Slavery atrocity averted ! After having ventured into the cruel world of Zygerrian Slave Traders, the Jedi have succeeded in freeing the surviving population of the Artisanal Togrutan Colony of Kiros ! The Republic assigned esteemed Senator Padmé Amidala for aiding the ailing people to recover ! Elsewhere, in the far-off Galaxy, a war of grave consequences is about to begin all over again…
Outskirts of the city of Narshe, Gaia
"Long ago, the War of the Magi reduced the world to a scorched wasteland, and Magic simply ceased to exist. 1000 years have passed… Iron, gunpowder, and steam engines have been rediscovered, and high technology reigns… But there are some who would enslave the world by reviving the dread destructive force known as "Magic". Can it be that those in power are on the verge of repeating a senseless and deadly mistake ?"
High into the snowy mountains, the chilly winds blew. 3 people stopped near a peak, riding a machine "capable" of using devastating "Magic" called Magitek Armor. There were two men, decked in brown armor, faithful soldiers of the Gestahlian Empire. The leader of the two was named Wedge. His partner was named Vicks. Along with them, there was a young woman with green hair, whose name is a mystery to them.
Vicks looked through some binoculars. "There's the town…"
Wedge wiped the snow off his armor. "Hard to believe an Esper's been found intact there, 1000 years after the War of the Magi…"
Vicks turned to him. "Think it's still alive ?"
Wedge shrugged his shoulders. "Probably… judging from the urgency of our orders."
Vicks turned his attention to the green-haired woman. "And this woman, this… sorcerer. Why's she here ? I heard she fried 50 of our Magitek Armored Soldiers in under 3 minutes."
Wedge relieved his friend's worries. "Not to worry. The Slave Crown on her head robs her of all conscious thought. She'll follow orders." He began to descend the mountain. "We'll approach from the East. Move out !"
All 3 trekked through the thick snow and finally reached the city's limits. Before they enter, Wedge orders to woman to lead the attack. "Let's put her on point. No sense taking any risks. Forward !"
As they entered the city, a couple of guards ran out to face them. "Imperial Magitek Armors ?! Not even Narshe is safe anymore !"
They decided to attack their foes. Seconds later, only cinders remained of the guards. They were scorched alive by the Magitek Armor's Fire Beam.
The trio kept moving north towards mines. A couple of guards and their dogs were ready to defend their town. "Narshe's freedom depends on us !" The dogs were set loose.
Neither had a chance to do anything. One was frozen to death with the Ice Beam while the other suffered a fatal electrical shock with the Bolt Beam. Wanting to avenge their beloved pets, the guards rushed the Magitek Armors. Both fell quickly. The woman pressed a button and sent one of the guard to an unknown destination using an ability called X-Fer. The other was chilled to the bone with the Ice Beam.
The three kept going until they were cornered. "Now we've got them ! They can't escape !" Two guards and a dog attacked. The dog suffered an agonizing death as the woman unleashed a TekMissile. The guards were electrocuted to death with the Bolt Beam.
They passed the town and were approaching the mines. Two guards and two Vommamoths, woolly creatures armed with sharp tusks, attacked them. "We must protect the mines !"
A Vommamoth managed to slash Vick's armor. The woman once again did the slaying. Pressing a specific button, she unloaded a cloud of noxious gas called Bio Blast. The guards and animals succumbed immediately to the poison, dropping like flies.
In order to heal himself, Vicks used a healing ability called Heal Force. Whatever wounds he suffered closed up and it was like nothing ever happened. They stopped at the entrance of the mine. "According to our information, the Esper was found in some mines. Maybe this one." Wedge remarked.
They entered and soon came upon a gate. Vicks motioned to Wedge and the woman to give him room. "I'll handle this. Stand back !" Vicks backed up and rammed the gate, crushing it.
As they entered the new path, a guard blocked their way. "We won't hand over the Esper !" He motioned to an enormous slug. "Whelk ! Get them !"
"Gruuu…" The Whelk slowly approached the trio, unfazed that it was outnumbered.
Vicks threw his hands up in the air. "Hold it ! Think back to our briefing…"
Wedge turned to him. "What about it ?!"
Vicks scratched his head. "Do you recall hearing about a monster that eats lightning… and stores the energy in its shell ? Right, so whatever you do, don't attack the shell !"
"Allright, already !" Wedge began the attack with a Fire Beam aimed at the Whelk's head.
The woman launched a TekMissile. The blow caused the Whelk to retreat into it's shell. "Gruuu…"
Vicks had pressed a button too soon. His Fire Beam hit the shell, causing it to counterattack with Megavolt, leaving Vicks in a crippled state.
Wedge facepalmed. "Vicks ! Take your own advice, sheesh !" He used Heal Force on Vicks to bring him back to health.
Several Fire Beam attacks and a TekMissile attack later, the Whelk was defeated and melted away. It left a Potion behind for their troubles. Grabbing the item, the trio entered the cave and came face to face with the Esper. It appeared to be a sort of mythical beast, frozen in ice. As they approached it, the Esper released a strange aura.
The woman approached the Esper, taking a closer look. Wedge became worried. "Hey ! What's the matter ? Do you know something we don't ?"
The Esper released an eerie light, smothering both Vicks and Wedge. "Hey, where's that light coming from ?!" Wedge disappeared in a flash of light.
Vicks began to panic, looking in all directions. "Hey ! Wedge, where are you ? W… what's happening ?!" It was his turn to disappear.
Now only the woman remained. The Esper launched a magic of sorts on her, causing the Magitek Armor to simply vanish and her to faint.
Artisanal Togrutan Colony, Kiros
Governor Roshti and several of his aides looked as a Jedi Shuttle landed in a clearing. He was very surprised to see the Supreme Chancellor was one of the esteemed guests. His people definitely approved the Republic's intervention for Humanitarian aid. Aside Chancellor Palpatine, Senator Padmé Amidala and Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker joined him.
Roshti bowed before them. "I cannot thank the Republic enough. I didn't expect that the small colony of Kiros would be given this much attention. It is an honor to meet you in person, Supreme Chancellor. And you, Senator Amidala, we are grateful for the organization to help us recover. To tell you the truth, we are still quite shaken by our recent ordeal. But the medicine, water and food provided by you will give us a chance to start anew."
Chancellor Palpatine shook the Governor's hand. "Now, now. No need for such formalities, Governor Roshti. Kiros has joined the Republic, so it is only natural that we offer you help. Thanks to the intervention of the Jedi, the Zygerrian Slave Empire is now crippled. The facility on Kadavo has been destroyed and their Queen was… "silenced"."
Roshti expressed his thanks to Anakin as well. "Master Skywalker, thanks to your bravery, most of my people are still alive. We owe you our lives. Where is Padawan Tano and Master Kenobi ? They were also part of the rescue mission."
Anakin smiled in response. "Not to worry, Governor. Ahsoka and Obi-Wan are on their way. They should be here in a matter of minutes."
In hyperspace, on the way to Kiros
Ahsoka and Obi-Wan were taking their time, discussing recent events.
"So anyways, there I was, tied down and held by 4 Death Watch guards. Pre Vizla was about to slice my head off. Thankfully, R2 caused a distraction, which allowed Lux to escape and find a speeder to get us back to the Phoenix. Don't ask me how I pulled it off, but I decapitated the 4 guards with one swipe of my lightsabers. Vizla and I dueled for a bit. I managed to slash his jetpack, giving me a chance to escape with Lux. We were pursued, but we managed to lose them in the end. Not long after we left Carlac, Lux took the escape pod and left me with R2. I hope he's ok, wherever he is."
Obi-Wan stroked his beard. "That was quite an adventure, I must say. Usually, I don't agree with some of Anakin's teaching methods, but they have allowed you to survive on your own."
Suddenly, the ship's system shut off and reset itself. Ahsoka raised an eye marking. "Ok… that was strange. Why do I get that feeling of Déja Vu ? It's almost like before we appeared on Mortis."
Obi-Wan looked through the window. "I think that's the least of our problems now. Look ! We're about to collide with that comet !"
"The controls aren't responding, Master Kenobi ! Everything is dead !" Ahsoka pressed a series of buttons.
Obi-Wan's eyes went wide in horror. "Not good ! Not good at all ! BRACE FOR IMPACT !"
As the comet hit the ship, a brilliant flash of light was the last thing both Jedi saw before passing out.
Unknown area, Gaia
Ahsoka groaned and moaned in slight pain. She woke up, seeing that she is lying on grass. "Am I… am I dead ? Where am I ?"
By her side, Obi-Wan shook himself from his "sleep". "Well… this is rather odd. Last thing I remember was a comet hitting our ship ! Speaking of which… I'm not seeing it anywhere."
She turned around, seeing an enormous desert. "Could we be on Tatooine ?"
Obi-Wan shook his head. "Definitely not Tatooine, young one. There is no grass or forests like we see here. I'm afraid I don't recognize this planet."
"What ?! What do you mean you don't know ? Haven't you travelled a lot with Master Jinn ?"
"Well yes, but we never could have visited every single planet in the Galaxy, it's too vast. Looking at the position of the sun, it's already midday wherever we are. It would be prudent to seek shelter before the night falls." Obi-Wan scanned around the area.
"Shouldn't we be looking for our ship ?" Ahsoka searched her pockets and found a pair of electro-boniculars. "Well… I'm not seeing it anywhere, Master. So I guess we're stuck here for the time being."
"Out there, in the desert ! Don't you see it ? It could be a settlement. We'll have to chance it. Since we don't know where we are, there's no telling what could be lurking around after dark. Come, young Padawan. Let's get a move on !" Obi-Wan motioned Ahsoka to follow him through the desert.
Ahsoka checked her belt. "Um… where are my lightsabers ? Master Kenobi, do you have yours ?"
Obi-Wan reached for his belt. "Well… this is quite the predicament. We must have lost them when that comet hit us."
Ahsoka facepalmed. "Great ! So if we're going to fight, we'll have to do it the old-fashioned way. Here's hoping nothing attacks us on the way."
They trudged through the sand dunes. Their trek stopped when they felt something moving around. In front of them, 3 Areneid popped out of the sands. An insect-like creature with large mandibles and a stinger.
Obi-Wan immediately took a fighting stance. "What in the universe are those ?"
"Who cares ? Let's get rid of them !" Ahsoka landed a punch on one of them, defeating it.
One Areneid moved to Ahsoka's position and stung her in the leg. "H-hey ! Ow ! What w- !"
Obi-Wan made short work of Ahsoka's attacker. He gazed at the Togruta. She seemed to be frozen on the spot. "What in the universe ?! Ahhh… I see. These creatures can paralyse us with their sting. So that's why Ahsoka is stiff." He defeated the remaining enemy. For their troubles, they were awarded some Gold Pieces and a couple of Tonics.
Several minutes later, the numbness wore off. "What the Force happened ? I wasn't capable of moving at all."
"You were paralysed, Ahsoka. Come now, we're almost at that settlement." He motioned her to move forward.
They arrived at the settlement. It was a castle. Built right in the middle of a desert. A guard was standing by the door.
"Halt ! What is your business ?"
Obi-Wan stayed calm as he explained his situation. "We're stranded, unfortunately. My friend and I are simply looking for a place to spend the night. Also… where are we ? We're a bit… lost."
"You're at Figaro Castle. Ruled by King Edgar. You don't seem like bad people, so I guess I could let you pass." The guard opened the door. "Go on and meet the King if you want to. Mind your manners."
"We thank you for your generous hospitality and will take your advice. We will meet this King Edgar. Perhaps we'll learn more about this place when we speak to him." Obi-Wan politely nodded and went along through the main door. They passed a hall and arrived at a courtyard. They climbed up some stairs and entered a hallway, leading to the throne room.
Obi-Wan entered the throne room and saw a young man sitting. "No doubt, you're King Edgar." He bowed politely.
The man nodded. "I am. King Edgar Roni Figaro… at your service." He noticed Ahsoka. "Madam, welcome to Figaro Castle. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask."
Ahsoka nodded. "Thank you, your Highness."
A soldier came running into the throne room. "King Edgar ! Someone from the Empire to see you."
Edgar groaned and buried his face in his hands. "Probably Kefka."
Ahsoka raised an eye marking. "Kefka ? I don't like the sound of that name at all, Master Kenobi."
Obi-Wan nodded. "Indeed, Padawan. I sense evil."
Out in the desert, Court Mage Kefka Palazzo was visiting and a couple of Imperial soldiers accompanied him. "Phooey ! Emperor Gestahl's stupid orders ! Edgar, you pinhead ! Why do you have to live in the middle of nowhere ? These recon jobs are the pits !"
Kefka noticed there was sand lying on his boots. "Ahem ! There's SAND on my boots !"
The soldiers quickly wiped off the sand from his boots. "All clear, Sir. Yes, Sir !"
Kefka laughed it up. "Idiots !"
He moved to the guard at the door. "Lord Kefka ! What on earth do…"
The guard was quickly shoved away. "Outta my way !"
King Edgar went outside to meet with Kefka. He talked with his soldiers first.
"I thought we were allies. What are you doing in my domain ? You've been busy down south. Looking for more cities to destroy ?"
"That's for us to know !" The soldiers replied.
Edgar then talked with Kefka. "What brings Kefka, humble servant of Emperor Gestahl, into our lowly presence ?"
"A girl of no importance recently escaped from us. We heard she found refuge here…" Kefka answered.
Edgar backed off a bit. "Hmm. This wouldn't have anything to do with this "witch" everyone's been whispering about, would it ?"
Kefka cleared his throat. "Lies ! She… merely stole something of minor value. Is she here ?"
Edgar approached the Court Mage. "That's a tough one ! You see, there's more girls here than grains of sand out there. I can't keep track of 'em all !"
Kefka snickered. "I'd hate to be you if we find out you're lying ! Mwa ha ! I truly hope nothing happens to your precious Figaro !" He went off, laughing maniacally.
Edgar went to meet with a grey-haired fellow. "I'd say that guy's missing a few buttons."
Edgar looked in worry. "Where's Terra ?"
The green-haired woman stepped out. Edgar took a quick glance at her. "Take her to her room… and these new guests as well." He pointed to Obi-Wan and Ahsoka. "I'd love to chat with you all, but the Chancellor and I must plan our strategy. Sometimes I hate being a King ! If you'll excuse me." He nodded politely and left the three with the grey-haired man."
"This way, please." He lead the green-haired woman, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka to a room with several beds.
The green-haired woman had to sate her curiosity. "You're Locke, right ? Edgar told me about you. Is it true you're a thief ?"
Locke's blood boiled. "THAT'S TREASURE HUNTER ! The truth is, Edgar only pretends to support the Empire. He is with the Returners, a group opposed to the Empire. The Old Man you met in Narshe is one of us." He turned to his otherworldly guests. "What about you two ?"
Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "Let's begin with the two of you. Who are you ?"
Locke explained. "Ok, I'm Locke Cole. I'm an Adventurer, searching for lost relics of the past. I met up with Terra after I saved her from the Narshe guards… with the help of Moogles."
Terra extended her hand to shake with Obi-Wan and Ahsoka's. "I'm Terra Brandford, nice to meet all of you. Until recently, I was serving the Empire. But I was put a Slave Crown at one time… I'm afraid everything from that point is one big blank in my mind. If only I could remember."
Obi-Wan crossed his arms. "Very well. I am Obi-Wan Kenobi, a Jedi Master. This is Ahsoka Tano… a Jedi Apprentice, if that explains things."
Locke nodded. "Right. What is a Jedi ?"
Ahsoka rolled her eyes. "Ugh. Ok… let's say we have our own special powers with the mind. That makes us Jedi."
Locke nodded again. "Yeah. I think I understand. Anyways… take a rest. Take a breather. I have a feeling things will worsen with time." He motioned them to a bed.
All slept fairly well. Edgar was woken to the smell of smoke. He ran off to the courtyard. There, he saw Kefka, flanked by a couple of guards.
He noticed how the guards seemed to enjoy the carnage. "Fire, fire ! Heh, heh, heh !"
He approached the Court Mage. "What are you doing ?!"
Kefka laughed. "Bring me the girl. Now !"
Edgar shook his head. "I don't know what you're talking about !"
Kefka snickered. "Then… welcome to my barbecue ! Uwa ha ha !"
Edgar walked to a guard. "Get them ready."
The guard nodded. "Yes, sir." He ran inside, making necessary preparations.
Kefka walked up to Edgar, who was leaning on the edge of the parapets. "Changed your mind ?"
Edgar lowered his head. "Perhaps I have no choice…"
He heard a whistle and saw 5 Chocobos, birds of burden. "Or maybe I do !" He hopped onto the lead bird.
Kefka was amused. "Ack ! Shameful that a King should flee, leaving his people behind ! How utterly delightful !"
Edgar ran to the east part of the castle, enabling Terra, Locke, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka to ride Chocobos like him. "Jump !" They all had their own bird and made their way to the entrance of the castle, Kefka just arriving. "Ok ! Dive now !"
Ahsoka and Obi-Wan looked in wonder as Figaro Castle folded into one piece and sank into the desert sands. A true marvel of technology.
Kefka rose out of his stupor and noticed two Magitek Armors available. "Go ! GET THEM !"
They raced the Chocobos and quickly reached them.
The five were caught in a back attack. Both Magitek Armors used their Tek Laser attack, hurting both Ahsoka and Locke.
Terra used her Cure spell in battle. Both Edgar and Locke couldn't believe their eyes.
"Edgar, what's the matter ? You look like you've been spooked !" Locke checked his wounds.
Edgar blinked. "Did you just see what I just saw ? That was MAGIC ! M-A-G-I-C !"
Locke jumped out of his shoes. "M-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-magic ? She used Magic ?!"
Both men whisper between each other, Terra became embarrassed. "Sorry, I… um…"
They both snapped out of their trance. "Edgar, Terra can use Magic and we can't. That's the only difference between us. The fact is… we could use her help."
Terra winked to Edgar and Locke. "Thank you, Locke. Thank you, Edgar."
They soon returned to fighting. Edgar used his Autocrossbow to deal a good blow to the Magitek Armors. Obi-Wan and Ahsoka attacked with physical blows, destroying both foes.
As they all ran out of the desert, Edgar cheered for his kingdom. "Bravo, Figaro !"
They passed Kefka, who was not pleased. "Son of a submariner ! They'll pay for this !"
As they crossed the desert some more, Terra seemed lost. "Was that a bad person ? I… I'm scared…"
Edgar approached Terra. "Terra, there's someone we'd like you to meet. His name is Banon. He leads the Returners. "Magic" is going to be the key to winning this war."
Terra blinked. "Magic ?"
Locke cleared his throat. "Terra has magical powers. That Esper seemed to… react to her. Can there be some connection ?"
Terra just blurted out what came to mind. "I haven't the foggiest ! It just seems natural to me that I have the use of this power…"
Locke shook his head. "But no Human is born with the powers that you seem to have and…"
Terra stopped her Chocobo. Obi-Wan and Ahsoka took note.
"I apologize." Locke lowered his head.
Terra seemed quite confused. "What should I do ?"
Edgar turned to Terra. "Terra, you want to understand your own powers, right ? Then, perhaps a meeting with Banon will help you. There's a cave south of here. We cross that, we'll reach South Figaro." He turned to Ahsoka and Obi-Wan. "Do you two want to come along ? You don't have to if you don't want to…"
Obi-Wan cleared his throat. "We were sent here for a reason, Edgar. As much as we would prefer to be… elsewhere… we'll help you. Ahsoka, do you agree ?"
Ahsoka nodded. "Yes, Master Kenobi. I'm not one to twiddle my thumbs and do nothing. We will help you as best as we can."
All raced south to the cavern.
Yet another story. This one will be… different. I have no idea how many readers played Final Fantasy 3 (or Final Fantasy 6 if you really want to be finicky)… This is a game I was lucky to have grown up with. The characters, the storyline, the music… etc… It all melded perfectly together. For now, we have Ahsoka and Obi-Wan meeting some of the more important cast. As they are stuck on Gaia (Final Fantasy's universe from my understanding), both will have their "trials" as they will be forced to work with all sorts of people. Over the next chapter, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan will receive their first weapons, armors and relics. They'll stick with Edgar, Locke and Terra as they explore Mount Koltz. Try to imagine Obi-Wan and Ahsoka wielding swords and magic. This is going to be a major challenge for me. I said I wasn't thinking of doing another Clone Wars/Video Game Crossover after my Castlevania : Rondo of Blood story, (Meeting the Prince of Darkness). Well… after working on several stories of having Ahsoka and Lux in modern times (A Fresh Start of Things/Wishes Come True), I changed my mind. For the time being, this first chapter is simply a taste of what is to come. I'll update after Unchanging Fates is completed. Please feel free to review.
