Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Confessions of an Ohmni Knight

            Jaden marched straight to the briefing room, where all the non-human leaders, along with Lady Nora and Mistress Sierra, had gathered. As she walked in, all of them turned their heads to face her. She walked to the table where they were occupying to start the meeting.

            “So, now that we are all on the same page, anyone have any bright ideas?” Jaden asked.

            “Not yet Jaden. This civil war has just only begun.” Lady Nora answered.

            “The term ‘civil war’ may be appropriate to you humans but remember that we’re involved now. This is a full-scale war to us, as we are an outside party.” Magariela retorted.

            “Well, I guess the first thing we can do is to gather our fleets in preparation for attacks by the Cult of Iblisan. If I were him, attacking us would be the first thing on my mind.” Sierra said.

            “But, we Mannihilators only have fighter and bomber ships. We don’t have a full fleet.” Nora mentioned.

            “Leave that to us. We’ll cover the skies while your people cover the ground.” Sierra answered.

            “How long will it take for all of you to prepare your navy?”

            “Considering the fact that we’re nowhere near our home planets, it could possibly take over a month. Probably a day or two to transport us back home and the weeks that follows to organize our navies and bring our civilians to safety.” Zian replied.

            “If I were to make a guess, Iblisan would be preparing for his assault right now. If we don’t hurry back, we may not be ready to fight his cultists.” Vael added.

            “If I may add to your exchange of inputs, I have a possible solution to your current problem.” Vader said through the intercom. “Through my long-range infiltration systems, I was able to retrieve the schematics of Blake Mason’s extreme range radio. Jaina helped install a small modification using the schematics which allows this unit to behave as a portable extreme range communication device.”

            “Wait, so that means we can use the VX Synthetic to call in our ships which would bring us back to our world.” Yoren pointed out.

            “Yes. Using this unit as a communication hub is user-friendly but should you encounter any issues pertaining to using it, please consult Snow Mannihilator human, Jaina Loruit for assistance.”

            “Before we even do that, we’re still in hostile territory. Vader, fly us far from Nibelheim. We don’t want the Crimson Spinner to attract the attention of a cultist dreadnought.” Jaden ordered.

            “Acknowledged.”

            “So, it is settled then. You all return to your home planets and prepare a defense for the time being. After that, we’ll take the fight to the Cult of Iblisan.”

            “We may not be ready to launch a proper assault upon the cultist fleet or Dissidia after their initial wave so we need to prepare for anything that comes.” Zian pointed out. “Keep in touch Jaden. We’ll let you know should we need any help. We’ll do what we can to support your cause.” In response, the other leaders nodded.

            “Alright then. Once Vader gave the green light, go ahead and contact your ships. I’ll tell Jaina to standby should any of you all need help.”

            With a singular nod, all the leaders left the table and began to wander about the ship, waiting patiently for Vader to give them the go-ahead to contact their people. The siren representative, however, remained at the table, staring at Jaden who also remained by the table.

            “Is there a problem siren?” Jaden asked.

            “Pardon me Ms. Highland. While we approve of your cause and support you, we are forbidden from leaving our home planet, Sarnyr, or getting involved militarily in a full-scale war. We need the approval of our goddess before we are allowed to send our warriors to join your soldiers in combat.” the siren representative answered.

            “What goddess do you speak of siren?”

            “We sirens worship a goddess. Her Majesty, Asura, the Goddess of Life and Death. She is unlike your God of Creation in that she dictates our very lives and determines whether or not we are allowed to do something. Often, we would have to ask her for her approval before we could act.”

            “She dictates your lives and controls your decisions? She sounds like a tyrant to me.”

            “It is a common misunderstanding amongst mortals with freewill that Asura is a tyrant, or inexistent. But, know this Jaden. She watches over us all with a fair hand and she cares for our well-being, often declining any of our requests which she deemed too dangerous to others or ourselves, even with our invincibility. She is like an ancestral mother to us all and we love her just as she loves us. Most importantly, she’s a goddess. Iblisan is an angel, an agent of the gods. She knows about Iblisan far more than any of us here.”

            “If Iblisan is an agent of the gods, why would she oppose him? I doubt she would agree to send you all to fight one of her agents.”

            “Despite her title, Asura does not have any angels as her agent. Iblisan is, in particular, an agent of the God of Creation. Nonetheless, being a goddess, she knows the Fallen Angel just as much as the God of Creation. And now that Iblisan has threatened to harm us all, and even made an assassination attempt on me, Asura might be more willing to fight against the God of Creation’s agent.”

            “And wouldn’t that anger the God of Creation?”

            “Perhaps. Asura is never one to follow orders. In addition, Asura herself despises Iblisan for enslaving the humans. We do not share her sympathies but from her eyes, it was like watching some of her children get abducted and turned into slaves. You humans are, after all, our closest cousins despite our racial difference.”

            “Is that why she sends you to the summit rather than coming herself?”

            “Yes. She knew that Iblisan was attending and she do not wish to face the Angel of Temptations.”

            “Glad to see that your goddess care about my people. Alright, once the rest of the leaders have left, we’ll make our way to your home planet to seek out your goddess.”

            “Thank you Ms. Highland. We have high expectations of you. Asura would be pleased to meet a competent female human such as yourself.” the siren representative said with a bow.

            “Do you have a name? You never properly introduced yourself.” Jaden asked out of curiosity.

            “I do but my name is not of any importance. If you have any need of a name, just call me ‘Emissary’.”

            “As you wish.”

*     *     *

            Jaden rubbed a sharpening stone across her katana, intending to keep it sharp and preparing it for the coming war. Bringing it to the base of the blade and rubbing it hard along it, she eliminating any jagged edges and kept it smooth and razor-sharp. As she flipped it to the other side, she spotted a familiar carving on the blade. She stroked it, feeling it upon her fingers, while reading it out loud.

            “I love you, my dear Highland.”

            Reading it out made her remember her mother reading the carving out loud while sharpening the blade years ago. It was one of the times when Glacier was recalling her fond memories with her lover, Blaze Hazard, and Jaden remembered it well enough. As she continued to rub the carving, she began to ask herself questions.

            “Did dad made these carvings? If so, does it mean that this blade was a gift for mother? How old is this blade? What made this katana so durable? Does mother really pass it down to me without a second thought? Am I worthy enough to hold a blade originally held by my dad?”

            Her mind lingered as she thought for an answer, wondering if the carvings had anything to do with the sword’s incredible durability.

            “Come to think of it, this katana and I are not too different.” Jaden told herself. “We went through pain together, we were made to endure pain from the start, we fought through all obstacles thrown at us and we’re still not done yet.” Jaden then sheathed her katana, done sharpening her sword.

            Jaden stood and head for the cargo hold, intending to find out just how much sharpening stones were left. As she walked past the med bay, she heard a familiar voice saying, “Talking to your own sword huh? Completely forget that you have living, breathing company?”

            Jaden halted in her tracks and turned to the med bay. She recoiled as she saw Reed, awake and alive, smiling at her while still laying on the bed. A beaming smile formed on her face as she was overjoyed to see him awake and well.

            “Reed! You’re awake!” Jaden exclaimed as she ran in and hugged him. Shocked by her reaction, Reed retracted and said, “Alright Jaden! I love being hugged by women but this is a bit too tight! Easy girl!” Hearing his words, she released him, allowing him to catch his breath.

            “I didn’t realize you were that worried about me. Relax. I’m not dead yet.”

            “Sorry, I’m just…after seeing you getting stabbed by Viper…”

            “I always knew that you couldn’t live without me! I bet you’d drown in your own tears once I’m gone!” Reed muttered out.

            Jaden chuckled before saying, “Whatever…I’m still glad to see you awake.”

            “Heh and in all honesty, I never actually thought I would wake up. This wouldn’t be the first time though.”

            “Really? You had many close call incidents?”

            “Being a wanted man, of course.”

            “Which reminds me Reed…” Jaden said with her smile diminished in an instant. Reed noticed it and knew that he was not going to like what he was about to hear.

            “Reed, when I first met you, you said that there is a bounty on your head because you caused a lot of trouble for Iblisan. Recently, I’ve been hearing a lot things about what you truly did that gave you the bounty. You…killed innocents…killed civilians and Salvager remnants and many more…It’s not true…is it?”

            Reed remained silent, hesitant to say anything. Jaden watched and notice the change in expression on his face, unorthodox for him. “Reed?” she called out as she nudged him. “Tell me. Is it true?”

            Once again, he refused to answer. He turned away from Jaden and faced the wall. Becoming rather curious, Jaden attempted to read his mind but was unsuccessful when she realized that his mind was walled off by some kind of mental barrier. Recalling her Magical Energies training, she remembered that such a barrier will only form when one’s mind is heavily occupied, under huge duress or when suffering from Magical Overflow.

            “Reed, is there something you’re hiding from me?” Jaden asked while placing a hand on his shoulder. “Please tell me. We’re friend aren’t we? You can trust me with a secret, even a dark one.” she reassured him. He heaved a deep sigh, trying to regain his composure.

            “Fine, if it stops you from pestering me. Just, promise me you won’t tell anyone else. I’m not proud of my past and I don’t care if the others got it all wrong.” Reed said as he turned to face Jaden. She nodded and said, “I promise. I only want to know because I’m concerned.”

            “We’ll see if you still show such concerns for me once you know of what I did.” Reed replied, as if telling her a warning.

            “You remember everything I told you before about my past? About how Viper destroyed my village and that I got separated from my sister while escaping? Well, I never lied about that. We got separated when a few of Viper’s men found us. I asked little Marian to run while I kept them busy, used nothing but my fists to hold them off while my sister ran as fast as she could.”

            “Your fists? You didn’t have any weapons?” Jaden asked as she sat on his bed, thinking that his story may be long.

            “No. Marian and I escaped with nothing but our lives and our clothes. Fortunately, my dad trained me in using my fists and guns. It served me well. I beat them up pretty bad and I was just…hmm…fifteen at that time while Marian was thirteen. Viper was there, simply watching as I overpower his men who were armed with swords. He eventually restrained me with Dark Tentacles to cease the fighting. Rather than kill me, he offered me to become his apprentice, impressed with my skills.”

            “You didn’t accept it, did you?”

            “At first, no. He killed my parents and I wasn’t happy with that. But, he then explained his reasons for destroying my village. He came to find someone there who he sensed had a high Energy level. The village leader violently rejected, refusing to collaborate with a lieutenant of Iblisan and he was forced to fight back in self-defense. When more of the militia came, he ordered his men to purge the village, sparing the youths as the one he was looking for was a youngling. Turns out, he was looking for me and he said I have a bright future ahead.”

            “You didn’t fall for that did you?”

            “He sounded rather convincing, as if he really believed what he was saying. He promised to look after me and any other youths who survived the purge, including my sister. I ended up accepting his offer only because he promised protection.”

            “Funny. People keep saying that he never leaves survivors behind. Yet, as I spoke to people who knew him, including you and Kida, he actually does leave behind survivors. Was it all nothing but lies and exaggerations?”

            “All this talk of Dark Viper leaving no survivors behind is actually an exaggeration. He does indeed leave behind survivors when he attacks, especially unarmed civilians or youths. The thought that he leaves behind no survivors came from his undefeated duel streak. He never lost a duel before and those who duel him normally end up getting killed by him. Hence, people thought he never spare anyone when he attacks. You’re, by far, the one and only person known to defeat him in a duel.”

            “I see. No wonder why it is such a big deal. I admit, he’s a very skilled Bladesman. So, you became one of Viper’s apprentice?”

            “Alongside his daughter, Elysia, and another village boy, Maverick.”

            “So that’s how you recognize Elysia when we first encountered her on Mannihilate. She doesn’t seem to react to your presence though.”

            “Well, I only remembered her because she’s a hot, sexy young lady. On the other hand, she paid little attention to me and probably doesn’t remember me. Besides, she’s Viper’s daughter. I never want to cross her father.”

            “How about Kida? She was an agent of Viper, possibly an apprentice too.”

            “Never saw her before our mission on Qurrentine. I’m guessing he trains her telepathically. He had apprentices that he trained from a distance. I’m pretty sure Kida isn’t the only one.”

            “Alright. So, what happened then?”

            “I became his apprentice and after my Proving, I unlocked the Magical Energies within me, which was Fire Energy by the way. Viper then inserted Dark Energy into me after contacting the Dark Energy Spirit and then trained me in using the Dark Energies. Once that was done, he trained me to use a katana using the Reverse Grip fighting style, making me a Dark Energy Bladesman.”

            “What? You were trained in the Reverse Grip too?”

            “Surprised?”

            “Of course. I’ve never seen you use a sword. Heck, you even said that you are afraid of swords.”

            “And there’s a reason for that but I’ll get to that in a while.”

            “Hmph, now you’re just making me curious.”

            “Precisely what I wanted. Anyway, during some of my training sessions, I asked Viper about the surviving youths from my village. He said his men found some and kept them safe but my sister was still missing. He even brought me to those his men found and unexpectedly, he kept his word. They were safe, unharmed and protected, living amongst other civilians and watched over by guardians.”

            “That’s…kind of him.”

            “You can say that again. So, moving on. After about four years of training, Iblisan began assaulting the Mannihilators, first using his human cultists and later, sending in his dark angels. All those attempts failed, so he ordered Viper to send some of his human followers into the Mannihilator ranks as sleeper agents. Maverick and I were assigned that role. I was pretty enthusiastic as I never seen Mannihilators before and I wanted to see how they live.”

            “Yet you complied when you are ordered to destroy them from within?”

            “Do I have a choice? As kind as Viper was to me, he’s still a powerful man and if I refuse, that’s probably when his kindness ends. Ultimately, I’m nothing but a tool to him.”

            “So, he sent you two in to become Ohmni Knights?”

            “Actually, he sent us to Omega City to assassinate their Lord, Anders Nightfall, when his people least expect it. After all, they were accepting refugees and Maverick and I fit that role due to our youth. After infiltrating their ranks, we learned of their Ohmni Knights, the main reason why all of Iblisan’s attacks failed. Their anti-Magic capabilities shredded the cultist and the dark angels. That was when Viper ordered us to go through their Ohmni Knight training.”

            “And the Mannihilators had no idea you two were Viper’s agents?”

            “Precisely why you should not tell Gavin about this. He’ll kill me. Oh, and don’t tell Jaina too. She already hates me as it is.”

            “So, what happen then?”

            “I became an Ohmni Knight, sacrificing my Dark and Fire Energies for Omega Energies. I received training and was even awarded the armor. You know, the one Lady Nora was wearing when you first met her. Oh, and speaking of Nora, she was an Ohmni Knight-in-training, like me.”

            “Really? That explains much.”

            “Eventually, Viper telepath me, saying that his men discovered a Salvager, hiding amongst the civilians on Qurrentine, killing his and Iblisan’s men. This Salvager angered Iblisan to the point on placing a bounty on her head and Viper wanted me to get involved. Hence, Maverick remained behind while I travelled to Qurrentine to hunt down this Salvager. I spent weeks hunting this person down. When I found this Salvager, I was shocked to learn who it was.”

            “Who was the Salvager?”

            “The Salvager turns out to be my sister, Marian Robinson, no longer the little girl I know but rather, a grown-up, beautiful young lady. It had been six years since I last saw her. She was the Salvager who had been killing Viper and Iblisan’s men. At first, I couldn’t believe it and I assumed that the woman merely looked like my sister. But, I then learned that she became a Light Energy Bladesman after receiving training from another Salvager remnant. I retracted while she ran to me, hugging me. I never hugged her for a very long time then. She missed me.”

            “Did you…kill her?”

            “I didn’t want to. She’s my little sister, only nineteen years old. She was happy to see me alive and her smile warmed my heart. She asked me a lot questions but I never answered them, too conflicted to. I always wanted to be reunited with her but, if I don’t kill her, Viper would kill me and probably kill the rest of the survivors from our village. Eventually, she read my mind and learned the truth.”

            “How did she react?”

            “She was disappointed, sad to see me become Viper’s apprentice. Her blue eyes became teary as she wailed at me while scratching her long blonde hair. My silence angered her even more. And then, I made my decision. I pulled out my katana and enchanted it with Dark Energies. She immediately knew why I was there and she prepared herself. We fought…to the death.”

            “Oh my! What happened then?”

            “During the fight, I threw a grenade at her. She grabbed it and threw it back at me. The grenade exploded right next to me and burned half of my body. I was in severe pain and I was dying. My sights began to blur and my mind began to fade. I thought that was it for me. Still, I was willing to accept that death for attempting to kill my own sister. I consider it a punishment. As I lay there, she stood next to me while looking down on me, deep in thought. Slowly, a smile formed on her face. The smile was the only thing calming me down and making me ignore the pain. It was a smile I used to see far more often. And then, her body began to glow blue. She was casting a spell.”

            “What spell?”

            “I didn’t know at first. But, as the glow intensified, I felt the pain around my body simply…fading away…as if my body was healed. The numbness was gone, I was able to move my limbs and the pain was just…not there anymore. I sat up and felt energized. My body was completely healed with whatever spell my sister casted. I stood up to check my whole body and was beginning to feel excited over my survival. Then, I heard a loud thud behind me, where my sister my standing. She collapsed onto the floor…dead.”

            “She died? What happened?”

            “I was shocked to see her limp on the floor. I shook her several times and checked her pulse. She was dead. That was when I realized that the spell she casted was a powerful Light Energy spell known as Life Transfer. She gave up her own life-force to replenish mine, which was dying. In a way, I’m living on borrowed time. She’s now a part of me. Her death devastated me.”

            “Reed I…I’m sorry…I don’t know what to say.” Jaden said, placing a hand on Reed’s shoulder.

            “I lost my little sister that day. I wept for hours. I was very pathetic. People living nearby thought that I killed her. Rather, she saved my life, dying in the process. As I left to report back to Viper, several civilians attacked me, saying how she had saved their lives and now they’re returning the favor. I let them beat me up. It was nothing more than I deserve. When I returned to Viper and told him the Salvager’s identity, he apologized, saying he had no idea.”

            “He actually apologized to you?”

            “He promised to find my sister and protect her. I assume he felt guilty since he did not live up to his promise. Still, I was angry at him for making me hunt her down. I returned to Omega City and continued my previous assignment. When I returned, Maverick argued with me, saying that he knew what truly happened and that I should be ashamed of letting myself get beaten by a Salvager. I challenged him to a duel to proof that I’m stronger but I…forfeited.”

            “Why did you forfeit a duel you started?”

            “When I pulled out my katana, I…remembered the time I pulled it out before fighting with Marian. The sight of my hand holding the sword’s hilt was traumatizing and I tossed the sword away, forfeiting the duel. This angered Maverick even further, causing him to succumb to Magical Overflow. Unlike me, he never completed his Ohmni Knight training so he still has his Dark Energies. While under the influence of his Magical Energies, he began taking orders from Iblisan and, I think you know what happens after that.”

            “Yeah. He assaulted Omega City and managed to kill Anders Nightfall. You were then driven out.”

            “Indeed. The sight of my sister’s body continued to haunt me so I decided I had enough. As I returned to Viper’s lair with a gun and a lot of ammo, I freed the survivors from my village, killing any guards who were ‘protecting’ them. Viper realized my betrayal and ordered them to kill me. I held the line while the survivors escaped and Viper then decided to take matters into his own hands. He chased me down as I fled, throwing Dark Lightning bolts at me. When I ran into the wilderness, he stopped and did not give chase. I was free.”

            “What happened then?”

            “I decided to find a place to live. I tried Qurrentine, only to learn that a bounty was placed on my head. Turns out, the bounty was placed by the civilians there, not Iblisan or Viper. The people of Qurrentine had a huge amount of respect for Marian and they never forgave me for being involved in her death. Now, almost every Qurrentine sees me as a dangerous killer and murderer. About a year later, I met you.”

            “Wow. I really had no idea your life was like that. I didn’t even suspect that you had any connection with Dark Viper.”

            “The odd thing is that the bounty specified me as an Energy Bladesman. Because I never lifted a sword anymore, people are sometimes convinced that I am not the Reed Robinson on the bounty posters. I often use that to escape bounty hunters.”

            “So, everything that people say about you murdering a lot innocent people was false then?”

            “Yup, it’s false. The part about Iblisan being responsible for the bounty was also false. I have a bad reputation on Qurrentine and I’m fortunate since I can hide as long as I don’t shout out my name.”

            “Thanks for sharing Reed. I appreciate your willingness in sharing your past with me.”

            Reed looked down, appearing sad, with a frown on his face. He then turned away from Jaden before saying, “I never wanted to tell anyone about my past. I’m not proud of it. Marian’s dead because she wanted to keep me alive.”

            “She’s a part of you now. She’s inside you.” Jaden said while stroking his arm, trying to calm him down.

            “I’m the one who is supposed to be dead. I don’t think I’m even worthy of her life-force. She brought more happiness to this world than I could do in a lifetime.”

            “Are you sure?” Jaden asked. “You kept me company, you saved my life not too long ago and you certainly brought smiles into my face at times. Heck, you’re now a part of a rebellion hell-bent on liberating the same people that your sister tried to save. You’re far more worthy than you give yourself credit for.”

            Reed remained silent, thinking about her words deep in his thoughts.

            “Reed…she loves you even after learning about your connection with Dark Viper. She knew there was still some good in you, enough that she was willing to give up her life for you. She knows you as the same Reed Robinson that she knew before that day. Honor her sacrifice Reed. That’s the least you could do.”

            “And how am I supposed to do that?” Reed asked as he turned to Jaden, demanding an answer.

            “Live on and fight for the Salvagers. What else?”

            Her answer silenced Reed once more. He stared at Jaden with a neutral glare while she added, “My friends and family gave up so much to keep me and my brothers alive. They’re dead now and there’s nothing I can do to bring them back. But, I can honor their sacrifice by surviving and saving the people who they were protecting in their earlier years. We’re not so different Reed.”

            Reed continued to look at Jaden, once again deep into his thoughts. Suddenly, a smile began to form on his face and out of the blue, he laughed. Jaden, startled by his reaction, exclaimed, “What? Why are you laughing? What’s so funny?”

            “You’re so much like Marian…I can’t even begin to say how.” Reed managed as he tried to stop laughing. “I mean…you look very different from her, probably hotter, bustier and sexier but…you’re a lot like Marian. In many ways…you remind me of her.” he added as he began to calm down.

            “I’m guessing that’s why you wanted to accompany me right from the beginning.”

            “Yeah…I see a lot of my sister in you…even though I knew you only for a few hours at that time.”

            Jaden and Reed continued staring at each other with an awkward silence. The duo smiled at each other, paying no attention to their surroundings. Their eyelids felt heavier and their smiles became warmer. They tilted their heads side to side while their shoulders rose with seeming blush. Their teeth bore frequently and their eyes were focused on each other.

            “Jaden Highland, the Crimson Spinner is within safe distance from Nibelheim. Commencing communications with non-human home planets.” Vader said on the intercom, breaking the silence.

            Regaining her senses, Jaden shook her head and replied, “Umm…yeah alright. I’ll…umm…go get Jaina to supervise them.”

            “Well…I guess duty calls. You go on ahead. I’ll just lay here like I have been for the past few hours.” Reed said as he rested his head onto the pillow.

            Jaden nodded and stood up, marching straight for the cargo hold to find Jaina. As she left the med bay, Reed called her out, stopping her in her tracks, “Hey Jaden. Thanks.”

            “What for?”

            “It felt good talking about my past to someone. Thanks for understanding my situation.”

            Jaden revealed a beaming smiled and replied, “No problem. That’s what friends are for.”