FINAL FANTASY: INQUISITION
By Thomas Knapp
Act Five- Scene One
Something cold suddenly plopped onto his forehead, and Midas swatted away the chilly object with his hand, mumbling incoherently in the process. A relieved sigh fell upon his ears, and Midas finally became curious enough to open his eyes.
The scene was a familiar one. A small hut, a hide tarp pulled taut over small wooden supports. His red robe was folded onto his small ivory drawer that he had "borrowed" from a Cairos shopkeeper a year ago. He furrowed his eyebrows, disoriented. Gregorian had pushed him over the ledge of the Tower. He remembered hitting the water, then…
"What a dream…" Midas finally concluded. But as he started to sit up, pain flared through his entire body. It was at that moment he noticed the eerie silence. Not even the howling winds were present.
Cid's grizzled face popped right above the Red Mage, and the elder sighed, "That was no dream, Midas. If only it was…" Cid helped Midas to a sitting position, and as the Red Mage cringed in pain, handed Midas a small healing potion. "Now that you're finally awake, you can begin to take these." The Outlaw leader pointed to a row of similar potions. "Fredros's aide had prepared these before he finally… was drained away."
"Drained away?"
Cid took a deep breath, and said, "I suppose I should tell you… you've been unconscious for three months. During that time, the people of the Outlands have slowly been being drained of their energy."
Midas jolted, memories of the Tower of Alexander flaring to mind. "Karma…"
"Yes…" Cid sighed, his gaze turning in the direction that the mighty tower stood. "She is draining the energy from the entire planet… First plants began to die away, the earth no longer nourishing them. Then the waters grew stagnant, even the winds of the Outlands died away. Soon after, the people began to start falling, drained of their very life essence. There are now merely a handful of people left alive here."
"I see…"
Cid helped Midas to his feet, and said, "There is more, follow me."
Midas followed Cid outside of the Red Mage's hut. On the way, Midas noticed two small children, barely clothed in tattered rags, trying in vain to start a fire with a pair of rocks and some kindling. Midas took a small detour to the pair. They looked up at him, faces gaunt, their eyes almost black with their dilated pupils, as if their very souls were trying to pry the way out of their eyes. The children looked up with blank expressions, any emotion totally bled out of them since Karma's domination of the world. Midas smiled reassuringly, and raised his hand, saying, "Let me give you a hand with that… Fire!"
Cid suddenly charged into view, screaming for Midas to stop, but it was too late. The flame ignited on Midas's upturned palm, but then the Red Mage was flung backward from the force of the flames that leaped uncontrollably from his hand. After about a minute the pyrotechnic display died into the sky, leaving two frightened children, one sympathetic elder, and one totally flabbergasted mage.
"What in the BLAZING HELLS just HAPPENED?" Midas hollered.
"Karma's influence on the world. The few remaining magic-users realized that their magical energies had become random and unreliable. I would advise against using any magic unless absolutely necessary. Anyway, you must come with me." After aiding the children with getting a fire started in the normal way, Midas complied.
Midas nearly jumped when he saw what rested inside Cid's hut. He rushed to the large clear cocoon that levitated in the center of the large tent. Floating inside the cocoon, surrounded by a mass of glowing green goo, was Borz.
"What is happening here?" Midas demanded, pointing to where Borz floated.
Cid frowned, and said, "There were seven people that Karma found had a special energy that rendered them immune to her draining effects. However, she realized that she could drain that almost limitless source of power for her own gains."
"Trance…" Midas gasped.
"Correct. The Battle Trance is a special gift from the creator god himself, blessed to those who he chooses to be his greatest heroes. All of your friends and allies are no doubt in similar states all around this world, being drained of their Trance Aura for Karma's purposes."
"Karma… spoke of the creator god. She's trying to challenge him…"
"Indeed. I know all too well. Alexander and Karma had been planning this from the beginning. The creator's greatest follower, Alexander, has decided to revolt against the god that was his lord. The cycle continues, only now on the celestial stage."
Midas blinked twice, then gulped down another healing potion, shuddering at the horrific taste. It became apparent that the alchemist that Fredros had taught became more concerned with finishing the potions than actually making them edible. In between, Midas managed to gasp, "Pardon?"
"The lords are overthrown by the oppressed, who then become the oppressors. This cycle has been the history of humankind, and now Alexander has decided to revolt against the god he feels has been oppressing him. Alexander was willing to fuse with Karma in order to gather the energy from this planet, giving him the power he needs to overthrow the creator god."
"Alexander… fused… with Karma?"
"Yes… there are two levels in which an Eidolon can align with a Summoner. One allows the Summoner to call the Eidolon's essence from the Astral plane for a short time… much like you saw Yura do on a consistent basis. But there is another level of Eidolon/Summoner relations that had actually been slashed out of… typical summoner training, largely due to the danger involved. That level is fusing, where the Summoner and the Eidolon actually merge into one entity. The result is that the summoner is granted enormous power, varying somewhat depending on the strength of the Eidolon fused. This fusion remains until the summoner dies, in which the Eidolon is then freed."
"Wait a minute… Karma was a Dragoon. How could she fuse with Alexander?" Midas asked, "And why has she not been draining my power? I possess the Battle Trance as well. Why is Karma not bothering with me?"
Cid grabbed Midas by the shoulder, and said, "You are the only chance for this world now. You must undergo the summoner's trial. Only another summoner can hope to challenge Karma now."
"WHOA!" Midas said, "Answer me. What is going on, Cid? What is the deal with Karma? How can she fuse with Alexander…"
Cid only grew more firm, "Undergo the trial, and all your questions shall be answered."
"You think I can?" Midas said uncertainly, "I'm pretty sure that there were summoners in my family… but isn't there like a certain purity of blood you need?"
"The summoners in your family were not nearly as far removed from you as you may think." Cid said, shaking the Red Mage in his plea, "We must do this, and now."
A half-hour later…
"Close your eyes, and abandon your physical self." Cid ordered.
Midas complied, but then quickly opened one eye to ask Cid, "Are you sure you know what you are doing?"
"I have led many summoners down the trial path before the Revolution." Cid assured, "I am well versed in what needs to be done. Now close your eyes, and let your mind drift from your physical body." Cid's voice became softer, almost hypnotic. "The bed no longer exists to you… your body no longer exists. Yet your spirit turn inward on itself. Let the exploration of your own origins give you the answers and the path that you need to follow."
Midas felt his body go numb, and his vision go completely black. Cid watched as the Red Mage slumped as if he was suddenly deceased. Cid could now only wait. Within a day, Midas should awake, and it should be visibly apparent whether or not he succeeded or failed… if he awoke at all…
Meanwhile…
To describe the sensation he was feeling as that of a disembodied sight would be inaccurate. Midas's presence seemed totally omnipotent. He could hear and see the thoughts of the various people filling the scene playing before him. He could hear every conversation all at once, but he understood them all.
Finally, one discussion caught his attention totally. A young blonde haired woman was talking to a familiar figure. Cid put his hand on the woman's shoulder, and said, "Ailona, do not feel any shame."
"How can I NOT feel shame, Cid?" Ailona sobbed, "My family have been Summoners for generations. My parents are going to be so disappointed that I didn't pass the preliminary exam to undergo the trial!"
Cid bit his lip, and wondered if he was making a mistake by telling the teenage girl this. "Ailona… you are not at fault. I am certain that you would have passed the exam, and succeeded in the trial had situations been different."
The seventeen-year-old woman cocked an eyebrow, and asked, "If situations had been different?"
Cid began to regret starting this, but was now obligated to continue. "You come from a family that has a great deal of influence in Cairos, however, they are not the primary ruling family. The Cairos clan is the majority family in this kingdom. Had you become a summoner, your family would have gained an equal number as the Cairos clan."
Ailona frowned, and replied, "You mean to tell me that I was rejected just out of some sick power trip by the rulers of Cairos?"
Cid nodded, unsure of what else to say.
At that, the scene shifted, and it showed Cid talking to a pair of adults, presumably Ailona's parents. The man had light blonde hair like his daughter, while her mother possessed a flaming red mane that Midas found eerily familiar.
Cid said, "I have pulled a few strings to place her with the Dragoons. A talented power like hers should not be wasted by some ridiculous political power-play."
"Agreed." The father replied, "But will she be able to adapt to serving the very people that she should have been one of?"
"We can only hope."
Another scene change. Ailona was talking from a balcony to a young man shrouded in the darkness. "Yes… the time to attack will be tomorrow, as they change the guard."
"Thank you, Ailona. Don't worry, when this kingdom passes, I'll make sure that you and our son are not harmed. You are to head to my cottage tomorrow morning." The figure disappeared into the darkness. It occurred to Midas that they were talking about an impending revolution: the Rationalist Revolution.
Ailona walked off the balcony, and into the palace proper. Contrary to the soothing words that Dracan had told her, she knew that he had designs to become the King of Cairos, and that her, and her magically gifted son, would not be part of those plans. He already had another son with a "normal" woman. He had used her, but it was too late to back out now.
Ailona sent a carrier pigeon out into the surrounding kingdom, bundling a small baby in thick blankets in preparation of the next morrow's journey. She cuddled the sleeping infant into her chest, and whispered, "Fear not, Midas. You at least will live on…"
Midas gasped. The woman in his dream had been Ailona… his mother, a traitor… she had betrayed the magic-users in Cairos. No wonder Cid and Karma had never wanted to talk about her.
Once again, the vision faded out to be replaced by another. Midas was somewhat familiar with this picture. It was of a smoldering and cannon blasted house. His mother had given him to Cid, moments before the Rationalists destroyed the house. However, there was more to this story that played out before Midas's eyes.
Ailona miraculously was still alive. Gravely injured, she wouldn't last to see the next sunrise… or so Midas had thought. A haunting voice drifted into Ailona's mind, but as in tune with the surroundings as Midas was, it might as well have been talking to him.
You don't have to die.
Ailona lifted her head, but soon realized that the voice was not coming from any person anywhere near.
That is correct. I am Alexander, Guardian of the World. I am using all of my fragmented power to contact you. I have seen what has been done to you, and I can fix it. I intend to end all oppression, and you can help me. Give yourself to me, and I shall use you to end all pain. The creator god is to blame, he maliciously grants injustice, a fault I shall remedy. You will be a goddess by my side. Will you aid me?
Ailona took two ragged breaths, and found she was unable to speak, so she nodded faintly.
Very good. Now, I shall use the meager power I have available to heal your wounds, and change your physical appearance. My power will grow when all the crystals that hold my essence are brought together. That shall be your ultimate goal.
A bluish glow surrounded Ailona, and Midas watched in increasing disbelief as the woman who was his mother changed into a being that he also knew. When the blue-haired woman stood, Midas vainly tried to close his eyes. This was the woman who had sent him on the mission to retrieve the crystals. The woman who had betrayed the summoners, then betrayed him.
Karma. His mother was Karma.
In the terrible realization, he almost missed the next scene as it appeared. It was three years later, and Karma approached the King of Cairos, Midas's father. "Your highness, I am afraid to inform you that my family in Wodensland beckons me. It might be some time before I return."
The King motioned for his guards to leave him alone with the Inquisitor that had been assigned to him. His eyes tried to burn through Karma, as if to lay bare any possible intentions she might have. "Just so that this is clear, our little… affair… never passes your lips. Understood?"
"Perfectly." Karma replied, and was dismissed from the King's chambers. The affair that she had with Dracan, or should she say, King Cairos I, was the very reason she was leaving. She had gotten what she had been looking for in the affair.
Karma was again pregnant with Dracan's child, this time a girl. Karma left Cairos, but rather than going to Wodensland, she stole away to North Landing, to the home of an old hermit outside Orland's Point that she had befriended while serving her duties there.
It was there that she gave birth to a small, red-haired cherub, who even at such a young age possessed a brilliant power. This child would be able to undergo the summoner's trial, and help Karma acquire the Crystals.
Midas knew the truth of the young infant's identity already, and the next scene merely confirmed that knowledge. Karma was back in Cairos, handing the child over to a pair of nobles in the king's court. "I found this child abandoned in Wodensland." Karma explained, "And I knew how badly you have been trying to have a family."
The nobles thanked Karma graciously, and the Inquisitor helped the three to get accustomed to each other. Finally, Karma left them, knowing that she must let the nobles take care of Yura until the time was right.
That time came four years later. The High Inquisitor had died, and there was a whirlwind period where candidates for the position vied for the votes of their peers to assume the leading role.
Four candidates were eventually thinned out. Three of them were Inquisitors of great renown, with long lists of deeds done for the Rationalist cause. The fourth was Karma, who's list of accomplishments were much shorter, being a recruiter rather than an actual field member.
However, Karma had one great advantage over her fellow candidates, and it was time for her to play that hand. She approached a small bunkroom, and knocked on the door three times softly.
There was a brief pause, and then Knight Tamara whipped open the door. "Madam Karma! I am surprised to see you here! Would you like to come in?"
"I would indeed." Karma accepted, and once inside with the door shut, she began, "Tamara, remember when I arranged for you to escape your father's wrath in Hamil by allowing you to become an Inquisitor?"
"I do…" Tamara answered.
"I am asking you to return the favor by voting for me as High Inquisitor."
Tamara blinked several times, then asked, "Are you sure that my vote will be enough for you…?"
Karma nodded, "Perhaps your vote will be the one that turns the tide."
Karma knocked on several doors that night, all with the same request. And so it came to pass the following day that with a convincing landslide victory, Karma was appointed High Inquisitor.
One of her first official acts was to return to Cairos. She waited several kilometers outside the kingdom with a legion of her new soldiers, waiting for a carriage bearing three people very close to her.
The carriage came, and a pair of nobles looked out the windows. "Karma!" The man exclaimed, "What is the meaning of this?"
The blue haired woman smiled sadistically, and said, "We have found evidence that you are of the plague that scoured this land for eons. We know you are summoners!"
"We most certainly are not!" Came the indignant reply.
"This is NOT up for debate." Karma insisted, "The judgement has been passed." She turned to her Inquisitors, and ordered, "Kill the accursed vermin… but spare their child. She is an unfortunate accessory to all this."
With that, Yura came to be back in her mother's care, although the young girl would never know this. Under Karma's hand, Yura trained to be a summoner… Karma knowing exactly what would happen…
Blackness surrounded Midas's senses, and a vision of Cid materialized before him. "Now you know the truth." Cid said. "The truth that no one wanted to tell you, and for good reason."
Midas couldn't speak… he was so struck with shock and disappointment. So the vision before him continued to speak, "You have desired to know your family, and now you do."
There was some silence, and then Cid asked, "Why do you fight?"
"Pardon?" Midas finally managed to gasp.
"Karma will not harm you… she will not drain you like she is all the others. Despite all that has happened in her life, she still cares for you. You could live a full life under her watchful eye. You are her only true child."
Midas paused for a moment, and then his features grew firm. "You want to know the reason I will challenge the mother I longer for all my life? You just gave the reason. She doesn't think of Yura as her daughter, just a tool to attain power. She has no feelings for all the life in this world, only her twisted ambition."
"As much as I have longed to have a real family… I simply cannot. That much is certain. I will not let some fantasy of mine be the reason that this world be turned into a lifeless wasteland."
Cid smiled, and said, "Despite all your pain, you are willing to fight for those who had shunned you. That doesn't make much sense."
Midas chuckled, and replied, "Yeah well… I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Sometimes the right thing to do defies common sense. Now, Cid, unless there is something else you wish to show me… I would like to go back."
End Scene One