Traitor's Legacy: The Claughter Chapter 31

Chapter 31: The Rogue Goddess

            “Wait, so let me get this straight: The dragonite navy is comprised of their…warriors, not their ships?” Jaden asked as she stared at the massive, quadruped winged lizard flying next to the ship from the cockpit.

            “Indeed. My people have humanoid forms to proper socialize with your kind. The beast you see before us is our true form: A dragon.” Zavron, King of the dragonites, said.

            Jaden began knocking on the window, making loud thuds in an attempt to grab the dragon’s attention. However, the beast’s back was still facing her. She then called out, “Hello! Can you hear me? I want to know how you’re breathing out there.” Still, the dragon did not answer. “Aww come on. What if I say you’re a magnificent beast and not scary at all?”

            Zavron smiled while shaking his head. “Very bright Jaden.” he said in his thoughts. “She reminds me of my hatchling daughter.”

            “Jaden, let me remind you that you’re speaking through not only a glass window but also the void of space. And besides, even if he can hear you, he can only respond through gestures. His transformed vocal chord prevents verbal communication.” Zavron explained.

            “Oh? That’s good to know. How is flying and breathing out there?”

            “We’re immortals Jaden. We require neither air nor food to survive. And, we train ourselves to fly in space while growing up. With proper knowledge, flying in space is just as easy as flying in high gravity.”

           

            “Wow.” Jaden commented while her eyes were still focused on the dragon outside. Zavron stared at her while she continued to gaze at the beast.

            “Do you fear us the beast out there Jaden?” he asked. His question struck her ears, causing her to turn to him with surprise. “No. Why would you ask such a thing?”

            “Your ancestors do. We lost a lot of our people when your ancestors assaulted our nests and hatcheries. Many of those we lost never had the chance to hatch.”

            “Why would they do such a thing?”

            “When we first discovered your people, we attempted to form a truce, not only to ensure peace but also to stop a war which was brewing between you humans and our allies, the orcs. You ancestors were willing to do it…until he saw our true form. They…fear us. The looks you’re giving to that dragon almost resembled theirs.”

            “But, I’m not afraid. In fact, I find your true forms magnificent!” Jaden exclaimed with joy. She turned back to the dragon and added, “I’ve never seen anything more awesome than what I am looking at! I mean, look at that guy! Such a strong and prideful presence! My ancestors were fools to fear you.”

            “You really mean what you say?” Zavron asked.

            “Jaden Highland is not known for providing incorrect or inaccurate information. The probability of her telling the truth is statistically high.” Vader said as he walked into the cockpit. “Even if Jaden attempted to be sarcastic, she has intentions that harm no one, physically or psychologically.” he added as he sat on the cockpit seat.

            “Well, the loyalty of your crew is clear. Then I guess I owe you thanks for the compliments. I guess you humans are not all cowardly fools.” Zavron said before bowing.

            “Only my ancestors were fools. So, now that you’re navy…I mean bodyguards are here, you’re leaving us?”

            “Indeed. They can protect me as we fly back to our home planet. It has been nice conversing with you human.” Zavron said before making a gentle bow.

            “The feeling is mutually Zavron.” Jaden replied while attempting to mimic the bow.

            Zavron walked out of the cockpit and went straight for the loading ramp. Manipulating with the controls, Vader sealed the room Zavron was in before lowering the ramp. He then turned off the artificial gravity. Once opened to space, Zavron began floating as the lack of gravity came. He floated out of the ship, eventually ending up right in front of the cockpit. Jaden watched as he floated effortlessly through the void.

            His body began to glow while rays of light flowed out around him. The glow intensified, blinding Jaden for a moment despite her blindfold. Finally, in a massive burst of light, his humanoid form shattered and revealed a massive, violet dragon. Zavron roared and breathed fire into space before flying away with his escorts.

            Jaden watched as the transformation occurred, smiling with amazement at the light effects while saying, “Wow…” The sight of a dragonite’s metamorphosis had been burned into her memory and the grand sight made her willing to learn more about the bestial race. Regardless, she turned her attention back to the current situation. Now that all the non-human leaders had left, she decided to go to the siren home planet and do what the Emissary told her to.

            “Vader, bring us to the siren home planet called Sarnyr. We need to contact their leader, Asura.”

            “Acknowledged.” Vader replied before turning up the engine and the hyperdrive engine. He then accelerated the ship through space, heading for the distant planet. “Estimated time of arrival: three days.”

            “Tch, three days. What the hell am I supposed to do in those three days?” Jaden asked while massaging her forehead.

            “If you wish, I can overclock the ship systems. It will make the ship behave faster and possibly even speed up the ship while attempting a hyperdrive jump. It comes with risks as the ship may get strained.” Vader suggested.

            “Hmm, we should give it a try. We’ll never know until we try. Do it Vader.” Jaden ordered.

            “Yes Jaden. I suggest you and the crew buckle up. This may get bumpy and damage to hardware is expected.” Vader warned. Acknowledging his words, Jaden used the ship intercom to warn the rest of the ship about Vader’s overclocking attempt. She then sat on the seat adjacent to Vader’s and put on her seatbelt.

            Vader’s glowing eyes began to intensify and his arms stopped moving. Several alarms began to sound, such as the overheating alarm and a few short-circuitry alarms. The ship began to vibrate and the controls on the cockpit had electricity flying out of it, forcing Jaden to shield her face with her arms.

            “Initiating overclocked hyperdrive.” Vader muttered out. In a split instant, the ship jumped into hyperdrive, flying in a speed of light through space. Jaden held on to the seat handles, fighting against the large amount of shaking. She bent down and lowered her head to shield her body from any impact that may occur. Seconds later, the ship came to a halt and she was shoved forward from the sudden halt.

            “Hyperdrive jump successful with minimal damage done due to overclock. Estimated time of arrival: one day.” Vader said.

            As Jaden recovered, she replied, “Ok…that was pretty intense and dangerous. No more overclocking the ship unless absolutely necessary. Still, one day to arrive at the destination is better than three days.”

            “Jaden! What the hell was that?” Jaina shouted as she ran into the cockpit, stopping right before Jaden and Vader.

            “An overclocked hyperdrive jump.” Jaden answered.

            “Overclocked hyperdrive jump?” Jaina asked with seeming confusion.

            “You didn’t hear my warning on the intercom?”

            “I did but I thought you were joking. Since when were ships capable of overclocking?”

            “The Crimson Spinner, like many other Salvager ships, has systems within it that is comparable with computers and terminals. Such systems could potentially increase the ship’s effectiveness if overclocked, including its speed.” Vader answered.

            “Potentially? You mean you didn’t know if it really does make the ship more effective?” Jaina replied.

            “This unit is uncertain what overclocking can do to a ship with such systems. The closest this unit can get to an answer is a test.”

            “How the heck do you even overclock the ship? I doubt overclocking this ship was an idea of its manufacturers.”

            “This unit has a functionality that allowed me to overclock other systems.”

            “Hmph, somehow I expected that answer.” Jaina said. “Just don’t try anything that is so risky. If we all die over a stupid test, I’ll kill you.”

            “What you said is impossible. However, this unit acknowledged your former sentence.” Vader answered.

            “Now that that’s settled, this would be a good time for everyone to sit back and relax. We have about a day before we arrive at Sarnyr so I suggest we all take a long break.” Jaden told Jaina.

            “Hehe I’m perfectly fine with that. Too much moving around lately. I’ll go tell the others.” Jaina said before leaving the cockpit.

            “As for me? I’m meditating. I don’t want to take any chances so any new spells I could learn would be useful if the goddess is hostile.” Jaden told herself.

*     *     *

            A quiet and dull day had passed and Vader was still on the cockpit, flying the ship towards Sarnyr. Reed has recovered enough to stand up and demanded that control over the ship be transferred back to him once the crew decided to leave the siren home planet. Gavin’s leg injury no longer hurt him and thus, recovered fully.

            The Emissary, who claimed that her legs were getting tired, sat next to Vader, silent and not making any big movement or gestures. All that the siren did was look around with an expressionless look on her face while Jaden observed her. As she stared, Jaden could not help but note several similarities between them: a robot driven by codes and an organic that lack freewill; they were alike. The thought reminded her of Vader’s possible possession of an emotions core and planned to ask him after Sarnyr.

            Eventually, as a planet came within sight, Vader said, “We are approaching Sarnyr. We will be landing in a few minutes.” Jaden moved closer to the windscreen to have a better look at the small, blue sphere.

            “Alright. I’ll get ready the shore party. Take us in nicely. We don’t want to appear hostile.” she said as she left the cockpit. Before she could leave, Vader exclaimed, “Halt Jaden. Incoming transmission from a long distance radio. Patching it through.”

            Jaden stopped in her tracks and approached Vader, waiting for the transmission to play. Static eventually sounded before a distorted but familiar voice said, “Jaden Highland. You there?”

            “Blake Mason? Is that you?”

            “Yup Jaden. It’s me.”

            “Haven’t heard from you in a while. How’s Qurrentine?”

            “Pretty good. My bounty hunters and Veraslag are getting along well enough. We heard that you managed to get help from the non-human races so, good on you girl. Anyway, I want to ask you something. Are you actually going to Sarnyr, the siren home planet to get help from our goddess herself?”

            “Yeah I am. Why? Are you homesick?”

            “You could say that but I’m in no rush to be reunited with the people that represents half of who I am.”

            “How did you know I’m heading there?”

            “Our goddess, Asura, told me through telepathy. She said that she knew you’re coming.”

            “How did she…never mind. Anything I should know about her?”

            “Personally, I never saw her before but if I am occasionally hearing a female voice in my head, I am either crazy or she’s able to get help from all the sirens in the universe. Now, Asura is very protective of the sirens, including half-sirens such as myself. Do not say anything that implies that the sirens would be thrown into danger.”

            “But in a way, the sirens are being thrown into danger.”

            “Then you better hope that your silver tongue could get Asura to help you in the war. Now, I got to go. Need to steal some of the military ships from the cultists in preparation for battle. Ta ta.” Mason said before the transmission ended. Jaden rubbed her head, pondering on how a mortal such as herself would be able to convince a goddess to assist her in a war that concerns only her people.

            By the time the transmission ended, the Crimson Spinner was close enough to the planet that Jaden could see oceans and trees on it. She then left the ship to gather her shore party.

*     *     *

            Accompanied by the Emissary, Reed, Jaina and Kida, Jaden left the ship via the loading ramp and set foot on their landing zone, which was an opening within the massive canopy of the forests.

            As Reed touched the floor, he took a deep breath and commented, “We really have a thing with landing into forests, do we? Still, this beats all the forests we landed on previously. This place is cold and fresh! And so are the sexy sirens that are lurking within.”

            “Reed, keep your wits about you or I’ll just shove one of my tools up your perverted anus.” Jaina threatened.

            “Hehe I want to see you try.” Reed reacted.

            “Not the time guys. Remember, the sirens are a secluded bunch and may react to even the slightest actions that may seem hostile.” Kida warned.

            “How the hell do you even know that?” Reed retorted.

            “Viper once told me a lot about sirens back when I was suffering from Magical Overflow. How he knows is beyond me.” Kida replied.

            “The young human speaks the truth. Unlike the rest of my people, I was educated on the cultures of other races, hence why I was picked as a representative. I suggest you all avoid making any gestures that may appear threatening.” the Emissary added.

            “Alright. Emissary, lead the way. We’ll follow you.” Jaden ordered.

            The siren nodded and proceeded forward into the forest while Jaden and her party followed. Rather than cutting through the obstructing twigs, branches and bushes, the Emissary simply had to wave a hand, causing the obstacles to either retract or move away. The sight made Jaden assume that the sirens has some form of magic and whether or not is it similar to Magical Energies remains to be seen.

            Minutes flew and the party has trudged very deep into the forest. Aside from plants, no other form of life was seen, such as animals. The whole forest had an eerie silence which implied that the sirens were the only being inhabiting the planet. Considering the fact that sirens are immortals and require no food or water, it is a possibility.

            Eventually, an opening in the forest can be seen ahead. The Emissary urged the party to move faster before pacing ahead. Once out of the forest, Jaden and her party stood on a siren village for the first time. The party’s presence shocked most of the sirens into a halt and they stared at the interlopers. Some attempted to grab a nearby weapon, mostly spears, but ceased doing so when the Emissary made a gesture.

            “These humans come with mine and Asura’s consent. They are not here to invade our homes.” the Emissary told her fellow sirens. Content with her words, the sirens returned back to their activities, now ignoring Jaden and her party’s presence.

            “Wow, that was quick. I expected them to not listen and start throwing those spears at us.” Jaina commented.

            “I don’t care. In fact, I like the idea of these crazy, almost naked women chasing after me. It would be a dream come true.” Reed retorted.

            “It would be a dream come true for me if they put your head on a spike.” Jaina retaliated.

            “That means I get to watch them everyday without noticing.”

            “Reed…you are so unbelievable.”

            “Come on now. Not the time.” Kida said, once again getting in between their arguments.

            “Is it me or do younger humans possess more wisdom than the older humans?” the Emissary asked.

            “Trust me, it is a concept hard to comprehend. For now, let us focus on what we came here for.” Jaden answered.

            With a nod, the Emissary agreed and led the party through the siren village. Not willing to waste the opportunity, Jaden observed the village while following the Emissary, intrigued by how different the sirens were when compared with the humans. Excluding the sirens’ revealing apparel, which is made mostly of cloth and leather, the village was full of wood. The huts, the furniture and the shrines were all wooded. Only weapons bore metal on their sharp ends, though the rest of it was wooden. A single stray fire could destroy an entire village. It was clear that the sirens do not embrace technology, or lack the freewill to do so.

            The siren inhabitants themselves were a rather unusual bunch. Most were sitting on the ground or chairs, staring at virtually nothing and not making any movements or gestures. It almost mirrored the Emissary when she was in the cockpit with Vader. As they have no need for air, their bodies were very still since they do not breathe. A few others were standing and some were doing labor, such as repairing broken huts or sharpening weapons. Otherwise, the village was mostly quiet and dull.

            “At least they were not glaring at me like the Mannihilators.” Jaden said in her thoughts.

            “Hmph. They’re pretty…boring aren’t they?” Jaina commented.

            “Boring or no, they’re everywhere. I don’t mind staying here.” Reed said. Jaina scoffed, getting tired of his words but decided not to retaliate.

            “Still, Viper told me that sirens are ferocious in combat despite their passive culture.” Kida expressed. “That’s why they’re highly valued as slaves during the older ages. These women can fight, are susceptible to suggestions and can give birth to half-sirens. They’re very useful, more so than the elves.”

            “They’re far more peaceful than our ancestors. Just because they’re useful doesn’t mean they should be enslaved. They deserve more respect than we give them credit for.” Jaden replied.

            “Yeah I agree. Still, to lead a life controlled by someone else…I cannot imagine that.” Kida said.

            “I think Vader knows how it felt like. He was amongst the VX Synthetics involved in the Metal Magic Uprising.” Jaden added.

            “Maybe I should ask him what he thinks about freewill. An input from a robot should be interesting.” Kida answered. “How did they get to Nibelheim? I see no ships.”

            “We have access to mass teleportation spells.” the Emissary told her.

            “Ah that would explain it. I guess magic plays a part in your culture.” Kida replied.

            Once the party had crossed the village, the Emissary led them back into the forest. This time, however, the journey was short and they stopped before a massive cave at the foot of a rocky mountain. The Emissary stopped and looked up, prompting a curious Jaden to look up. Apparently, the mountain was so high, it went beyond the clouds and whatever that lays on top remains a mystery.

            “Does this mountain have a name?” Jaden asked.

            “No. We have no right to name a product of nature. But, several humans who once passed here called it the Bifrost Mountain. Why they choose to name it as such is beyond my comprehension.” the Emissary answered.

            “Bifrost Mountain. I see. So, is Asura in that cave?” Jaden queried.

            “Yes but you must go in without me. Her Majesty only expects you and your followers. She does not expect my arrival and it is unwise to disturb her.”

            “What? But, what if she is not there? How am I supposed to call her out?”

            “She expects you human. She will appear once you step in. Now, I must return to my village. Farewell human.” the Emissary said before bowing and then running back into the forest.

            “Is it just me or does she sound scared?” Reed pointed out.

            “Indeed. Let us be careful around this goddess.” Jaden warned. She then went into the rocky cave, tailed by her party. Despite the brightness of the outside, the cave was pitch black and almost nothing can be seen within. Jaden had to resort to taking off her blindfold and using her eye glow. However, they reached a dead end only a moment later. The cave was much smaller than they anticipated. Asura was nowhere to be seen.

            “Maybe she led us to the wrong cave.” Jaina speculated.

            “Bah! What a waste of time. Let’s get out of here.” Reed retorted before turning back to the bright exit of the cave. Jaina followed him but halted when she realized that both Kida and Jaden were not moving.

            “Jaden? Kida? Are you two coming?” she asked.

            “Jaina…there’s something here. Very powerful. Such a high Energy level.” Kida said.

            “Kida’s right. There is something here.” Jaden added.

            “Well I have Omega Energies and I can’t feel anything. Let’s go.” Reed said. Though still haunted by the mysterious Energy level, Jaden and Kida agreed and followed him.

            As they neared they exit, they heard an echoed, female voice sound from within the dark cave. “Leaving so soon? Hmph. I barely have any visitors. Don’t be shy.” The voice sent chills up Jaden’s spine and she turned back to the cave while her heart was racing with surprise.

            Within the darkness, a faint, violet glow began to manifest with a silhouette of a robed woman in front of it. Within Jaden, she sensed that the person’s Energy level matched the Energy level she felt within. The silhouette began approaching the party, prompting Jaden and her party to pull out their weapons. Once the silhouette reached the light, much of the person’s features were revealed.

            The silhouette was a young lady, dressed in what seemed to be Wizard robes, complete with a pair of high heel boots and the signature pointed Wizard hat. She was fairly tall, no as tall as Jaden, and her figure was slim. Her skin was extremely pale, very close to white, and her hair was golden blonde and shoulder length. Though covered by a shadow casted by her hat, her iris color seemed to be as violet as the glow that surrounds her body.

            The woman was smirking at the party with her eyes half-closed while her hands were on her hips, giving her an outright cocky stance. She then strutted closer to party while saying, “Do not be alarmed. I do not wish to kill one of the most prolific humans ever known to exist at this time. I expected you Jaden.”

            Hearing her name shocked Jaden. While lowering her sword, she asked, “How did you…wait…you’re…”

            “Asura? The Goddess of Life and Death? Yup. That’s who I am.” the woman replied, still maintaining the smile on her face.

            “Whoa! And here I thought I was dreaming! The Goddess of Life and Death is actually a smoking hot lady! This planet is meant for me!” Reed exclaimed.

            “Reed! Watch your mouth! You’re in the presence of a goddess!” Kida retorted.

            “Hmph. A male. Such an unwelcoming presence but I’ll tolerate him for now.” Asura said, still maintaining the smirk on her face despite her obvious displeasure.

            “So Tareshah was wrong then. You do exist after all.” Jaden said.

            “Of course I do. Why? Do you think a race that lacks freewill would lie? Your people still have much to learn.” Asura retorted while adjusting her hat. “Although, to see a female rise up and lead her people is a welcoming change. Too much males have been walking around, thinking they rule the world while treating their beloved like lessers. To be honest, I expected a man to walk up to me instead.”

            “But…can’t you tell my gender by my name?” Jaden queried.

            “Girl, ‘Jaden’ is a unisex name. I’ve known some human males called Jaden. You can tell how relieved I am to see a lady leading the Liberator Alliance rather than a man who thinks he can do better.” Asura added.

            “So you know of the coming war then?”

            “Of course. You really think I’m going to let Iblisan play war without me knowing about it. That blasted male fool thinks he owns the humans. Bloody bastard.”

            “You’re pretty hostile to males, aren’t you?” Jaina asked.

            “Not hostile. Just tired of seeing males behave as if they are better and deserve better while treating females like nothing but property. I’ve lost too many sirens to lustful male humans and to see the way they were treated was saddening.” Asura explained, though still smiling.

            “Yet, you look…um…happy.” Kida pointed out.

            “Hehe it’s just my charm! Still, don’t let this smile fool you. I’m scarier and more emotional than I look.” Asura warned.

            As Jaden observed the goddess, she could help but notice something different about her. Unlike the gods she heard in stories, Asura was very casual, openly vulgar, very sassy, sarcastic and ultimately, very human-like. Gods were expected to be orderly, serious, polite and respectful. Asura was unlike them. Not to mention her tendency to smile and her habit of adjusting her hat for seemingly no reason.

            “I know what you’re thinking Jaden.” Asura said as she turned her violet eyes to Jaden. “I’m very unlike the other gods out there.”

            “You seem so…human…that I don’t how to put it.” Jaden managed.

            “There is a story behind it but then again, just because I am a goddess, doesn’t mean I am not allowed to be unretrofied. I’ll probably tell you about it one day.” Asura replied.

            “Well, I…am honestly curious…but we have more pressing matters to attend to.” Jaden said.

            “Ah yes. The upcoming ever great Second World War. Geez, when will Iblisan ever stop?”

            “I like you. You’re not only hot but bad too. Maybe I should start bending my knees down to you. I shall be your new follower.” Reed said. “Are those real? Can you make them bigger? You are a goddess after all.” he added while pointing at Asura’s chest.

            Asura replied by summoning a dark purple energy on her left hand and throwing a magical projectile at Reed. Upon impact, Reed screamed for a brief moment before lying limp onto the ground. Her actions shocked the rest of the party and Jaden knelt next to Reed, shaking him while calling him to try and wake him up.

            “Asura! What did you do?” Jaina asked while pointing her pistol at the goddess.

            Asura turned to Jaina and gently placed a finger on the pistol while Jaina watched. Upon touching the gun, the pistol disintegrated into dust, shocking Jaina. Kida and Jaden simply watched with awe.

            “Even if you managed to shoot me, I’ll survive either way.” Asura taunted.

            “Asura, what did you do to Reed? Just because he made a dirty comment…” Jaden asked before Asura interrupted, “Relax Jaden. Don’t worry too much. I know he’s your friend so I placed him in a limbo of life and death. He’s neither dead nor alive now and most importantly, he’s silenced. I’ll bring him back once we’re done.”

            Though Jaden was still worried about Reed’s state, she decided to trust the goddess. After all, looking at what she just did, it would be unwise to cross her. While gulping up saliva, Jaden nodded and said, “Alright. Let’s just get this over with.”

            “Good. So, why did you come here?” Asura asked.

            “I come to ask for your permission to include the sirens into my rebellion, the Liberator Alliance. We humans are at the brink of extinction and all the other races have agreed to set aside our differences and aid us. The sirens would be a tremendous help in our war effort.” Jaden requested.

            “Hmph, I knew you were going to ask that.” Asura said while adjusting her hat again, tilting it back.

            “Then, why did you have to ask why we came here?” Kida queried.

            “I just want to confirm if that’s truly why you decided to come here.” Asura answered. “Still, though I hate to see you humans get wiped out, I do not wish to see the sirens suffer the same fate.”

            “Aren’t sirens invincible? They can’t die in battle, can they?” Jaina asked.

            “Then clearly you never fought Iblisan in battle. He knows a spell that can disable a magical invincibility shield. I can bet he teaches some of his followers this spell, especially his personally favorite pet. The one he calls, Dark Viper.” Asura explained.

            “We encountered him several times.” Jaden said.

            “I know.” Asura retorted.

            “You know a lot do you?” Jaden asked.

            “About you? You had no idea. You have the attention of the gods. Just a friendly warning.” Asura told her.

            “Alright…anyway. Is there any way we could counter the spell Iblisan knows?” Jaden queried.

            “None that I know of. Although, thus far, I know of one human who countered the spell when Iblisan attempted to cast it on her.”

            “Who’s this human?”

            “She’s long dead Jaden. Don’t bother.”

            “But aren’t you the Goddess of Life and Death? Can’t you just bring her back to help us out?” Kida asked.

            “She hasn’t crossed over to Spiritus yet. Her spirit still lingers so I can’t bring her here, especially since her body’s no longer around. Eh, don’t bother. Finding her is nearly impossible and besides, she lacks emotions.” Asura explained.

            “Lacks emotions…” Jaden said, pondering over the sense of familiarity when she heard that phrase. “Wait…you’re talking about Ariel Silver.”

            “That’s right girl. She knows how to counter the spell.”

            “She must’ve used it to defeat Iblisan during the First World War. How did she learn it?”

            “Beats me. I’m not the one who gave it to her.”

            “Look Asura, even if we lack a counter for that spell, we still need all the help we can get. The sirens will be a great addition to our army. Please, we need them.” Jaden pleaded.

            “Give me one very good reason why I should send them to their deaths and I will consider it Jaden.”

            “Very well then. Iblisan’s Dark Viper tried to assassinate the siren representative during the summit. It is pretty clear that whether or not they’re involved, Iblisan will turn to the sirens once he’s done with us.” Jaden told her.

            “You’re joking. Iblisan would never cross me…”

            “Trust me Asura. You can go ahead and ask the representative herself.”

            “Tch. That fallen angel is really getting on my nerves. Alright then, you have my approval.”

            Upon hearing her words, Jaden recoiled with surprise.

            “Umm…what? That’s it? You’re not going to argue back?”

            “I asked you to give me one good reason and you gave it to me. Iblisan has decided to cross me so I’ll cross him.”

            “You’re no longer afraid of sending the sirens to war?”

            “I still am but, considering your reputation of being an empathetic leader, I guess I’ll have to trust you with their lives.”

            “But, what about dealing with the spell Iblisan knows? Heck, how do we even defeat Iblisan? He’s an angel.”

            “Well, you got a goddess on your side. Once I see that bastard, I’ll kill him myself.”

            “You’re very optimistic for a goddess.” Kida observed.

            “What? You expect me to be all dull and boring like the God of Creation. Please.”

            “So, we’re allies then?” Jaden asked, extending a hand out to Asura. The goddess looked at her hand, still smiling, and accepted it. “Of course.”

            “Our conversation has been…um…pleasant?” Jaden said with skepticism.

            “It has indeed.”

            “So Asura, could you return Reed to us?”

            “Alrighty then.” Asura agreed. She summoned forth a similar form of energy and threw it at Reed’s limp body. Upon contact, Reed took in a deep breath and began to recover.

            “Whoa…was I dead?” Reed asked as he stood up.

            “Close to it.” Asura answered. “That would teach you not to disrespect a female’s endowments.”

            “Oh true! Lesson learned. I won’t do it again.” Reed replied.

            “Good.” Jaina said before punching Reed’s aching shoulder. He retracted in pain and sneered at her while she smiled. “That was so worth it.”

            As Jaden turned to Asura, she noticed the goddess looking up into the sky, readjusting her hat due to the sunlight. Curious, Jaden looked up and saw a fleet of Salvager ships landing into the planet.

            “Ah, more visitors. What are the chances they’re friendly?” Asura asked.

            “They’re not.” Jaden answered when the spotted the insignia of the Cult of Iblisan on one of the ships. “Iblisan’s men.”

            “Well, now I have a very good reason why I should get involved in this war. Iblisan’s ego has seriously blown.” Asura commented. “You kids can go ahead and fight them. I’ll warn the sirens to stay out of the battle unless directly engaged.”

            “Alright. Come on. Whatever is it they have planned, we must stop them.” Jaden told her party.

            “Let’s go guys.”