouldn’t tell you three. The future is fluid after all…nothing is certain. Precisely why I won’t tell you three about it but just know that you three being united are part of it.”

            “But I don’t understand. You seem to get along so well with our family, enough that our mother speaks so fondly of you. Yet, why didn’t you stay with us? Your siren nature could’ve saved our family. Why did you side with Viper?” Jaden queried.

            “As I mentioned before, Viper was a friend of mine. I refused to turn against him. Now though, he made it clear that he didn’t see me as a friend. And secondly, when Glacier told me that her daughter died, I…lost hope. But, now that you three are alive and together, Dementius’s vision may be true after all.”

            “So, what are you going to do about it? After all, Dementius and Glacier are dead while you’re with a group of bounty hunters.”

            “Jaden…let there be no more hostility between us. True, I threatened the lives of you and your crew but…things are different now. From now on, I’m no longer siding with Viper. Some friend he was…”

            “Whose side are you on then?”

            “I can’t really tell. Look, I…I need to collect my thoughts. Meet me at the bounty hunter lair. I’ll tell my men not to shoot you. We’ll talk there.”

            “And how do we know this is not an ambush?”

            “Well, my men there didn’t know that Lucas and Markus are traitors. They can tell the men to hold their fire and they’ll listen. Besides, there is no point to us fighting anymore. Viper has betrayed me. Now go. I’ll be with you in a few hours.”

            Hesitant but willing to believe him, Jaden nodded and turned to her crew. She nodded at them, telling them to return to the Crimson Spinner. However, when she spotted Kida hiding her face behind Vader, she called out, “Kida! You have a bit of explanation to do!”

            Kida peeked at her and replied, “I’m…sorry?”

            “Why did you let me get captured by Mason?”

            “Wait, so Kida betrayed Viper?” Mason queried.

            “Hey, in case you’re too oblivious to realize, my eyes are not glowing anymore. Screw Viper and Magical Overflow.”

            “Start talking you little missy.”

            “You know Jaden, even if she’s siding with you, I’m not surprised by her actions.”

            “Oh? Why?”

            “Well, few people knew that I am a male siren. I’m guessing Kida changed her plans and decided to pretend to side with me, since trying to kill me then would be futile.”

            Jaden looked back at Kida, who nodded with a reluctant smile on her face. She shrugged and replied, “Yeah…I didn’t know Mason was a siren. Trying to kill him there would be a death sentence. And, I didn’t tell you about what I was about to do because your reaction would make the scene appear genuine.”

            Jaden sighed and retorted, “You may be right but, I trusted you! You know that!”

            “Look, I’m sorry alright? I’m sorry that I nearly sacrificed you to preserve my…I mean…our lives. I was just trying to adapt to the situation.”

            Jaden rubbed her face, disappointed but able to see that Kida was indeed feeling guilty. She said, “Alright. I forgive you. Just…don’t do it again alright?”

            Kida nodded swiftly with a beaming smile. She added, “Yes I won’t. So, we cool?”

            “Yeah we cool. Now, let’s get back to the Crimson Spinner. We don’t want to waste anymore time.”

*     *     *

            “So, you two were hiding amongst the bounty hunters then? I’m surprised they actually let you two join them.”

            “Much less exciting than travelling the world, forming a rebellion and plotting revenge against Viper. But, yeah, Markus and I thought it was a good idea to hide amongst them, especially considering how so few of the Qurrentines even heard of them.”

            “Heck, I didn’t even know they exist until Tareshah told me about them.”

            “In fact, when we heard that their leader was Commander Mason, we were a bit excited to join. Alas, he almost never left his office and was a paranoid bastard. Only once we met him and he immediately recognized me and Lucas as Glacier’s sons. Surprised to see him so open out of nowhere.”

            “Yeah, who would’ve thought that he would ally with Viper. Did you two consider that when you joined them?”

            “Yeah but when we thought about it, Viper never actually visited them. That’s why he left Kida in Qurrentine. She’s some sort of emissary. It made us question if Mason was truly the Mason mom talked about but yeah, we’ve been observing him.”

            “Speaking of Kida, did you two actually notice that she was one of Viper’s agents?”

            “We did. We saw her glowing eyes and we tried to avoid her. It was sad really, since she was our family friend. Still, I’m glad that she managed to free herself from her Magical Overflow.”

            “At the cost of Damien’s life though.”

            “Yeah. We heard that you were there to see him die. We’re sorry about that.”

            “Viper will get what’s coming to him and I’m glad that you two are here to join the party.”

            “You can count on your bros Jaden. From now on, let us stay together. Hearing a lot about what you and your crew did, I don’t mind joining the fun.”

            “Heh, you were always one to like danger Markus.”

            “Don’t leave me out Jaden. I like danger too.”

            “Which reminds me, Mason said that Viper betrayed him…yet…I don’t rightly know how exactly Viper betrayed him. I mean, he said that you two turned against him and for some reason, he considered that to be Viper betraying him.”

            “Thing is Jaden, Viper’s very deceptive. Even his allies are hesitant to fully trust him. When something life threatening happens, chances are, its Viper’s doing.” Lucas explained.

            “So, my guess is this: When we turned against him, it seemed like Viper planned it.” Markus added.

            “Even though he knew that you two were Glacier’s children? This is very odd.” Jaden retorted.

            “Or maybe it was just his paranoia? Who knows? One thing I know is that Markus and I are not Viper’s agents.”

            “Yeah. I won’t ever work for that bastard.”

            “Hey Jaden, just wanna say that I’m glad you’re alright. Mason held you captive for a few hours and we actually thought that we were too late.” said Reed from one of the cabin speakers.

            “Well, thanks for the rescue. Speaking of which, how did you damage Mason’s frigate?”

            “You might wanna ask Jaina or Vader on the subject. Apparently, this transport ship has a gun emplacement.”

            “Really? Ever since when does this ship have guns?”

            “Ask the tin can. He installed it.”

            “Well Jaden, if you don’t mind, Lucas and I need some sleep. It has been a long day for us.”

            “Alright. I’ll leave you two alone. I’ll check on my crew in the meantime.”

            While Lucas and Markus went to find their own individual cabin rooms to rest in, Jaden went to check on Gavin, whom she heard was injured in a gunfight against the bounty hunters. Trudging to his cabin, she saw him lying on his bed with Jaina sitting next to him.

            “Jaden. I was relieved to see that you’re alright despite what happened.”

            “Gavin took a hit, didn’t he?”

            “Yeah. One in the leg. Nothing major but it really made him mad since he couldn’t go with the crew to help in your rescue.”

            “Mad is a bit of an understatement Jaina. I was furious.”

            Jaden kneeled down next to Gavin and said, “I appreciate that you all risk life and limb for me. Thank you.”

            “Still, according to what your brothers said, you actually managed to escape yourself. You even managed to force Mason to surrender simply by talking to him.”

            “Yeah I guess I did Gavin. Fortunate for me though, since I learned a new spell while I was restrained.”

            “Magical Energies really helped you a lot, even despite your eye glow. I must say, I never met another individual like you. I would’ve gunned down Mason rather than talk to him was I in your shoes, even if he is a siren. I’m impressed.”

            “Please Gavin. I talked him down because I know a lot about Mason.”

            “And knowledge is power. Very cunning.”

            “Aww come on Jaina. Please, I appreciate the compliments but I’m just doing what I must and what I feel is right.”

            “Alright Jaden.”

            “Are you sure you’re going to be alright Gavin?” Jaden asked while placing a hand on his forehead.

            “Eh don’t worry about me. I’ve experienced worse.”

            “If you want, I can cast a healing spell on you.”

            “Thanks but no thanks. I’d rather my body be free of Magical Energies.”

            “As you wish. Anyway, where’s Tareshah? I need to ask her something.”

*     *     *

            Mason massaged his forehead, attempting to reduce the pain caused by his headache. He still could not believe that his close friend, Glacier Highland, was truly dead. Better yet, her seemingly deceased daughter just so happened to emerge when he least expect it, although he had his suspicions due to her surname. He had difficulty taking it all in as it all came to him so suddenly. Still, he was glad at least that everything went according to plan.

            “I sense that you are disturbed Mason. Is it as I feared?” a voice from the intercom which Mason quickly recognized as Dark Viper’s.

            He approached the intercom and replied, “You’re many light-years away and you can sense my thoughts?”

            “I expected a report, yet you took your time. I can tell that something is wrong.”

            “Viper, you never told me that you…killed Glacier.”

            “Considering how you are close to falling into depression, you should understand why I kept the news from you.”

            “But…why did you do it?”

            Viper went silent for a while. Mason could tell that Viper may not be proud of his actions.

            “Consider it collateral damage.”

            Mason sighed; disappointed that Viper would commit such an act. However, he remained loyal to his master nonetheless.

            “Mason, how did the plan go?”

            “Lucas and Markus turned against me and my men and joined the Liberator Alliance, as expected. Jaden now believe that you and I are no longer allies and she agreed to parley with me. You know, a little warning would be nice. I lost a lot of good men to make the defection appear genuine.”

            “A necessary sacrifice.”

            “You know I don’t like to treat my men like cannon fodder. This better be worth their deaths.”

            “Well, you almost messed up with the act. According to Agent X’s report, she’s a bit suspicious, thinking that something was amiss. Ask Agent X yourself if you have the chance. His sensory capabilities far surpass any other mortals.”

            “Hmph, I admit I was bit at a loss on how to make it seem real.”

            “That can be forgiven. For now, what’s important is that you earn Jaden’s trust. When the time comes, you’ll know what to do.”

            “Fine. Just…make sure you keep that…rage of yours in check. Otherwise, irony will state that you will mess up your own plans.”

            “That won’t happen. Trust me. Just, go along with the plan.”

            “Wait, I have something to ask. You realize that Jaden is actually Glacier’s daughter right?”

            “I am fully aware.”

            “Yet you placed a bounty on her head and almost got her killed several times. What the heck is up with that?”

            “Killing her was never my plan. I merely wanted her captured.”

            “And how is ensuring her freedom getting her captured?”

            “She is quick to trust people, just like her mother. We are taking advantage of that.”

            “You scare me sometimes…you know that.”

            “Good.”

            “By the way, I told them about Dementius’s vision.”

            “Not wise Mason. Space-time continuum is very fragile.”

            “Don’t worry. I didn’t tell them everything. Besides, they have the right to know and knowing that Glacier’s daughter is alive gave me hope. In fact, since they’re all alive, I can fulfill Glacier’s vow after all.”

*     *     *

            Tareshah stripped her rifle apart and spread all of its parts about the workbench in the maintenance room. For too long, she had been using the rifle without having it cleaned up. In fact, even before she was turned into a child, the rifle was never cleaned and she never wanted to risk jamming the rifle. Unlike the last time she cleaned it up, the parts appeared bigger since she grew far smaller than she was before. This made her glad that she was at least strong enough to carry and shoot the rifle despite her size, although it did prove difficult. Silently, she cursed Kida for turning her into a child, although she tolerated her presence since Tareshah was aware that she was suffering from Magical Overflow at that time.

            A few knocks on the metallic wall was heard coming from behind her. She turned to see Jaden and gestured her to come in. “You’re not busy are you?” Jaden asked.

            “Nope. Just cleaning my rifle. If you want to talk lass, I don’t mind.”

            “First of all, thanks for actually participating in my rescue.”

            “Hey don’t worry about it lass. You’re still young and letting you die when we’re supposed to be allies would be irresponsible of me.”

            “Hmph, feels strange hearing a child saying that I’m still young. Um…no offense.”

            “None taken. And by the way, you should thank your VX Synthetic friend. It is the one who tracked down Mason’s frigate despite its stealth systems.”

            “His name is Vader by the way.”

            “I know. It is just that…I am not used to calling a machine by name. It is unusual to treat a machine like a person.”

            “Anyway, listen. I hope you’re alright with me letting Kida come with us despite everything she did. Especially since she’s responsible for your…”

            “Lass, let me be clear: I don’t like that bitch and I probably never will. She practically ruined my life and almost let you die. Still, I can understand why you would take her in. She’s a powerful Warlock and a former agent of Dark Viper, which makes her a good source of information. She’s also an old friend of yours. Just, keep her in line and makes sure she doesn’t double-cross us and I will tolerate her presence.”

            “Knowing Kida, she would probably try to find a way to revert you back to your adulthood.”

            “I doubt it. She enjoys ridiculing my child state.”

            “Trust me, if she does that again, I’ll make sure she revert you back to your adulthood, even if I have to force her to do it.”

            “Don’t make promises you can’t keep lass. Still, it warms my heart to see that at least someone care about my problems.”

            “By the way, tell me something Tareshah. Are you alright with me parleying with Blake Mason?”

            “Honestly, I thought it was stupid of you to even talk to him since he was our enemy and almost hauled you to Dark Viper. I mean, we agreed that we deal with him so that we Veraslag can join your Liberator Alliance without problems. Yet, instead of killing him, you’re actually going to discuss with him about…I don’t even know what. You’re not following what we agreed upon.”

            “Listen, I knew Blake Mason. He was a friend of my parents. I never noticed that before because I thought the Mason my mother always told me about was dead. Who would’ve thought he was a male siren, never mind joining Dark Viper and becoming a bounty hunter leader?”

            “Yet, you were pretty hostile to him, weren’t you?”

            “Because I was angry. I was angry that he sided with the man who murdered my family…his friends. When he realized that I am the daughter of his friend however, his tone changed. I’m willing to listen to him because…well…I pity him.”

            “Just be careful lass. He expected us to meet him in his territory. Anything can happen.”

            “I know. I’ll stay alert and keep my weapon in hand. Of course, I won’t go in alone.”

            “Speaking of weapons, did Kida’s demon return your katana to you?”

            “Yeah she summoned him on the way back to the Crimson Spinner. A strangely nice demon. The demon I met before him was…a bit crazy.”

            “Ok people, we’re now reaching Qurrentine…again. I hope you all enjoy this incredibly short trip! Oh and Jaden, if we’re going to meet Mason, I want at least one person staying behind to watch my big girl. I don’t her getting hijacked by a random loser.”

            “I’ll get on that Reed. Don’t worry. Well, duty calls. You want to follow me Tareshah?”

            “Of course lass. I don’t want Mason’s men getting the jump on you. I’ll keep your butt safe.”

*     *     *

            Upon landing on the urbanized planet, Jaden, alongside Tareshah, Reed, Kida, Vader and her brothers, went to Mason’s bounty hunter lair. Within, Lucas and Markus halted the bounty hunters when they were about to assault the party. True to Mason’s words, the duo was able to convince the bounty hunters that they were these in peace. The party waited for Mason’s arrival, who took his time to return to the lair. Minutes flew and the male siren finally arrived with a few survivors of the assault on his frigate.

            Jaden approached him with her party tailing her. She and Mason came to a stop as the neared each other. She then asked, “So, what did you want to talk about?”

            “I’m proposing an alliance.” Mason replied. “With Viper’s treachery, we no longer have a purpose and it goes without saying that Viper would want us dead, seeing us as an inconvenience. Having nowhere else to turn to, and seeing that Dementius’s vision may be true after all, I was hoping that you would accept us bounty hunters into the Liberator Alliance.”

            Mason reached out a hand to Jaden, waiting for her to accept his proposal. Jaden stared at his hand, seemingly reluctant to accept it. Tareshah, noticing that Jaden was actually considering it, attempted to dissuade her from it. She believed that rejecting Mason was the right decision.

            “Don’t accept it lass. Mason killed a lot of my men and I expect him to stab you in the back the next chance he got.” Tareshah retorted.

            “I understand you’re unwillingness to trust me Tareshah but the situation has changed.”

            “And the change happens too suddenly. Do you really expect us to believe that you have a change of heart simply because you now know of Jaden’s origins?”

            “I’m actually going to agree with Tareshah here. You’re being a bit too shifty Mason.” Reed added.

            “Speaking from the man who betrayed a lot of people in his past.”

            “Watch it Mason! You don’t like it when I’m angry.”

            “Sensitive past Reed? Perhaps I should tell everyone about it.”

            “Aww come on guys. I’ve known Mason for quite a while, especially while I was controlled by Magical Overflow. He’s not shifty and distrustful. He also respects and cares for his soldiers.” Kida retorted.

            “Coming from the bitch whose mind was controlled and corrupted by the foul Magical Energies she possessed. And don’t get me started on you betraying Jaden.”

            “You need to watch that mouth of yours kid, lest you want me to turn you into a baby.”

            “You wouldn’t dare!”

            “Would you all just calm down and shut up! This is not making things easier for Jaden!” Markus exclaimed. His words silenced the room and the party ceased their arguments.

            Jaden crossed her arms, still deep in thought over a decision. On one hand, Mason and his bounty hunters would prove to be powerful allies and Mason himself seemed to have a personal grudge with Viper, since he murdered Glacier and ultimately betrayed him. However, on the other hand, he seemed rather shifty and it is possible that everything he said about Dementius’s visions may be false.

            After weighing through the consequences of recruiting Mason and his bounty hunters into the war effort, she believed that he and his men could be a huge benefit to the rebellion. Though risky, Mason himself could help turn the tides of most battles, something which he was known for according to Glacier’s stories. After all, seeing the opposition, she could use all the help she could get and she was willing to take any risks.

            She accepted Mason’s hands and replied, “Alright. You and your men are welcome.” Mason smirked and answered, “Thank you Jaden. We won’t let you down.”

            “Unwise lass. Unwise.” Tareshah said as she shook her head in disappointment.

            “You know what? Screw this! Since you like Mason so much, I’m pulling Veraslag out of the Liberator Alliance. You can rot with him in the middle of nowhere once you die! I am not going to fight side by side with the man who killed so many of my loyal followers!”

            Infuriated, Tareshah began to walk out of the lair. As she neared the exit, she halted in her tracked when she heard Jaden exclaimed, “Tareshah, wait!”

            “Tareshah, we agreed that Veraslag would join us once the bounty hunters are no longer a threat. They’re our allies now, which mean they are no longer a threat. You need to honor your end of the deal by joining the Liberator Alliance.”

            “We agreed that Veraslag join only when Mason and his men are dead!”

            “And how do you expect me to kill a male siren? Or better yet, a former war hero? And what makes you think that staying out of the rebellion would help the future of our people! I expected you to at least understand that I have little choice in the matter!”

            “You had two choices Jaden: Side with him or side with me. You picked him!”

            “No, I picked neither. I picked the side of the Salvagers.”

            “And what makes you think you know what’s best for the Salvagers? You grew up a Qurrentine.”

            “Because I have Salvager blood within me and my parents ensured that I grew up a Salvager, not a Qurrentine.”

            “Whatever. I’m through with you!” Tareshah turned around and walked away but was halted once again when Jaden called her name.

            “Tareshah, listen. You know what? Do what you want. It’s pretty clear that I can’t dissuade you from your choice. Still, you might want to ask yourself this: Is your personal grudge with Blake Mason truly worth staying out of a war which could’ve returned the Salvagers to its former glory? Are you going to be so selfish as to put your own battles above that of your own people? I need all the help we can get in this war. The Salvagers need us. The Salvagers need Blake Mason’s help. The Salvagers need your help. Are you going to abandon them now?”

            Mason watched Jaden with admiration, surprised to see that the young human seemed far wiser than her age lets on. Having a newfound respect for her, he muttered out, “She is so much like her mother.”

            Tareshah heaved a heavy sigh, listening to everything Jaden said and realizing that she could be right. She scratched her head, fairly stressed out. She turned to Jaden and replied, “Alright lass. I see your point. I am sorry.”

            “I’m sorry too Tareshah. It must be hard for you to acknowledge your former enemies as your allies.”

            “It was something I hoped I never have to experience.”

            “So, Veraslag and the bounty hunters join the Liberator Alliance?”

            To answer Jaden, Tareshah approached Mason and asked for a handshake. Mason accepted it willingly and she replied, “Yeah. Just don’t try anything funny. I got a rifle.”

            “Well, you can’t kill me with that contraption but point noted.”

            Seeing them making peace, Jaden smiled with glee. Reed patted her back and commented, “That was pretty sweet! I never actually thought you could persuade a hothead like Tareshah.”

            Lucas then added, “I must say that I can see now why the Mannihilators are willing to assist us. Apparently, my triplet sister has one hell of a tongue.”

            “I’m with Lucas. I never expected that.” Markus said.

            “Thanks guys. There is enough infighting amongst us humans. It is time we put it all to a stop. Everything that Ariel taught us must never be lost.”