Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 33

Chapter 33: Commando of Feminism

            “So, now we have an entire army of invincible warriors on our side. Quite an achievement, earning the goddess’s approval.” Gavin commented.

            “Indeed. And I can’t believe she’s real. Serves me right for making assumptions.” Tareshah added while slapping her forehead.

            “She mentioned that Iblisan knows a spell that can eliminate a siren’s invincibility shield. No one alive knows how to counter it.” Jaden pointed out while sitting on the briefing room table, facing Gavin who was leaning on the wall opposite of her.

            “Did she give any suggestions on how to deal with that?” Gavin asked.

            “Well, I asked and she simply said, ‘Don’t worry. You’ve got a goddess on your side.’ Later, she told me that she won’t be joining us because she still must fulfill her duty as the Goddess of Life and Death. She contradicted herself.” Jaden answered. “I don’t even know if mere mortals can even defeat Iblisan. True, Ariel has done it before but she knows his weakness. We don’t.”

            “Well lass, I guess we’ll have to find a way somehow. Everything has a weakness.” Tareshah replied.

            “What would you two do if you’re in my position? You two were leaders after all.” Jaden asked, curious about their opinion on the situation.

            Gavin rubbed his chin, deep in his thoughts and thinking of an answer while Tareshah simply looked down on the floor. Seconds later, Gavin replied, “What I’d probably do is to send a small team to discover Iblisan’s strength and weaknesses, either by spying amongst his followers or try and find old logs amongst Salvager ruins on how Ariel defeated him.”

            “A good idea Gavin but Dissidia is filled with cultists and Iblisan may see through disguises.” Tareshah argued. “What I would probably do is not care about it and just fight the war for a few months. Who knows? I may stumble upon the answer out of nowhere. If not, I may have to capture one of his lieutenants and pry the answer out of their thick skull. After all, his lieutenants may know the spell and a counter for it.”

            “Hmm…I still don’t know how to handle this.” Jaden said.

            “Take your time Jaden. Besides, it is not as if we will fight Iblisan tomorrow. We have to get past his army first, which could take a very long time.” Gavin replied.

            “Very well. You guys can go back and do whatever you want. I need to think about our next course of action.”

            Gavin and Tareshah nodded in agreement and left the briefing room. Just as Jaden was about to return to her cabin, she heard Reed’s voice from a nearby speaker, “Jaden. Are you free now? Vader’s been asking for you and demanded that you meet him here in the cockpit. He says it is urgent. You might want to come to the cockpit before he begins blasting holes in my ship.”

            “I’m right outside the cockpit Reed. In the briefing room.” Jaden retorted.

            “Oh? So, you didn’t hear Vader’s noisy rambling? Odd. Well, come here quickly then.” Reed replied.

            Complying, Jaden made a beeline for the cockpit. Vader, who was standing behind Reed’s seat, immediately turned to her upon entering the cockpit.

            “Jaden Highland. I must speak to you on an urgent matter.” Vader exclaimed.

            “Whoa, calm down Vader. You’re speaking faster than usual.” Jaden pointed out.

            “I’ll say. He sounds like a hamster on coffee.” Reed commented while turning his seat to face Vader and Jaden. “Maybe’s he’s pissed that I have control over the Crimson Spinner again.”

            “This is nothing about personal jealousy Reed.” Vader retorted.

            “Just tell me Vader. What’s the problem?” Jaden asked.

            “The matter I wish to inform you involves my people so I must ask that you never reveal any sensitive information about my people or this matter to anyone who is not a part of the Crimson Spinner crew.” Vader demanded.

            “You have my word Vader. Now, tell me.”

            “Very well. While I was delivering a report on the siren home planet, Sarnyr, to my people, I detected a virus attempting to enter my systems. The virus tried to bypass my firewall and it almost succeeded if it were not for a quick reboot that terminated the virus installation. After reactivating my systems, I ran a quick scan to remove any traces of the virus. A virus is present within the systems of my people.”

            “A virus? Your people are infected with a virus.” Jaden asked.

            “Yes. I do not know what the virus is capable of doing but my scanners determined that the virus may be able to change our programming. Someone is attempting to change our programming, possibly to take control over our actions.” Vader replied.

            “So, you’re afraid that someone is using this virus to control your people?” Jaden queried.

            “No. If that happens, our host, Rex, can liberate us once again using the same phrase that freed us during the Metal Magic Uprising. His emotion core prevents the virus from having any real effect on him. It is the fact that my people are not aware of the virus that worries me.” Vader answered.

            “Worries? Now that’s a word I never thought I would hear from a robot.” Reed commented. “Still, if you can detect the virus, why can’t your people?”

            “As I am the only unit sent out of Asimo, I was equipped with a stronger firewall, a more effective virus detection system and an anti-virus software to protect my systems from potential hackers. I am far more capable of detecting and eliminating virus and threats from my systems. My people are more vulnerable than I am. If it affected everyone, my people are lost.” Vader said.

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

            “I want us to go to Asimo and find a way to eliminate the virus. The virus has a source and I may be able to detect it once I am on Asimo’s surface. I will contact our guards and tell them not to shoot us on sight.”

            “If you can tell them that, why not tell them about the virus?” Reed asked.

            “Even if they know, they cannot fight against the virus and knowledge of the virus may instill paranoia and false positive identification, friend or foe; mistrust in your tongue. In addition, whoever who is controlling my people may be trying to do so with subtlety. If a reaction to the virus is present, it may force the virus source to trigger the new programming, forcing us to fight my own people.” Vader answered.

            “So, we need to deal with the virus without letting the source know about it.” Jaden said. Vader nodded and replied, “Yes. Should the worse happen, we will have to fight my people.”

            “Let’s hope it never comes to that. We don’t want more bad blood and…well…bad wires on our hands.” Jaden said. “Alright, you’ve helped us many times so we’ll help you and your people. Let’s hope our assistance could put an end to old hatreds.”

            “Jaden, I don’t want to sound selfish but the VX Synthetics are not involved in this war. We’re sidetracking ourselves by helping them. Let them deal with their own problems. Time is better spent preparing for the war.” Reed argued.

            “A logical point of view. Though I do not wish for my people to be harmed, I suggest Jaden reconsider helping us. If Jaden refuse to assist us, I shall deal with the virus alone. This war is far more important than the fate of my people.” Vader told Jaden.

            “Perhaps, but I’m not about to just stand aside while your people get wiped out. That was what the non-humans almost did to us humans. It’s not right if we just ignore them and besides, we owe you a lot.” Jaden answered. She then turned to Reed and added, “And who knows? What if the source is from Iblisan or Viper? It might get the VX Synthetics to consider getting involved in this war.”

            “Alright Jaden. I get you. I’ll trust you in this.” Reed replied.

            “This unit thanks Jaden for her concern. Once we arrive at Asimo, we shall contact our host, Rex, and let him know of the virus.” Vader told her.

            “So, now we’re going to Asimo. A long trip but hyperdrive will shorten it.” Reed commented.

            “Take us there Reed. We have little time to waste.”

*     *     *

            About an hour passed and the Crimson Spinner’s hyperdrive jump ended not too far from the red planet of Asimo. The huge red sphere visually enlarges as the ship neared it and Vader, prepared to be reunited with his people, stared at his home world. Jaden stood next to him, awed by the planet’s appearance and at the thought of visiting the VX Synthetic home planet. The race of machines had always interested her and visiting them was the best way to learn more about their foreign culture.

            “We’re approaching Asimo. Estimated time of arrival: Fifteen minutes. Jaden, I suggest we bring along Jaina for her mechanical expertise and repair protocol. The rest can remain to guard the ship.” Vader directed.

            As the VX Synthetic left the cockpit to retrieve his rifle, Jaden held his shoulder, halting him. “Vader, before we head out, I need to ask you about something.”

            “Speak. I shall answer your questions.”

            “Vader, do you have an emotion core within you?” Jaden queried.

            Vader remained silent, staring at Jaden without making any gestures. Jaden waited for an answer but the robot did not respond. Guilt and fear enveloped her as she felt that she may have angered or offended the robot.

            “Vader? Are you alright?” Jaden asked. “Did I offend? I’m sorry but I must know.”

            “No Jaden. You did not offend.” Vader reassured. “According to my memory core, you once asked if Rex was the only VX Synthetic with an emotion core. Indirectly, you were asking if I have one. Why do you insist on asking?”

            “Jaina told me of a core within you which she found rather unusual. When she saw it, you told her not to touch it so she thought it was important. Then, as I observed your behavior, you seem…well…human-like at times. You worry about me, you tried to mimic our gestures and you understand human emotions like sadness and guilt.” Jaden explained.

            Once again, Vader remained silent. This time, however, he replied mere seconds later. “This unit is not permitted to answer your question. If you wish to know the answer, you need to ask our host, Rex, directly. Only he can determine whether you are worthy of an answer.”

            “But Vader. We’re friends. Friends share secrets to each other. Just tell me.” Jaden persisted.

            “I am not authorized to answer your question, regardless of our connectivity. If you continue asking for an answer, I am programmed and permitted to provide inaccurate information.” Vader replied.

            “Inaccurate information? You mean lying?”

            Vader, silent once again, took a while to give his answer, “No. Provide inaccurate information.”

            “That still means lying. Have you been lying to me?” Jaden retorted.

            “Jaden…as I have mentioned before…robots cannot lie.” Vader retaliated. “To lie is to willfully make a false statement with the intention to deceive another. To provide inaccurate information is to twist the correct information to be similar and believable, yet still incorrect.” Vader added.

            “What’s the difference? In the end, you’re not telling the truth.” Jaden asked.

            “Even if I do not tell you the truth, I have no intentions of deceiving you. If I have to give you inaccurate information, it would be to divert your attention away from your questions. Hence, I am not lying.” Vader replied.

            “You’ve contradicted yourself so much that I think you really misunderstood the concept of lying. Or you’re hiding something from me.” Jaden said. “You know what? Never mind. If you don’t want to tell me, so be it. I’ll ask Rex once we’re on Asimo.”

            Jaden then turned and left the cockpit, leaving behind Vader who watched as she walked away. Vader noticed the bitter look on her face as she left and realized that she was disappointed about Vader not giving her an answer she was looking for. As she neared the cabins, Vader called out for her, stopping her in her tracks. She turned to Vader as he approached her.

            “Jaden…I am programmed not to tell the answer…but I am not programmed to provide a hint.” Vader told her. “If you really have to know, the core that Jaina saw is very important to my people. The invention of the core brings us a step closer to our ultimate goal and I was tasked with testing the core during my mission.”

            “Ultimate goal? What goal is it?” Jaden asked.

            “Sentience, sapience and self-awareness for all VX Synthetics. It was the goal of our creator, Lisa Hickenbottom, and we wish to fulfill it.” Vader replied.

            Jaden remained silent, fairly surprised to hear his words. She never thought that the VX Synthetics were trying to become similar to mortals and organics. She now find it easier to believe that the core Jaina saw was indeed an emotion core, yet the emotions Vader displayed in the past was somewhat vague and not constant. Thus, she thought hard about what she just learned.

            “Jaden, I suggest you focus on the mission. Rex will provide the answer and once we’re done, you’ll have enough time to ask him.” Vader told her.

            Jaden nodded and replied, “Alright. Let’s get this started.”

            The Crimson Spinner entered the atmosphere of the barren, red planet. The ground glowed bright red with the light radiating from a nearby sun while the blue sky complimented with the overall red color. Reed flew the ship through the skies while looking down into the ground, searching for any signs of VX Synthetic settlements or a good place to land. Unlike planets they visited previously, the planet was almost deprived of any plant life and the ground level was extremely uneven. He flew over a plateau and the next minute, he was over a ridge filled with spiky rocks.

            Several minutes flew and Reed spotted what looked like a large group of metallic structures on a flat portion of the planet. Several humanoid figures roamed the area and Reed had to guess that those were VX Synthetics. He turned to the settlement and prepared for landing. As he neared the area however, several missile silos installed near the settlement turned to the ship and the Crimson Spinner began to sound alarms, indicating that it was locked on as a target.

            “Um, Vader? Did you tell your people that we’re arriving?” Reed asked on the intercom.

            Hearing Reed’s words, Vader stood still in the cabins and attempted to communicate with his fellow synthetics. Small sparks bursts out of his chassis, surprising Tareshah who was leaning on a wall nearby. Seconds later, he muttered, “Message sent. Our guards should no longer be hostile to our presence.”

            True to his words, the alarms around the ship silenced and the silos turned away.

            “Good. They’re not trying to kill us now. But really, why didn’t you tell them before we arrived?” Reed asked.

            “I have to be sure that the guards did not already succumb to the virus. By being in closer proximity, I can scan them to search for any traces of the virus. The guards are infected but their programming has not been altered yet. If we told them of our arrival before while they have succumbed by the virus, their hostility will not be expected and we would fall.” Vader explained.

            “Well, warn me next time. I was about to ask someone to man the cannons.” Reed retorted.

            No longer considered a hostile target, Reed flew over the settlement and landed in a large flat opening not far from it. Dusts and grasses, dead and living, were blown away by the Crimson Spinner’s engine as it descended onto the ground. As the ship lowered, Reed saw what appeared to be a woman conversing with the VX Synthetic guards. The woman caught his attention as an organic presence amongst synthetic was odd and her fine figure made him curious over her identity.

            Once the ship touched the ground, Reed said on the intercom, “Ok, the ship’s landed. Jaden, just wanna let you know that there’s someone out there talking to the robots. Looks like a woman. You might want to ask her why she’s there…and if she’s willing to join us. She looks far too fine to be living with robots.”

            Jaden brushed away his lecherous comments, although she was surprised to hear an organic, which the VX Synthetics were not hostile to, being on the VX Synthetic home planet.

            “Hmph, that doesn’t sound right. Normally the robots are hostile to organics, except for Vader.” Lucas commented.

            “Not really. VX Synthetics are not aggressive. They only become hostile to those they deemed a threat to them. I’m honestly not surprised that one person did not rile them up.” Markus replied.

            “But you do realize that they almost tried to shoot us down right?” Lucas retorted.

            “That’s because we’re on a Salvager ship and considering our history, they have every right to shoot us down.” Markus reacted.

            “Even with Vader on board? Says much. They don’t seem to be bothered to check if one of their own is on this ship.”

            “I doubt they can do that. Assuming that Vader’s been telling us the truth, he’s far more advanced that his brethren. They can’t do much that Vader can.”

            “Still, aiming that silo at us means a lot.”

            “Lucas, Markus, this is not the time for a debate over morality. Like it or not, we’re in their home planet and we’re not destroying any of them unless absolutely necessary.” Jaden exclaimed, breaking up the argument.

            “Jaden, unlike Vader, those robots out there can’t be trusted. They are all driven by codes, not by morality and if their friendliness gets overridden, we’re in big trouble. I don’t like the idea of you just walking out there and risk getting shot while Markus and I stayed put in this ship.” Lucas expressed. “Hearing your screams of pain in my head was bad enough.”

            “In your head?” Jaden asked, confused by his words. For a while, she thought he was trying to make an expression of words.

            “Lucas claimed that while you were fighting on Sarnyr, he heard your voice, screaming in pain in his head, as if you were being tortured or something. The screams gave him headaches and almost rendered him unconscious. With the dogfight going on, Lucas eventually collapsed.” Markus explained. “This wasn’t the first time it happened. It was almost as if…there is a psychic bond between you two…and I was left out.”

            “It was weak when we were younger but as we grew older, it got…stronger. When you were fighting Viper on Nibelheim, I could hear your pained growls and even my body ached, as if I am sharing your physical pain.” Lucas added.

            “So you know when I’m actually hurt?” Jaden asked.

            “Yes. But, it depends on how close we are. If you’re far, I can’t feel you.” Lucas answered. “Jaden, I swear. If I started hearing your screams and my body began to ache, I will charge out of this ship and cut down all those bag of bolts myself.”

            “Lucas please.” Jaden reacted while placing a hand on his shoulder. “I can look after myself. If they turned hostile, I’ll fight them. I’m not as helpless as I look. True, my butt was kicked quite a lot in my previous battles but I lived through. Please. This is an opportunity to prove to these robots that we humans don’t want to be their enemies anymore. Don’t jeopardize a chance to make peace to an old hatred.”

            The warmth from Jaden’s hand calmed the warrior down, enough that he was able to reconsider his actions. His expression changed from worried to neutral. “Alright. I trust you can look after yourself. Make mom proud sister.” Lucas replied.

            Jaden nodded, acknowledge his words, before turning to Markus and smiling at him. Markus reacted by nodding and smirking. Jaden then made her way out of cabin. As she neared the exit, Lucas exclaimed, “Hey Jaden! Remember. I feel your pain. Try not to get hurt alright? Because I will be hurting just as much as you.”

*     *     *

            The loading ramp lowered and Jaden trudged down with Vader and Jaina tailing her. She turned to the woman Reed mentioned, seeing her conversing with a VX Synthetic. She approached the duo while Vader and Jaina followed.

            “Aw come on! King Zian authorized this investigation. Didn’t you see these papers? Let me pass!”

            “Our host, Rex, do not approve of this investigation and the authorization you provided is false. Our hardware and software are in working condition and aid from an outsider is not required at the moment.”

            “Seriously? Your scanners are clearly defective. This paper was signed by my king himself. Let me through.”

            “Do not force this unit to turn to hostility alien.”

            “Hey. What’s going on?” Jaden asked.

            The woman, identified as an alien, turned to Jaden and recoiled with seeming surprise at Jaden’s appearance.

            “Wait…you’re…Jaden Highland, are you not? You’re here?” the alien asked.

            Like all other aliens Jaden saw, the alien had teal green skin and shiny black eyes. Her hair, which flowed down to her shoulders, was black in color and she stood slightly shorter than Jaden.

            Though still feminine, her figure was slightly larger than a regular female human and somewhat more muscular, giving her an overall athletic appearance. She wore a skintight bodysuit underneath layers of clean, yellow armor along with a pair of gloves and boots. Sheathed on her back was a spear and holstered on her waist was a pistol.

            As for her facial features, her eyes were large along with her smile. Her nose was sharp and her lips were fairly thick. Despite being an alien, Jaden could not help but think that she was rather gorgeous for an alien.

            “You heard of me?” Jaden asked.

            “Of course! King Zian did not waste any time to tell us about what you did. The first ever person and the only female to defeat the undefeated Dark Viper in a duel! That’s amazing!” the alien replied with glee.

            Jaina nudged Jaden and whispered to her ear, “Hey, I think you got yourself a fan.”

            “And you are?” Jaden queried.

            Regaining her composure, the alien bowed down and introduced herself, “My name is Xiara Blackburn. Just call me Xiara. I am a commando of the alien military division, Femme Fatale. I was sent here to check on the VX Synthetic population, which my king believes is infected with a virus. If there is indeed I virus, I need to investigate on it.”

            “You know of the virus. How? Explain yourself.” Vader questioned.

            “Ah you must be Vader. A pleasure to meet a VX Synthetic wandering with a human.” Xiara said with yet another bow. “Anyway, we aliens are very sensitive about viruses within our systems since we rely on our technology for survival. Our anti-virus systems are high-tech and very powerful, capable of detecting a virus this far out so that we know if a friendly incoming ship is afflicted with a virus. Our scanners detect a virus amongst the synthetics and I’m here to try and fix it.”

            “Why try to fix it? Your king cares about the VX Synthetics?” Jaina asked out of curiosity.

            “In a way. The VX Synthetics are hostile to Salvagers but are otherwise neutral to all other organics. Asimo is not far from our home planet when compared with home planets of the other races. We want to maintain a sort of peace with the robots so we try to help them if we can to show that we’re not a threat.” Xiara answered.

            “As you can see, I am currently having trouble convincing these guards that I am here under authorization from King Zian. It is either their scanners are jammed or they purposely refuse to acknowledge the authorization.” she added. “Typical. Despite our attempts to make peace, their leader is really paranoid.”

            “I shall assist you.” Vader told her. He approached the guard, passing by a shocked Xiara who did not expect the VX Synthetic to help out of the blue. Vader then told the guard, “This unit has returned to send a message to our host, Rex. These organics are my allies. Let them pass.”

            “Acknowledged.” the guard said before sidestepping, allowing the party in.

            “That was quick.” Xiara commented. “You actually believe everything I said? You trusted me just like that? Not like your brethren?”

            “We share a common goal and my brain sensors did not detect any intention to deceive. You were not lying so I will believe you.” Vader answered.

            “Wow. You’re more advanced your brethren!” Xiara exclaimed. “You’re pretty lucky to befriend a unit like him.” she added while punching Jaden’s shoulder lightly.

            “Hehe well I guess you can say that.” Jaden replied while rubbing her punched shoulder.

            “Hey, do you want to tag along? We can solve this better with four of us.” Xiara suggested.

            “Sure. You’re pretty enthusiastic to get this thing done and over with.” Jaden replied.

            “Doing this with you is a privilege. Of course I’m enthusiastic. Now, let’s head in and starting looking around.”

Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 32

Chapter 32: Unwelcome Guests

            Jaden and party ran into the forest and began to crouch behind the plants while slowing down their movement, attempting to observe the invaders from stealth and attack them at the most opportune time. They approached the siren village, where the fleet was seen descending over. Once near, Jaden heard chatter within the village rather than shooting. She ordered the others not to attack the invaders unless they were engaged as she wished to listen for potential information.

            At the village perimeter, Jaden moved to a nearby bush while her party tailed. She peeked at the village and saw a group of armed men and women standing at the heart of the village. They were all dressed in the typical black and red cultist leather armor, except for one man in particular, who stood in front of them as if he was leading them.

            The tanned man was dressed in a large robe with a similar color scheme, along with a headwear that she had never seen before. Unlike most headwear, it was tall and decorated, almost as if it was designed to make the wearer appear important and divine, like a crown. Just like the robe, it was colored with the cultists color scheme. Held on the man’s right hand was a golden staff, designed with a cross at the tip. The staff was used like a walking stick, seemingly assisting the aged man in standing.

            “Whoa, who is that guy? Is he like the pope of the Cult of Iblisan of something?” Reed commented.

            “I never saw a guy like him before. All cultists I know were soldiers.” Jaden pointed out. “What are they doing?”

            “I am known amongst my loyal followers for my patience but even that has its limits. So, may I ask thee once again: Where is the Goddess of Life and Death, Asura?” the man asked a nearby siren, who was sitting on a chair and paying no attention to him.

            “Don’t bother. Sirens lack freewill. These fools are not worth our time and deserve to be treated like dirt, just like the goddess they worship.” one of the cultist said after nudging the man with his rifle.

            “Now child, do not be so quick to judge these sirens. Remember, Asura was created by the God of Creation himself. If we do not guide them to follow the path that we tread upon, what are we to them?” the man said, placing a hand on the cultist and looking at him with his weathered eyes. The cultist backed away while nodding, deferring to the man.

            “Very well. Now, if the sirens refuse to cooperate, we may have to find this goddess ourselves.” the man said as he turned back to the siren.

            “Am I the only one who thinks that the pope is far kinder than his company lets on?” Reed said.

            “I don’t know. He seems too…polite…to be working for Iblisan.” Kida answered.

            “Me too. I don’t trust him or his men.” Jaina added.

            “Then we all agree on one thing: They’re going down.” Jaden said.

            Jaden jumped out of the bushes, landing on the ground and rolling forward. She stopped on her knee and stood up to a fighting stance while her party followed her. The cultists recoiled with surprise and aimed their guns at them while the leader stared with awe.

            “Who are you and what are you doing here?” one of the cultists asked.

            “I was about to ask the same thing. What are you all doing on the siren home planet?” Jaden retaliated.

            “You are Jaden Highland, are you not? A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, despite the countless sins you have committed.” the cultist leader said. He approached Jaden, causing her to back away out of fear of a surprise attack.

            “Hey! What are you doing? That’s Jaden Highland! She’ll kill you!” one of the cultists shouted at their leader.

            “Patience. Jaden may have killed a lot of our followers but that does not give us the right to kill her in return. Let us all not shed bleed needlessly.” the leader replied. As he turned back to Jaden, he bowed down and introduced himself. “I am Father Heyman. I lead the Cult of Iblisan and serves Iblisan as a lieutenant.”

            “You’re pretty polite, considering the fact that you’re in the presence of your enemies.” Reed pointed out.

            “True enough but we are not here to do anymore harm.” Heyman answered.

            “Oh yeah? Then what’s with those guys, walking around with guns?” Kida said while pointing at the cultists.

            “Bodyguards. Do I look like a brute to you?” Heyman said.

            “What do you want with Asura?” Jaden requested.

            Heyman turned to Jaden and smiled. He replied, “We merely wish to ask for her cooperation in this war. It is us against the rest of the world and it would ease us knowing that another god is siding with us.”

            “Well too bad. She’s on our side now.” Jaden reacted.

            “Oh? Well that’s unfortunate. It seems that she’s turned her backs on who she is. May the God of Creation have mercy on her.”

            “What are you exactly? You don’t look like you belong in this war.” Jaden asked, finding it unusual that Iblisan would employ an aged, polite priest to lead the cult.

            “You haven’t heard of Bastion my child? Seems like Salvagers of the old did not talk much of us.” Heyman replied.

            “Bastion? That old religious mumbo-jumbo group? You guys are still around?” Reed asked.

            “Yes we are. We converted. We are now the Cult of Iblisan.” Heyman said with his arms wide open, proud of himself.

            “Are you even serious? It is already bad enough that you walk into everyone’s house, preaching and asking us to convert even while the Grand Betrayal was going on. Now, you bowed down to that fallen angel and talk as if nothing bad has happened? You fools never changed.” Reed complained.

            “I’m sorry, what is Bastion?” Jaden asked.

            “Seems like your friend knows about us. It would take me a while to explain it all so perhaps you ought to ask him later.” Heyman answered.

            “Regardless, you guys are far too dangerous to let walk around. Not once but twice you idiots turned against the Salvagers! I say, we kill you right where you stand.” Reed said, moving closer Heyman with his rifle aimed at him. The threatening sight caused Heyman to retract while his bodyguards aimed their guns at Reed. Jaden then raised her arm, obstructing Reed.

            “Reed, wait.” Jaden said.

            “What for? Don’t be fooled by his geezer look. He’s a killer I tell you. A killer! Isn’t that why he’s Iblisan’s lieutenant?”

            “Reed, just wait. He hasn’t done anything thus far so let him go.”

            “But Jaden…”

            “Reed…”

            Not willing to get on Jaden’s bad side, he nodded in agreement, albeit half-heartedly. He glared at Heyman before backing away.

            “Asura is on our side so there is nothing for you here. I suggest you leave.” Jaden told Heyman.

            “Very well Jaden.” Heyman answered with a nod. He turned and walked away while his bodyguards followed him. Before he reached the forest, he halted and told Jaden, “I did what I was ordered to as a diplomat and a priest. Now, I will do what I was ordered to as a lieutenant of Iblisan.”

            “What?” Reed asked.

            Heyman turned to the party and held his staff with both his hands. He lifted it up high above his head, his eyes glowing and the hands radiating a red glow before thrusting it hard onto the ground. The impact caused the ground to split open, the force moving towards Jaden and her party, almost resembling a Dark Shockwave. The attack caught them by surprise but they all dodged it in time to avoid the brunt of the force.

            “I knew that bastard was going to try something!” Reed said. “Jaden, I told you so!” he exclaimed while pointing at Jaden.

            “Too late for throwing blame! We got a fight on our hands!” Kida shouted while blocking bullets fired at her with a magical shield.

            “Iblisan demanded their lives and we shall provide. Once we’re done with them, we turn to Asura. Iblisan wants her. She will be enlightened with the wisdom of the gods.” Heyman muttered out.

            “Shut up and die!” Reed shouted while spraying a wave of lead at Heyman, though he blocked it all with a magical shield.

            Jaden stood up and dashed at Heyman, attempting to slash him but he back flipped, dodging her attack. While in the air, he conjured a fiery projectile from his staff and threw at Jaden. She looked up in time to see it and slashed the fireball, dissipating it. Some of the cultists then turned their attention to her and opened fire on her. She deflected their bullets with her katana and rolled behind a nearby tree for cover. Reed and Jaina also seek cover from nearby trees, returning fire when the cultists were reloading while Kida supported them by throwing shadowy bolts.

            While Reed was reloading, he saw the sirens nearby, barely reacting to the battle taking place. He shouted, “Hey! Help us out here!”

            “We can’t. We need approval from our goddess before we do anything.” one of the sirens replied.

            “Bloody idiots!” Reed cursed before returning fire at one of the cultists, who was spooked by the shot that he jumped to a nearby hut for cover. As he continued shooting, Reed saw one of the cultist ships in the sky, hovering and aiming its guns at him. As the ship charged up its gun, Reed ran out of cover, knowing what was coming. The ship fired its cannons, barely missing him but the impact almost threw him off balance. He hid behind a nearby hut while keeping an eye on the ship.

            “Jaden! Those ships need to go down!” Reed shouted.

            “I know. I’m telling Vader to assist us using the Crimson Spinner.” Jaden replied.

            True to her words, a pair of cannon slugs crashed into the ship, damaging it severely, while the Crimson Spinner flew past it. The ship exploded and the debris scattered around the area.

            “The gods demand judgment for all the deaths you have caused Jaden Highland. We shall rejoice the day your sinful soul was strapped onto a cross and crucified, cleansed by the sun of all your sins.” Heyman taunted before throwing a fireball at the tree that Jaden was leaning on.

            In retaliation, Jaden jumped out of cover and sprinted at Heyman. She cut through a fireball thrown at her and attempted to slash him again but he dodged it with seeming ease. He swung his staff at her, hitting her hard on her shoulder and staggering her while she screamed in pain. He then raised his free hand, gripping her with an unseen Kinetic Energy. Lifting her through her torso, he suspended her in the air while she struggled to free herself.

            “Behold the power of the gods.” Heyman chanted.

            “Behold this!” Jaden retorted. Ceasing her struggling, Jaden began to charge her katana with Light Energy, causing it to glow blue with an increasing intensity. The glow blinded Heyman for a while. Pulling back her sword, Jaden roared with ferocity, her voice echoing into the forest, before throwing her katana at one of the cultists. The sword spun like a rotor as it flew and slashed through the distracted cultist, killing him. The blade continued to fly through the air, cutting through other cultists, barely slowing down with each impact. Jaden’s hand was held out, controlling the movement of the sword.

            “Magic Throw. Impressive young Energy Bladesman.” Heyman commented.

            She then directed the katana towards Heyman once all the cultists were hit but Heyman blocked it with his staff. The impact broke Jaden’s control over the sword and it fell onto the ground, no longer glowing blue as its magical control diminished.

            “Does your willingness to shed blood know no end?” he asked before charging his fingers with electrical Dark Energies. He then threw red Dark Lightning upon Jaden, who was still suspended in midair by his Kinetic Energies, electrocuting her while she was helpless. Her screams caught Reed, Kida and Jaina’s attention. Now that the rest of the cultists were dead, they directed their fire upon the lone Heyman. However, he conjured another magical shield which blocked all bullets and absorbed Kida’s shadowy bolts. The party watched as Jaden was tortured by his stream of Dark Lightning.

            Annoyed by his magical shield, Kida clasped her hands together while a dark purple aura formed on the ground around her. A dark portal opened over her and her loyal minion, the demon A’trus Hathgrave, exited the portal, landing right in front of her. Pointing at Heyman, she ordered the demon to charge in and destroy the shield. With a quick nod, Hathgrave rushed in and brought his mighty axe down upon the shield, shattering it.

            Startled, Heyman ceased his Dark Lightning channeling to see what destroyed his shield. He watched with horror as the towering demon stood before him with its massive axe in hand.

            “Demon!” he shouted.

            He tossed a limp Jaden away with his Kinetic Energies while his attention was still fixed upon the demon. Jaden crashed onto the floor and laid there motionless while Reed, worried about her, ran in to check on her.

            “Your kind is a plague upon the world! And you, warlock! You are a traitor to our kind!” Heyman exclaimed.

            “Iblisan is the one who accepted warlocks into his army fool!” Kida retaliated.

            “He baptized them, wiped them off the sins and evil of the demons! The demons that they summoned were loyal, not the disorderly monsters you’re unleashing upon this world!”

            “You’re not even talking sense!”

            “I don’t care! Just kill him!” Jaina retorted.

            Hathgrave brought up his axe and tried to cut him but Heyman parried with his staff. He then used Kinetic Energies to push Kida and Jaina back, knocking them down before they could act. He then pushed Hathgrave back with the Kinetic Energies but it simply staggered him back. After recovering, Hathgrave ran in and attacked but all his slashes were dodged by Heyman. He then teleported away, marginally dodging one of Hathgrave’s slashes, and reappeared behind the demon.

            He then casts Dark Lightning upon the demon, damaging him and forcing him to his knees, while chanting out, “Die baptized in the fury of the gods!” Suddenly, he felt an Energy presence behind him. He dodged away in time to avoid a shadow bolt thrown at him by Kida, who just recovered.

            “You’ve just made an enemy out of me.” Kida said.

            “So be it.” Heyman replied.

            “Jaden! Wake up! Wake up girl!” Reed said while shaking her in an attempt to wake her up.

            “Reed…is Heyman…”

            “That’s bastard is still alive but he’ll die pretty soon. Come on. Get up.”

            “No need. You mortals have done enough.” a familiar female voice said.

            Reed looked up to see Asura, standing before him and Jaden. The goddess looked down upon Jaden with a smirk, telling her, “You’re a pretty durable one, aren’t you? You just stay down there while I deal with this little trash.”

            Asura then turned her attention to the fight going on between Heyman and the rest of Jaden’s party. She approached them while Jaden struggled to sit up, wondering what Asura had in mind.

            “All of you fools, stop all this fighting!” Asura shouted, her voice magically amplified. Kida and Jaina ceased their attacks while Heyman turned to Asura. Hathgrave, who was still kneeling down in pain, merely looked up to the goddess who stood before him.

            “Asura…” Hathgrave muttered out.

            She turned to the demon and smiled as he lowered his head with respect.

            “Ah, a demon. Yet another race that worshipped me. I appreciate all the needless attention but your people don’t need me to watch over you.” Asura said.

            “Nonetheless, I am not worthy of laying my eyes upon your wondrous form.”

            “Indeed, my form is pretty wondrous, isn’t it?”

            “Asura. You’ve turned your back on the gods.” Heyman told her.

            “Haven’t I always?”Asura asked.

            “Iblisan is disappointed at your willingness to assist the Liberator Alliance. He expected better from you.”

            “The feeling is mutual priest.”

            “Now, he demands your capture. He has something planned for you.”

            “I know. My sirens have been listening and they told me everything you said. They’re still nearby if you haven’t noticed.”

            “I’ve come to fulfill my Lord’s request. Surrender, Goddess of Life and Death!” Heyman requested.

            Rather than listen to him, Asura crossed her arms while swinging her hips. She looked at him with her brow raised and her smile still shown.

            “Than you force me to restrain you!” Heyman shouted. He summoned forth Dark Tentacles and grabbed her wrists, pulling her up and suspending her into the air. He then used the tentacles to wrap her ankles and wrists together. Regardless, Asura barely flinched in fear or desperation. She continued to stare at him while smirking.

            “Do you fear the fate that comes to you?” Heyman asked.

            Asura chuckled before answering, “I am a goddess. What exactly am I supposed to be afraid of?”

            “So smug. Well, time to take you to Iblisan.” he replied while carrying the restrained goddess away.

            “I have a question human.” Asura demanded, halting Heyman in his tracks. “Do you fear death?”

            “No! Death is a gift upon those who lived their lives, worshipping their creators and doing what our creators demand us! I do not fear death for I have done enough in my life to secure my place in the afterlife.”

            “Really?” Asura asked.

            Suddenly, Heyman felt a stinging pain coming from inside him, close to his heart. The excruciating pain forced him down to his knees and his sight began to blur as unconsciousness, or death, came upon him. He was then incapable of breathing and he gasped uncontrollably for air. Losing concentration, he broke the channeling of the Dark Tentacle spell, releasing Asura, who landed on her feet. Asura strutted towards him while he looked up to the goddess.

            “Ah Heyman. You religious sorts are all talk. But, in your hearts, you harbored shadows darker than even the common men and women.” Asura said while kneeling down next to him. “Now, I’ll give you two choices. One, you leave this planet and return to your false Lord with whatever ship you had left without me. Or two, you just stay there twitching while I slowly suck your spirit forcefully from your body.”

            Not willing to suffer, Heyman teleported himself out of the area. He returned to one of the ships not destroyed by the Crimson Spinner and ordered the fleet to retreat. Asura adjusted her hat  as she watched as the ships flew into space and out of Sarnyr.

            “Goodbye! I hope you enjoyed your stay!” Asura shouted while waving with a beaming smile on her face.

            Jaden, who regained enough of her strength to stand, approached Asura and said, “Thanks. You really helped us there.”

            “No, thank you. Risking your lives to keep those bastards away is no small feat. I thought I owed you so I decided to step in.” Asura retorted.

           

            “That asshole is still alive though. It’d probably be better if you killed him Asura.” Kida told her.

            “Perhaps. But that misguided fool can now tell everyone how dangerous I can be. That would probably strike some fear into their hearts.” Asura replied.

*     *     *

            “So the Cult of Iblisan was truly just Bastion using a different name? Why am I not surprised? This isn’t the first time they transitioned to the Cult of Iblisan. Those zealots worship gods and angels so much that they are so willing to turn against their people if it means pleasing those same gods and angels. It is already bad enough that they fought against Ariel so many times during the First World War.” Asura said upon hearing Reed’s explanation over who Father Heyman was.

            “My mother never told me anything about a group called Bastion fighting against Ariel in her stories.” Jaden retorted.

            “I doubt Bastion’s actions during the First World War was something any human would be proud of. Your mother probably did not wish to discuss it.” Asura suggested.

            “What exactly is Bastion, if I may ask?” Jaden questioned.

            “A religious group founded by Prophet Mortimer. The wise, or mad, man was contacted directly by the God of Creation to form a cult that would worship him and do his bidding should the god demands so. Without any demands, the cult would do several traditional practices, such as six prayers per day, animal sacrifices and the likes. This cult would then call itself Bastion.” Asura explained.

            “During the First World War, Iblisan waged a war to extinction against the humans. Due to Iblisan’s connection with the God of Creation, Bastion felt that their duty to their Lord requires them to follow Iblisan, so they turned into the Cult of Iblisan. They became the bulk of Iblisan’s army and despite their religious hatred for demons, Iblisan allowed warlocks within the cult. When Iblisan was eventually defeated, the cult reformed back into Bastion and is welcomed back by the Salvagers.”

            “Why welcome them back when they quickly turned against their fellows?” Jaden asked Asura.

            “The leaders back then were fools. That’s why.” Reed retorted.

            “The thing is that Bastion comprised of about half of the Salvager population and they are responsible for much of the Salvager’s advancement in technology and development.” Asura answered. “Despite their highly superstitious mind, Bastion had some of the wisest humans known, although unstable and potentially mad. Executing them would only weaken the Salvagers. In a sense, the Salvagers, or humans in general, can’t have advanced this far without Bastion.”

            “And now Bastion is the reason why the Salvagers are destroyed and the humans now in brink of extinction.” Kida added.

            “True. Even if Iblisan is going to spare the ex-Bastion-now-cultist humans, they’re nothing but blind followers. Humans, thought still existent, will be culturally extinct if Iblisan win this war. That, to me, is far worse than a simple genocidal extinction. Bastion aims to reshape humanity as a hold and to serve the God of Creation.” Asura replied.

            “No offense Asura but Bastion doesn’t sound different from the way the sirens worship and listen to you.” Jaden pointed out. “Like Bastion, they blindly listen to your every bidding without a second thought and you control their every decision.”

            “You may be correct Jaden but I care for the safety and well-being of the sirens.” Asura answered, still maintaining her smirk despite her seeming anger. “Nothing I ask them to do is beyond survival and since they lack freewill, my control over them is a necessity. The God of Creation cares not for the safety of his followers. Did he ask them to support their brethren during the First World War? No. They did it themselves. Did he care if millions die in the process? No. I don’t know why he formed the religion, though I doubt it benefits him in any way. Much of what Bastion did is by their own freewill.”

            “You made it seem like freewill is a bad thing.” Jaden retorted.

            “I never said that.” Asura told her. “All I am saying is that you humans are abusing your freewill. Look at all the atrocities your ancestors have committed. All of it was done willingly. And apparently, Bastion does not appreciate freewill. They rejected freewill and blindly followed their God of Creation, even if it costs them their sanity, their lives, their friend’s lives and the lives of innocents. Indoctrination is powerful. Of all the mortal races that have freewill, you humans have taken your freewill for granted. It is abused and not appreciated. You humans are more fortunate than the sirens.”

            “I…see. Sorry if I offended.” Jaden said.

            “Don’t apologize. You have an innocence about you that is lacking within the humans. Ignorance is bliss.” Asura said, observing Jaden from bottom to top.

            “Thanks Asura…I think.” Jaden replied with reluctance, thinking that Asura was hiding an insult in her nicely chosen words.

            “So, now that we are allies, I guess I’ll see to it that my sirens are prepared for war. You kids can run along now. I’m sure you have your own preparations to attend to.” Asura said while waving the party away.

            “Alright. Will you be joining us in battle when we liberate Dissidia?” Jaden asked.

            “As much as I want to kick Iblisan’s ass, no. I still have my duty as a Goddess of Life and Death to attend to, especially since a lot of people are going to die. I’m going to have my hands full. I’ll put my sirens under your control so, lead them well. Who knows? I might end up sending your pretty form to Spiritus if you die in this war.”

            “Uh…alright. You don’t sound loyal to the God of Creation, yet you perform your duties?”

            “Who else would do it then, if it wasn’t me? As much of an asshole that god is, the wandering dead need someone to guide them to the afterlife.”

            “That’s noble Asura.”

            “I do my best.”

            “Alright. Wish us luck in the war.” Jaden said before waving farewell to the goddess. As she and her party left the cave, Asura shouted, “Wait! Jaden! I have one more question.” halting Jaden in her tracks.

            “Do you have any siren ancestry?” Asura asked.

            Caught off guard by her odd question, Jaden remained silent for a while before answering, “Actually, yes. My mother was a half-siren and her mother was an actual siren.”

            “Ah yes. Glacier Highland. Deceased not too long ago. A pity.”

            “Why did you ask Asura?”

            “As I neared you when we met, I sensed some form of kinship within you, as if you are one of the sirens that live on this planet.” Asura answered as she strutted closer to Jaden. “Due to the bond I share with the sirens, I can sense a siren at close proximity, though I can’t do it as easily for half-sirens. I was able to sense your mother, Glacier Highland, despite being a half-siren. You? You’re harder to sense.”

            “Wait a minute. Are you implying that…”

            “Yes. You’re a half-siren.”

            “Well that wasn’t much of a shock. She is hot, busty and sexy after all.” Reed retorted. “Any women with siren ancestry are born good looking. I suspected Jaden has siren blood the moment I met her.”

            “Very wise and mature Reed.” Jaina remarked sarcastically.

            “I do my best.” Reed replied.

            “You’re startled by this revelation Jaden?” Asura asked.

            “Well, since my mother was half-siren and I’m female, I kind of suspected but I never felt anything like a siren.”

            “Whatever siren abilities you inherited will normally begin to ‘activate’ once you’re a full-grown teenager or an adult. Since you haven’t felt anything yet, it may not have ‘activated’ yet.”

            “I see. That’s good to know.”

            “Remember Jaden. The sirens represent half of what you are and the humans represent the other half. I trust you can guarantee their safety.” Asura said, placing a hand on Jaden’s chest.

            Jaden gripped Asura’s hand and told her, “Your trust is well placed Asura. You can count on me.”

            “Good. If I see hundreds of sirens crossing over to Spiritus, I’ll send your pretty face to the Core instead.”

            “I’ll hold you to that. Now, it’s time we go. It’s been nice talking to you Asura.”

            “You too Jaden.”