10
FINAL FANTASY: WORLD'S DAMNATION
A Mage is born
I stared at the roof of my room, trying very hard not to cry. A migraine the size of a building once again was attacking my head. These migraines had been happening since I was three, and I was now almost eighteen. I understand that these headaches are common with those who have magic in their blood, but for Odin's sake, why do they hurt so fucking much?! I put my hand on my head and could feel it pulsing.
My name is Isaiah Johnson. My parents died when I was eight, so ever since then, I've been living with no one else but my Moogle, whom I had named Theo. Mom and Dad were teachers. Mom taught White Magic, and Dad exceled in Black Magic. When they had me, they began teaching me both Magic classes. By the age of five, I knew all the Black Magic 'Aga' spells, and I knew every White Magic spell besides Holy. Now, I've mastered all the spells and am considered a prodigy. Today, I'm supposed to go into town to the Magic Laboratory and get my license. Then, I'd be able to defend the world as a Mage from the monsters that roam the lands outside of the cities.
Theo flew into my room and landed on my stomach. "Hurry, Isaiah! We have to go into town, kupo!" it said. "If this headache doesn't kill me…" I replied. Theo flew up and sat atop my dresser. "Mage's License! Mage's License! Kupo!" it chanted. I sat up, doing my best to ignore the pain that continued to throb in my head. "Alright, come on." I said. Theo flew beside me as we left my small house. In the town of Denham, the population is huge. A bustling city are we, with a Battle School, A Magic Laboratory, and the continent's largest shopping mall. We often have thousands of tourists visiting the city, mainly for the exotic products of our shopping mall. The city is also dangerous, though. Thieves are plentiful in the city, and many people get attacked. The Law Enforcement of Denham is strong, but with such a gigantic city, many places are often overlooked. Things were terrible for the longest time, and up until he bombing of the Magic Laboratory, nothing was really taken seriously. I lost both my parents in that bombing… something I can't ever forget about.
"Food! Kupo!" Theo said, flying over to a snack cart. "Food! Kupo!" I walked over to the food cart. "Afternoon, sir. It appears you have a hungry Mog." The woman behind the cart said, flashing a friendly smile. "Yeah, it hasn't eaten all day. Neither have I." I said. I purchased two chocolate muffins, giving one to Theo. "KUPO!" it said, happily biting into the muffin. I thanked the woman and continued along the way to the Lab.
I noticed that a crowd was beginning to gather in a courtyard with a lot of food shops. Curious, I headed to the area. People began screaming when I'd arrived, but it wasn't because of me. There were three large Arachnia standing in the middle of the courtyard. Arachnia are women with the lower half of brown tarantulas but the top half of an ugly female. They're dangerous monsters that are common in the city, but normally stay in the slums and alleys. I wondered what caused them to leave the dark areas and come into the light of the city. One of the creatures hissed loudly sand jumped ten feet into the air, slamming into the ground. It caused a tremor that shook everyone in the area. "Must help the people! KUPO!" Theo said, still eating its muffin. "I can't, Theo. I don't have my license to fight using my magic yet." I said. The police arrived a few moments later. Out of the truck stepped a Warrior and a White Mage. "Everyone clear the area!" The White Mage woman said. The civilians hurried out of the area and to safety. "Keris, heal me when you see necessary. I'll probably need it, seeing that these things are tough in groups." The Warrior male said. "Arachnia are physical resistant creatures, Veral. Are you sure we shouldn't request a Black Mage for back up?" Keris said, worry in her voice.
Veral didn't pay her any attention as he advanced on the creatures. Unsheathing his overlarge sword, he began thrusting his weapon at full strength at the creatures. Keris watched intently, her powder-white casting staff ready to heal. As her advice intended, Veral was quickly injured by the creatures, and they began to overwhelm him. "Kupo! You must help him! Kupo!" Theo said, flying in circles around me. "I'll be put in jail for unlicensed magic use, Theo!" I said. "Listen to yourself, kupo! This isn't like you! The Isaiah I know would selflessly throw himself into the fray to help others, kupo!" Theo said.
"VERAL!" Keris screamed. That did it. "Theo, analyze!" I said. "Analyzing…. Arachnia are weak to spell of Fire, kupo!" Theo said. I raised my arms into the air. "Firaga!" I shouted. A rush of wind blew past me, and the Arachnia were consumed by a gigantic pillar of orange flames. The creatures hissed loudly in the flames, and once the fires receded, all that was left of the monsters were ashes. I hurried over to Veral, who was bleeding from several different places. "Kupo! He is heavily injured!" Theo said. "Veral!" Keris screamed, running over to us. "Can you heal him?" I asked. "My magic isn't strong enough! I only know Cure and Esuna!" Keris replied. She hung her head in shame. "You've already cast a spell, kupo. Cast another!" Theo said. I nodded. I knelt down and placed my hands on Veral's chest. "Curaja." I said quietly. A spiral of rainbow wind engulfed Veral's body, and when it disappeared, he was no longer bleeding. His wounds were closed. "My pain is no longer existent… You've my sincere thanks, young man." Veral said. "That… was a Curaja spell, wasn't it?" Keris asked, in awe. I nodded.
Reinforcements arrived minutes later. We helped Veral to his feet and into a van on the way to the hospital. "You, boy. Are you the one who cast the spells?" An elderly officer asked, pointing directly at me. I swallowed, unsure if I should answer or not. "Kupo! He saved the Warrior's life with his spells!" Theo chimed in. "It's true! Please don't punish him, sir. He saved Veral's life! We had no Black Mage when dealing with the Arachnia, and my White Magic wasn't strong enough to cure his injuries. This guy used both White and Black Magic to help the city!" Keris said defensively. "Without a license." The officer said, grabbing me by the arm. "Unhand him, Officer Everett." Another voice came. We turned and saw another policeman exit a van. Except he was clad in silver armor, unlike the blue armor of the other policemen. "High General Athen…" the officer began. He let me go and saluted Athen. "At ease, Everett. Allow me to speak with this gentleman." Athen said. He motioned for me to follow him. Theo flew beside me, quieter than it usually was.
I followed Athen silently. He stopped by the fountain, which spewed crystal clear water into the smooth marble base. "What is your name, good sir?" Athen asked me. "Isaiah. Isaiah Johnson, sir." I said, wondering if he could hear the nervousness in my voice. "Son of Tonita and Corey?" he asked me. This got my attention. "Y-yes. You knew my parents?" I asked. "Your parents were the best Magic users in the city. They defended the Magic Laboratory when the Bombs attacked. Your Mother healed constantly while your Father expelled all of his magical energy to destroy the monsters. Unfortunately, there were much too many of them. The Mom Bomb, the mother of all the creatures of the Bomb species, ambushed them when both your parents were without any MP. It exploded, destroying both your parents and the building. I knew that they had a son, but I had absolutely no idea that he was a Mage. Have you a license?" "No sir, I was on my way to get it today." I said. "Consider it done. You have displayed sheer courage and expert use of magic. I deem you a licensed Mage." Athen said. With that, he took off a badge from his armor and placed it onto my shirt. The badge began to glow, and then it disappeared. Soon, my entire body began to glow with silver light.
When the light receded, my casual jeans and t-shirt had been replaced. I know wore an ocean blue robe with blue jeans and no shirt. On my head was a silver circlet with a sapphire on the front. My sneakers were replaced by black boots. "Mage! Mage, kupo!" Theo said, flying around rapidly. In front of me, a blue orb appeared. It split in two, and then turned into two gold and blue fans.
"Those fans were the weapon of choice of your Mother." Athen said. I put them into a container I'd found in on my side. "You'll do your parents very proud, Isaiah." Athen said, patting my shoulder. "Well, what do I do now?" I asked. "You should head to the Battle School to demonstrate your worth. You'll then be given either an assigned group to perform duties into, or put on the waiting list to be assigned." Athen explained to me. I nodded.
I suddenly felt full of worth. I took off running, unable to control the gigantic smile that had planted itself across my face. "Kupo!" Theo said, flying beside me. I ran all the way to the Battle School. A group of teenagers that looked about my age stood near the door. They eyed me as I approached them. "You must be that guy that took out those monsters in town." One of them said. He was clearly a Warrior, clad in red armor and toting a spear. I nodded. "So, you're a mage, huh? Don't see too many of those make it through battle school. Give up while you're ahead, dude." He said. "Cut it out, Jin." Another of the group of four said. She was a White Mage, clothed in a white battle dress and pink boots. Her blonde hair had a pink ribbon in it, and she held a silver staff. The other two guys were twins, obviously. Both were Black Mages, with black hair and matching black robes. They simply looked at me, but it seemed to me that they were looking right through my soul. It was kinda creeping me out.
I walked inside the building and looked around. Loads of people, young and old were here. "Large place, front desk straight ahead for advice is recommended, kupo." Theo said. I walked to the front desk. A woman with white hair and a blank expression was sitting down at the large desk, writing something down in a large pad. "Excuse me, I've just become a Mage, and I was wondering where to go to be assigned." I said. "New Mages are to exit through the east doors and follow instructions given by Head Of Magic Authority Kentaro." She said, not looking up. Thanking her, I hurried through the crowd and entered the large wooden door. It led to a dark room, lit only by candles and a lit-fire chandelier. Five people were in the room, each standing next to each other. "Hey, you're just in time. Join us over here. Induction tests will start soon." One of them said. I smiled and walked over to them, Theo flying up to study the chandelier. "Hi. My name is Dalton. I'm a Black Mage. These are my friends Esther, Mary, Leon and William. They're all White Mages." The guy explained. Everyone acknowledged me with a smile. "So, what are you?" Mary asked. "I'm… well, I can cast both White and Black Magic. I don't know what I would really be classified as." I said. "That would be considered a Red Mage." A voice came from out of nowhere. We looked around and saw nobody. "Welcome to the Induction, my children." Out of the darkness appeared a man who looked like a wizard. He wore an orange pointed hat, a blue robe and white trousers. His head was pitch-black, and his eyes were without out pupils and showed only as wide yellows dots.
"HOMA Kentaro." Dalton whispered to me. "Today marks the time in your lives where you will become a very important part of our society. Protectors. Healers. Your Magic will be the turning point in any battle you find yourself in. Whether the flame you cast hurts or the light you cast heals, you will be depended upon when your weapon-based colleagues cannot pierce the armor of a fiend." Kentaro said to us. "Are we to be tested, sir?" William asked. "Yes. Now, tell me your names and your magic abilities." Kentaro said. Dalton stepped forward. "My name is Dalton Aeora. I'm a Black Mage who was mastered the second tier of elemental spells." He said. Dalton was an inch taller than me. He had short brown hair and orange eyes. He wore a black robe over jean shorts and an undershirt and brown traveler boots. "I'm Mary Corrus. I'm a White Mage who only has basic curative spells." Mary wore a White hooded robe with white boots. Actually, the rest of them wore the exact same outfit. They also were at the basic levels like Mary was. Finally, I stepped forward. "I'm Isaiah Johnson. I guess I'm a Red Mage. I've mastered all Black and White Magic spells." I said. "Yeah, right." Dalton said. "Interesting. I'll have you take both tests then. Black Mages, walk forward." Kentaro said.
Dalton and I walked forward. "Demonstrate to me all levels of fire spells you know." Kentaro said. "Fire." Dalton said. A bright green wind blew past him and he shot a fireball at the wall. I did the same. "Fira!" Dalton shouted. A small explosion lit up the room. I easily did the same, but my explosion was bigger. Dalton's green light receded as mine stayed. "Firaga!" I said. The pillar of fire appeared, spiraling way up to the chandelier and barely missing Theo. "KUPO!" Theo said, startled. "Sorry Theo!" I said. "That was quite a display, Isaiah. Might you show me your use of the other primary third level spells?" Kentaro said. I nodded. Theo flew over to my side to avoid any further danger. "Thundaga!" I said, casting a large amount of blue and yellow lightning bolts towards the center of the room. "Blizzaga!" A large glacier appeared, shattering into many large pieces of ice which disappeared shortly after breaking. "Waterga!" A blue ring of water appeared on the ground about twelve feet in diameter. From it raised a plume of water, released at high pressure and volume.
When the spell disappeared, so did the wind. "Excellent. I've never seen someone your age have complete mastery of the elemental Black Magic spells. Come to think of it, not since the infamous Mage Corey was with us. Now, let me see your mastery of White Magic." Kentaro said. I nodded. "I'll be your target. Now, demonstrate the potency of a Curaja spell." "Curaja." I said with a simple wave of my hand. The rainbow wind spiraled around Kentaro's body. "Unbelievable!" Leon said, astonished. "Okay, here's the real challenge. The most powerful White Magic spell is Holy. Are you able?" Dalton challenged. The niceness in his voice was quite minimal. I closed my eyes and raised both my arms into the air. "Holy!" I called. Eight white orbs began to spiral around my body. I pointed my arms towards the wall, sending the orbs to attack the wall. Each orb impacted simultaneously, destroying the wall. Many people on the outside began to gather. "By the display you have made, you have proven yourself a well worthy Red Mage. However, you have surpassed even that category. You, Isaiah, are a Diamond Mage." Kentaro said. "Diamond Mage?!" Esther said. I couldn't believe it. Diamond Mages are extremely rare in the world. Being classified as such would gain instant notice.
"Well then, I suppose that you can head back to the lobby, Isaiah." Kentaro said. "Wait, how am I assigned to a group?" I asked. "Diamond Mages aren't assigned to groups. Groups are assigned to Diamond Mages." "Oh…Well what do I do when I get to the lobby?" I asked. "Head to the Grande Hall. It is there you will be given tasks and others to accompany you with the cleansing of our world of the savage monsters." Kentaro instructed. He cast some sort of spell which caused my hand to develop a diamond ring. I thanked him and left, avoiding glares from the others. Theo flew beside me, quiet as a mouse. The people in the lobby looked at me intently as I walked by. Many of them began whispering. I continued to hear the words 'Diamond Mage' audibly. I entered the gold doors into the Grande Hall. The once stone floor was now made of burgundy carpet. The gold doors slammed shut behind me, echoing way down the hall. A roar followed the doors. Walking towards me was a large, purple beast with mighty horns and huge claws. "You are to defeat this creature. If you survive, you will be worthy of the diamond your hand holds." A distant voice instructed. "Theo, Analyze…" I said, not taking my eyes off of the monster. "Analyzing…Behemoth. Monster is resistant to lightning and has high strength. Physical attacks are not recommended unless long distance oriented, kupo." Theo said. I took out Mom's fans and opened them. "Kupo! Theo has also analyzed the new weapons! They can be thrown as boomerangs! The fans are made of sharp diamond and can cut through anything, kupo!" Theo added. The Behemoth roared, still advancing towards me menacingly. "Stop!" I shouted, pointing my fans towards the monster. The green wind of Black Magic blew past me, and a silver clock appeared above the Behemoth. The Behemoth froze in it tracks.
I threw my fans. They spun wildly, soaring over and cleaving into the Behemoth. Blood began bleeding badly. The fans soared back to me, the blood from the monsters leaving no trace on the thin diamond. "Finish it!" the voice said. I closed my fans. I raised my arms into the air. "Flare!" I said. A gigantic explosion consumed the Behemoth. When the smoke cleared, the creature's remains were scattered everywhere. "Proceed down the hall, Diamond Mage. You are well worthy of your classification." The voice said.
Down the hall, there was another set of gold doors. Passing through them, I was nearly breathless at what I saw next. In a huge coliseum surrounded by waterfalls, people were gathered. The warriors were grouped to the left, and the mages to the right. In the middle of the room was a knight in silver armor. "High General Athen?" I asked. "Yes, Isaiah. You have proven your worth. And you will now be assigned. Due to being a Diamond Mage, you'll be accompanied by a single warrior." Athen said. I smiled. "Silas Torrens. Step forward." Athen called out. From the warriors' side, a male walked in front of the group. "Join Isaiah. You have great skill and are well worthy of traveling with a Diamond Mage. The task I have in mind for the two of you is not an easy one." Silas walked over and stood next to me. He looked like a very serious person. His battle attire was of red armor, a jagged long sword, and a dragoon's helm. "You two, follow me into the conference room." Athen said.
We followed Athen to a waterfall, which he walked through. I looked at Silas, who did not return my gaze. He walked through as well. "Must follow, kupo." Theo said. I nodded. Walking through the waterfall, I was amazed at how non-forceful the water was. When I'd made it completely through, I wasn't wet at all. The room was lit by a blue flame, and there were three people watching Silas and I. One of them was Athen, but the other two I'd never seen before. They were wearing silver robes and had long gray hair. "Diamond Mage Isaiah, Warrior Silas, we have disturbing news." The first man said. "Our world is coming to an end very soon." The other man said. I gasped. "Wha-What are you talking about?!" I asked. "There is a creature that lurks in the Lunar Subterranean Trench of the moon known as Apolycant. It is the strongest and most dangerous creature in the world, and it has been asleep for many years…until a year ago." The second man said. "How is that related to the world ending?" I asked. "The Apolycant is currently roaming space, and it is in search of a planet full of warmth and light. Although it is light-years away from us, this is the planet it seeks. Teeming with life and with a biosphere that contains all resources, this is no doubt its primary target." Athen said. "So we're supposed to go to outer space and fight this thing?" I asked. "No, you must recruit the help of five men who are well known around the world. Cecil Harvey of Baron, Cloud Strife of Nibelheim, Squall Leonhart of Balamb Garden, Zidane Tribal of Lindblum, and Tidus of Besaid. Each of these men are superb warriors, and have successfully destroyed some of the most powerful creatures that have threatened the world. They all know of the Apolycant, and very well will be ready to assist you. We are providing you with an airship and crew to travel the world." Athen said.
"Road trip! Road trip, kupo!" Theo said excitedly. "You'll leave for Baron at once. Return home and grab whatever you'll need for the trip. Meet at the cities edge. Godspeed, Isaiah. And Silas, I trust that you'll protect him along the way." Athen said. Silas nodded.
I couldn't believe it. I'd become a highly ranked mage and given a mission in less than two hours.
Are you proud of me, Mom? Dad?