Revelation
June 14, 2025 at 1:03 PM
"Sensei... just what have you been doing in your time?" Hifumi asked, her legs trembling slightly. She knew full well that Ja'vassa would never lay a hand on her, but after what she witnessed, the fear of what he could do if he was angered lingered in her mind.
The old Khajiit was silent for a moment, unable to find the right words to respond right away. "Rage and grief are tremendous motivators, often driving a person to do the unthinkable. Each time, I thought my actions were justified... destroying the Dawnguard after they took my son. Decimating Sadrith Kagran after forcing me into slavery. Wiping out the Forsworn after their attack on Silverstead. I went through great pain and suffering, and each time, I caused just as much to others. In the end, it only won me more pain and suffering. It didn't bring my wife or children back, but only sowed the seeds for further violence."
With clenched teeth and balled up fists, Relumara shot him a piercing glare. "What you've done is unforgivable, but I understand. You've lost more than most, but what I don't understand is why you've kept this hidden from all of us. I knew of Raeza and Ma'isha and the destruction of Silverstead, but... why'd you hide the rest from us? Do you not trust us, Ja'vassa?" He asked, his fists shaking slightly.
"It's not a matter of trust, Relumara. I... didn't want to risk losing you and the others. I am not looking for redemption or forgiveness for the lives I've taken, I am beyond that point. I feared that if you knew.. you'd leave me, too." Ja'vassa paused for a moment, glancing away from the group. "I... I don't want to be alone again. This is the only family I have left. My wife, my children, my clan. They're gone, all of them. I can't lose this, too."
The vulnerability in Ja'vassa's eyes and the unmistakable loneliness in his voice caught Relumara off guard. Despite his disappointment of being left in the dark, it made some sense to him. "That explains why you're so attached to your students as well. Perhaps making up for time for the children and apprentices you've lost over the years." He responded, his gaze softening slightly. "Still... I wish you would've said something to us. We've always been here to offer you support as you need it, and you know that."
A soft, defeated sigh escaped the old Dragonborn. "I know that, but... I needed to remain strong for the rest of you. It wouldn't have done anyone any favors if their leader appeared weak." He replied softly, unable to meet Relumara's gaze. "I'm sorry I kept this from you, I should've spoken about it sooner, but I was afraid."
As the two went back and forth, Rianra had slipped out of the room. It wasn't entirely clear to him if his plan to splinter the castle had actually succeeded, but the tension between the group was obvious to see. If Ja'vassa had hidden this much from them, there was no telling what other secrets he held from them. Relumara clearly wasn't thrilled about being in the dark about so much, the other Council members present weren't entirely sure what to think of the startling revelation. Hifumi found herself growing silently afraid of the teacher she's come to adore; though she knew he'd never hurt her, the lingering fear of him snapping in anger caused her to shudder. After witnessing what he was capable of in both Kivotos and while traveling across Solstheim, should he lose control, there wasn't likely anyone that could stop him.
In time, word would likely spread around the castle and would no doubt spread across Kivotos once Hifumi returned to her home. Whether it would create stronger solidarity with Ja'vassa or turn those who once loved and trusted him against him was to be seen. In the brief time he had been in Kivotos, he had grown to adore many of his students; the feeling often being mutual. Many of the residents within Sjel Blad Castle have grown to admire him for his strength, wisdom, and relentless courage. If they learned of the bloodshed and destruction that their beloved leader left behind, it could turn many against him.
All it would take is for Rianra to speak with a few of the castle's residents for word to spread. While the discussion carried on in the other room, the high elf spoke with a number of residents, informing them that Ja'vassa had finally awoken, while subtly sprinkling seeds of doubt by mentioning some of the things he had confessed to him and the other Council members. Some refused to believe that their esteemed leader could be capable of such horrific deeds, but others weren't too surprised. He was a vampire after all, it made sense he'd hiding some dark secrets.
Back in the infirmary, Ja'vassa had stood up and glanced towards Hifumi. "It'll be a few days before I'm back at full strength, but I should head back to Kivotos with Hifumi. I'm sure her classmates are worried about her."
Hifumi nodded in agreement, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly. "Oh, yeah... I had almost forgotten about that. I'm sure others would like to know that you're okay, too." Despite her lingering concerns, she stepped closer to him; eager to return home sooner than later.
"I'll keep in touch with you when we arrive on the other side." Ja'vassa said to Relumara before motioning for Hifumi to follow him. "We'll head to Abydos, I did promise to visit them again, after all."
Nodding at him, the Dunmer bowed slightly in response. "Of course. We'll coordinate the mission and see what we can find at the old Embassy. Pay attention to the Void Storage, chances are, we'll be using it more often in the coming days."
With their final farewells, Ja'vassa and Hifumi headed off towards the Milestone, quickly activating it and heading back to Kivotos. Their journey across Solstheim and subsequent return to Solstheim only lasted for a few weeks, but it felt as if it had been ages since either of them stepped foot into the academy city. Arriving on the other side was something of a relief, more so for Hifumi. Despite the pitiful state of the Abydos District, it was a pleasant sight to behold.
"Home again, Hifumi. If there's any blowback to you being away for so long, have them complain to me. I'll take the fall for it." As he spoke, he gazed upon the sand covered buildings in the distance, a soft sigh escaping him.
"Thank you, Sensei. Let's head back to SCHALE, I'll leave for Trinity once we arrive." Hifumi responded, walking alongside him.
Before they were even able to leave Ja'vassa's makeshift office, they were greeted by Ayane who stared at them with a surprised expression. With little hesitation, she quickly rushed over and wrapped her teacher into a tight embrace, a relieved smile on her face. "We heard from Momiji and the others that you were attacked. I'm glad to see you're alright, Sensei... and that Hifumi is safe, too."
Though the sudden embrace caught him off guard, Ja'vassa gladly returned it, holding her close to him. "It's good to see you again, Ayane. I'm afraid we won't be able to linger for too long, I need to be sure she returns to Trinity safely. Though, perhaps in the near future, we can enjoy each other's company over some tea and snacks."
A defeated sigh escaped the girl in his arms, though she wasn't entirely ready to pull away from him quite yet. Before Ayane could say anything, Hifumi had nudged him slightly; speaking in a quiet voice. "Sensei... shouldn't you tell them before we go?"
The fear of losing the students he had grown to adore tugged at his heart, telling him to push it off and tell them another time. They'd find out at some point, so perhaps, it'd be better to do so sooner than later. "Ayane... is the rest of the Task Force available? I would like to speak with each of you, if it's not an inconvenience." Ja'vassa's tone was quiet, but his expression made it clear it was a serious topic.
Caught by surprise by the unusual vulnerability in her teacher's eyes, Ayane slowly nodded. "We were just about to wrap up our daily meeting, but I think we can squeeze in some extra time, especially since it seems you've got something important to tell us." Almost reluctantly, she pulled away from his warm, secure embrace; soon leading him and Hifumi into the meeting room.
Upon their arrival, they were welcomed with warm smiles and cheerful greetings. Nonomi quickly invited him to take a seat beside him. "Welcome back, Sensei! It's good to see you as well, Hifumi!" She spoke excitedly, his smile widening as Ja'vassa took the offered seat.
"Well... we're all here, Sensei. What did you want to talk about?" Ayane asked, sitting down across from him.
"During our travels back home, I realized that I wasn't completely honest with you and the others. I've... done some things that I'm not proud of. My hands have been stained in the lifeblood of countless lives, some of them were even innocent." Ja'vassa started, unable to directly meet their gazes.
The group was silent, listening closely as he delved into the stories from over the years. The deaths of his wife and children in Copperstead, the murder of Ri'saad at the hands of the Dawnguard and his subsequent massacre at Dayspring Canyon, the destruction of his home village, the brutal campaign led against the Forsworn, the devastation brought about Sadrith Kagran. Everything that had happened since the day he first arrived in Skyrim to the present day that led him to accidentally arriving in Kivotos. His tone was devoid of emotion, though the glimmer in his eyes made it clear that there was no pride or satisfaction in the things he's done.
As the final story came to a close, the room had fallen silent. In the time they had known him, Ja'vassa had been sweet and affectionate to them, he had gone to great lengths to ensure each of them were safe and happy; from saving Serika when she was kidnapped to Hoshino's issues with Kaiser, they knew he was strong. They knew that he was a war leader, but to know the extent of what he's done was shocking to say the least. None of them were particularly sure of how to respond immediately, nothing they could say or do would ease the pain that he's gone through. Nonetheless, Ayane reached out; placing a hand onto his arm.
"I... I'm not sure if there's much we can say or do. You've been through a lot... you've repeatedly claimed that you weren't some hero, but that's all we've known you as." She offered him a warm smile, squeezing his arm gently. "Your past doesn't define who you are, Sensei. You've given us unconditional love and have gone out of your way to help us despite hardly knowing a thing about this place. It's only fair if we do the same in return."
There was a brief pause from the others, but after a moment; Nonomi had mirrored Ayane's own actions, resting her hand on Ja'vassa's arm. "No matter what happens going forward, you'll always have a place in Abydos with us, Sensei."
The sincerity in their words and the warmth in their gaze caused tears to well up in his eyes, knowing that they'd stand by his side in spite of his past was enough to put his mind at ease, even if just temporarily. "Thank you, truly. I'm glad to know the trust I've been given hasn't been wasted.." Ja'vassa smiled softly, quickly wiping away the tears threatening to spill over his cheeks.
A blissful silence washed over the room for a brief moment before Ja'vassa had broken it. "It was good to see you all again, but I need to get Hifumi home soon. I'll be sure to visit again as soon as I can." He said, standing up after he finished speaking.
"Come back real soon, Sensei." Nonomi replied, standing up beside him. "Oh! I almost forgot. You said you would come back for your amulet." Just as she reached for the old amulet around her neck, Ja'vassa gently took a hold of her hand.
"Hold onto it for a little while longer, Nonomi. I'll come back for it another time. Besides, I think it looks better on you than it ever looked on me." Ja'vassa spoke softly, pulling his hand away from her after a moment. "Stay safe, hopefully the next time we meet, it'll be under more pleasant circumstances." Briefly turning to Hifumi, he motioned for her to follow him. "Let's be on our way, I'm sure you'd want to return home before midnight."
Throughout the conversation, despite her interest in her teacher's past, Hifumi was dozing on and off; the excitement from their travels across Solstheim and the recent debacle with Ja'vassa being unconscious for as long as he was left her exhausted. It was time she returned home and got some proper rest before she'd have to return to her usual daily routine. With a soft yawn, she'd nod in agreement. "Yeah.. that would be nice." She whispered, bowing slightly towards the Abydos students. "It was good to see you again."
Touched by Ja'vassa's gesture, Nonomi flashed one of her typical, bright and cheerful smiles. "You too, Hifumi. You're both welcome to visit us any time you want. Stay safe on your way back to Trinity."
After sharing their final words and parting ways finally, Ja'vassa and Hifumi left the meeting room in order to make their way towards the Abydos station. Unknown to them, their conversation was being listened to by Rianra who had stepped through the Milestone not long after Ja'vassa did. Through the use of several illusion spells, he had been able to mask both his scent and any sounds he may have made. As their meeting came to a close, Rianra quickly returned to Sjel Blad Castle; unhappy with the turn of events. He had hoped that discovering their seemingly gentle and affectionate teacher's bloody past would turn them against him, but it didn't happen as he had planned.
Pacing back and forth in his private quarters, Rianra was deep in thought as it seemed he'd have to make some mild adjustments to his plans. The stories may not have turned them against him, but perhaps he could still use the students to his favor. "I've only seen Abydos so far... I believe he mentioned that he's created a second Milestone in Kivotos." He muttered, rubbing his chin slightly as he spoke. "Maybe... maybe we could stage an attack on that side. Perhaps we could recruit the residents that have had their loyalty shaken, pin the attack as an invasion planned by Ja'vassa. Even if we can't kill him, perhaps it'll be enough to take him out of the picture for a time."
Quickly jotting down the beginnings of a plan, Rianra smirked. "Well... it's time to pay Viralia and Vallas a visit. This'll be the only chance we have at succeeding... it won't be long before Ja'vassa and the others catch wind." Setting his journal into his satchel, he'd grab his traveling gear and head out of his room.
Just as he was about to leave the castle, he had been stopped by Maribelle. "Heading out again, Rianra? For research this time, or are you just looking to get a little fresh air?" She asked, a warm smile crossing her face.
"A little fresh air, I'm meeting with... my fiancee again. I wanted to discuss some of our wedding plans before the big day finally arrives." Rianra explained quickly, returning the smile. "I'll be back before Ja'vassa returns, so don't worry about me missing any meetings."
A teasing smirk crossed the alchemist's face. "Don't hesitate to come to me for aid if you need a little help planning the wedding. After all, I planned out my cousin's wedding a while back. I wouldn't expect you to remember, given that you went through almost an entire case of Firebrand Wine yourself on the night of the wedding." Maribelle teased.
"Oh, you had to bring that up? I'm still trying to wash the smell of grapes and cinnamon out of my wedding attire." Rianra rolled his eyes, chuckling softly. "I'll keep you in mind if I get stuck anywhere. Regardless, I'll see you again soon, Maribelle."
With their brief exchange behind them, Rianra had set off for his group's makeshift hideout in Pinewatch in order to meet with his allies. The day of the new war is slowly approaching, despite the confidence in his plans and in the abilities of his companions, he couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. Betraying and potentially facing Ja'vassa in battle was not something he looked forward to, though perhaps they'd get lucky and he'd fall to a stray arrow or to an attack by his hopefully disgruntled students.
