FINAL FANTASY: INQUISITION
By Thomas Knapp
Act One- Scene Six
The King of Cairos grinned smugly, most pleased with what had transpired. Midas, hero of the Outlaws, lay unconscious in a cell, awaiting transport to the Disciplinary Center. Added to the destruction of the Outlaws hideout, anything that could be a threat to his absolute rule had been vanquished.
Turning to Tamara, he said to the Inquisitor, "Knight Tamara, I apologize for nearly ruining your undercover mission. Had I known your true intent, I would not have mobilized my forces."
"I have a question… how did you find the hideout anyway?"
The king glared at the Outlaw in prison, and said triumphantly, "When I had learned that your force had been trapped when the winds in the Outlands started up again, I mobilized several regiments to find you. One of them happened to find their hideout."
Tamara smiled amiably, then said, "I appreciate your effort, my liege. I am sad that now I will likely be re-stationed."
"You don't have to be, my sweet. My offer still stands."
"It is quite generous of you, but sadly, I must decline. My duty remains to the Inquisitors. However, I shall ALWAYS keep your offer in my list of options."
The royal sighed, "I suppose that's the best I could ask. Anyway, I have kingly duties to attend to, so I shall take my leave. See to it that this brigand makes it to the Disciplinary Center."
"Indeed. After all the time I have striven to bring him to justice, I shall not allow my guard to slip now." Tamara said with a salute.
The king strode back up the steps leading to the castle proper. As soon as he was out of sight, Midas stood, and shook his head as Tamara unlocked the door.
"I see what you mean… the guy should be executed just for his terrible technique." Midas said sympathetically. Growing serious, he asked, "Did you talk to the High Inquisitor?"
"Not yet." Tamara said sadly, "It appears that she left on business, and has yet to return. However, that also means that no Inquisitor will interfere with your plan, since I am now the officer in charge during Karma's absence."
"That's actually better than I had hoped for." Midas replied, "I suppose now it's on to Phase Two…"
Rear Service Entrance for Cairos Castle…
Tamara approached the two guards who were standing vigil over the large service door. With a sadistic smile, she recognized the pair as the ones that she had berated at the front gate just a couple days prior.
It was clear that they also recognized her, as they tightened up into a very tense, rigid attention, despite the fact that their previous stance was more that adequate. Tamara realized that she could play this to her advantage.
"I need the service door opened." Tamara stated boldly.
"We were not informed of a shipment arriving tonight…" One of them said.
"What is your name, soldier?" Tamara questioned.
"Um… I am Corporal Wedge, and this is my partner Private Biggs, ma'am." Wedge replied.
Tamara nodded, "As I thought. I figured you had to be low-ranking soldiers, since anyone with experience KNOWS YOU DON'T QUESTION AN INQUISITOR'S WORD!"
The pair jumped, and Wedge quickly apologized. "Of course… my sincerest apologies. Quickly, open the door, Private."
Biggs complied with the order, and the pair then opened the heavy iron gates of the service entrance. Peering outside, they were taken aback by the lack of a large shipping caravan. Instead, all that was waiting at the entrance was a strange, yellow-eyed midget in a pointy hat.
"What is the meaning of this?" Wedge asked, confused.
With a wave of his hand, the diminutive black mage whispered, "Sleep…"
The guards crumpled to the ground, and with that, Midas appeared around the corner. "Whoa, it's you Borz… I was kinda expecting someone else."
"Yeah… Trigger WANTED to be the welcoming committee, but we figured that we didn't want a mess quite this early. Besides, we needed him to restrain Creed. That psycho kept trying to charge the artillery stations…"
Midas frowned, and replied, "You might have been better off just letting him go."
"Maybe, but we weren't sure how much of a role he played in Phase Three." Borz answered as the rest of the group entered the castle. Creed obviously didn't look too happy with Trigger watching him like a hawk. Yura took a position keeping Midas between her and Tamara at all times. Obviously the summoner didn't trust the Inquisitor just yet.
"Actually, Borz, we're kinda stuck on Phase 2.5." Midas sheepishly admitted.
"Phase 2.5? I don't recall a Phase 2.5…" Borz said thoughtfully.
"The success of my plan depended on mobilizing the Inquisitors AGAINST Cairos. However, it appears the person who could do that it is currently unavailable. So we're gonna have to lie low until she gets here."
From the hall leading to the courtyard, a sultry voice asked, "I assume you mean me…" Moments later, Karma, High Inquisitor, strode down to meet the group.
Yura instantly recognized the woman, throwing herself into a friendly hug, "KARMA!"
Karma seemed to share the camaraderie, whispering, "Yura, I'm so glad you are all right… I had been so worried…"
Tamara was simply taken aback, and Karma sensed this, "Tamara, I see that you have taken to consorting with Outlaws…" Then the High Inquisitor smiled, and added, "It is good to see you have come to your senses."
Tamara's lips moved, but sound seemed to have deserted her. Not waiting, Karma looked up the steps, and said in a hushed tone, "We must dispose of these two guards before they awake. Once that is done, have Tamara lead you to my quarters. We have much to discuss."
Karma then strode back down the hall, and Midas couldn't help but feel that he should remember her from somewhere…
Half an hour later…
"I see you were able to make your way here." Karma stated, as she stepped into a large closet, "I am merely going to change out of this stuffy uniform."
"So, you will aid us?" Tamara queried.
"Of course. The Inquisitors stand against ALL who abuse power, not just magic users."
"Okay… wait just one minute." Creed hissed, "I know Midas is gullible, but I'm not. If you honestly expect us to believe you'll side with us after 20 years of hunting us like dogs…"
"I've only been High Inquisitor for ten years, dear sir." Karma corrected, "My understanding of the Inquisitor's Oath is much different than my predecessor's."
"Still… it's kinda fishy that you align with us right off the bat." Midas added, drawing Creed's attention. Obviously the monk was surprised by Midas's statement.
"Midas…" Yura pleaded, "She knew me since I was very little. She was the one who kept me from the eyes of the Inquisitors all my life."
"Don't worry yourself, Yura." Karma noted from the closet, "It is only reasonable that they don't trust me so quickly. But maybe they trust… this." Karma emerged from the closet wearing a full battle armor, armor which several of the group recognized immediately.
"You're that Dragoon from the Seaway Pass!" Borz shouted, immediately hushed by Tamara and Midas.
"Indeed… for most of my young life, I was a Dragoon in the days of the old kingdoms. It is true that most of the Dragoons died in battle, but I was… unavailable when the Revolution happened, and thus was spared. From there, I hid my identity, and joined the ranks of the Inquisitors, hoping for this day to come…"
Karma took a deep breath, "When I was stationed to Cairos, I began working up the chain of command. Five years into my service, I discovered the summoner that had betrayed his kind to the Rationalists. I killed him, and his wife, but then learned that he had a daughter, barely five years old. It was Yura."
"It was at that point that my plan to bring down the Rationalists could be realized. With Yura's help, we could free the Five Crystals, and revive Alexander. With the great Eidolon's power, the Five Kingdoms would fall. Unfortunately, just as I began to put my plan into motion, Tamara discovered Yura's identity."
Yura spoke up, "Karma, this turned out better than planned. Now, I am still able to perform the task, and we have garnered some capable allies as well. The Five Kingdoms will fall."
"Hold on…" Midas warned, "My only desire is to bring down Cairos, who destroyed my home. After that, you can do what you wish, Yura, but MY quarrel, as well as those with me, will extend no farther."
"Speak for yourself." Creed snapped, "I personally would LOVE to see the fall of those who tried to break us. The thought has even given me a new reason to live."
Fredros nodded, "I remember watching my temple in the island nation of Wodensland be burned, my fellow priests butchered, the halls desecrated. It is due time that such be repaid."
Trigger's eyes gleamed in challenge, as if he too was remembering untold pain, most likely the agony that rendered him mute. Even little Borz commented, "They destroyed my school simply because it taught magic…"
With a sigh, Midas conceded, "Okay… well then, I guess you can count me in too. After all, SOMEONE is going to have to keep all of you from overdoing it. What about you, Tamara?"
The Knight stared at Karma dutifully, "My duty is to the Inquisitors and to the one that leads them. High Inquisitor Karma has decided that the Current regimes are flawed. I am inclined to agree. Therefore, I will fight at your side."
Karma smiled, but it was barely visible under the brim of her winged helmet, "Then I shall send the order down the line. We attack in two hours when the King presides on his throne next."
As the assembly prepared themselves, Karma addressed Midas. "Midas, may I speak to you?"
Midas followed Karma to her private study. Once inside, she stated, "You will be required to duel the King."
"Why?" Midas asked.
"You carry a strange mark, that of a serpent, on the back of your left shoulder, correct?"
Midas jumped back, "How did you know about that?"
"You look so much like your father, it was merely an educated guess. That serpent mark was the method of signifying noble blood in the old kingdoms. You were born to a man who eventually spearheaded the Rational Revolution in Cairos, and after butchering the summoner royalty, declared himself the King of Cairos." Karma explained. "It is common knowledge that he had one son, who resides on the throne as we speak. However, it is less than common knowledge that he had ANOTHER son, before the revolution, that he tried to kill as it served as a connection to his past as a magic-user, something he did not want to become public knowledge."
"Okay… So I'm this bastard's son. What significance does it hold now?"
"The climate against magic-users has calmed, and they would probably accept one as the new king of Cairos, IF he gains the throne in a duel with the current ruler."
"WHOA! You're suggesting that I take charge of Cairos? I'm supposed to believe that I am the son of a king, and even WANT to be one myself?"
"I know this to be fact. Bring your challenge to the king and show them the mark, and I can assure you that it will not be denied. You must understand, Midas, we need someone to take the place of the king who will have been killed. With a Red Mage ruler, other magic-users hiding in the Outlands, as well as those in other kingdoms, will flock here."
"And do you honestly think that the other four kingdoms will accept this?"
Karma smirked, "Of course they won't. They will try to take up arms against Cairos, and thus be terribly unprepared for us to sneak in secretly, and take the Crystals from the summoner's chambers in their kingdoms."
"I see…" Midas said thoughtfully, "If you think this can be done, it's worth a shot. I've always wanted to give my fellows in the Outlands a better life…"
"Great!" Karma enthused, "Then I suggest you get ready. The current king is no slouch, and swings a mean battleaxe."
Throne Room, 2 hours later…
King Cairos the XVII sat down in his plush throne gingerly. He had always possessed a sixth sense when it came to trouble, and the pangs of unrest in the back of his mind were churning double time at the moment.
Thus, he was somewhat prepared for the sudden shouts of alarm, and the clashing of steel associated with conflict. However, he was curious as to who would have the gall to attack his castle, and how his scouts were not aware.
One of his soldiers hobbled inside, and reported, "My liege… the Inquisitors have taken up arms against us… They're everywhere…"
"WHAT?" The King shouted, "For what reason would our allies…"
Before he could finish, High Inquisitor Karma and her Knight Tamara burst into the chamber. "Your handling of the Outlands' denizens lacked honor and struck as one trying to domineer over defenseless people. You knowingly butchered innocent people who had committed no crimes, people who merely lived in Outlands. That is intolerable, and thus, we shall bring you down."
King Cairos laughed, "Do you plan to throw this kingdom into ruin? I am the only heir to the throne, and without me a power struggle would send this entire land into a chaos in which the Inquisitors would be responsible for."
"That's not exactly true…" Karma replied, "Your father bore another son who has a legitimate claim to the throne."
Cairos narrowed his eyes, and demanded, "Who would that be?"
"That would be me." Midas answered, stepping into the chamber.
The king started laughing hysterically, pausing just long enough to howl, "That… BANDIT! Karma, you disappoint me!"
However, the High Inquisitor wasn't laughing. "He bears the mark of Cairos. See for yourself."
Knowingly, one of the king's advisors pulled Midas's robe off his left shoulder, and gasped at the sight. Trembling in shock, the advisor stammered, "Indeed… she is right… I know the mark, and that is it…"
The king smiled viciously, and stated, "So, I take it you wish to challenge me? Fair enough, but on one condition; you leave your little magic tricks out of it."
Tamara huffed, and shot back, "You are hardly in the place to be demanding terms…"
"It's fine, Tamara." Midas interrupted, "If he thinks that stipulation will give him any chance of succeeding, so be it." Midas drew his sword as the King received his battleaxe from one of his advisors.
"Are you certain about this?" Karma asked, "The king IS a skilled duelist."
"Funny that it still won't matter." Midas neatly replied, then stepped away from her, into the center of the chamber.
For several tense moments, the two combatants merely eyed each other, gauging who would break the staring contest first. With a shout, Midas started to make a move, but it turned out to be a feint, merely drawing the King into reacting defensively, and giving Midas an extra opportunity. Stabbing out, Midas caught the king unable to deflect in time. The blade caught tunic and eventually flesh, causing the king to cry out from the wound. First blood had been drawn.
"Well…" Karma noted, "Perhaps I was worried over nothing."
"Midas is as skilled with a sword as I am, High Inquisitor." Tamara responded, "He has on several occasions dueled me to a draw."
Karma's eyes narrowed, "I would have appreciated knowing that a bit sooner."
"I had not been aware of your intention to bring Midas to the king until you actually did it."
"True enough."
As the conversation continued, Midas continued to gain the upper hand. The king's axe, while wielding frightening damaging power, simply was unable to keep up with the faster movement of Midas's sword arm. Soon, the Red Mage was drawing wounds at will, meanwhile easily avoiding the royal's attacks.
Finally, one arching swipe sent the axe flying from the king's hand, and Midas sword came to a rest neatly under the monarch's chin. "I do believe that victory is mine, don't you agree?"
Humiliated, Cairos the XVII nodded and Midas pulled his sword away, much to the astonishment of the assembly. The only people who were not taken aback by this act of mercy included Tamara, and the five waiting outside the Throne Room.
"You may take a chocobo, all the personal belongings you can carry, and anyone who wishes to remain aligned with you, and go to Moros. I am sure that they will be willing to take you in." Midas decreed. "Karma, if you could assign some of your inquisitors to ensure that our fallen monarch doesn't do anything that he may regret, I would much appreciate it."
"Certainly, my liege." Karma said with a respectful bow, causing Midas to flush. Karma motioned outside, and three of her knights quickly escorted the defeated king to his personal quarters. Karma then addressed the Throne Room, and declared, "I present to you King Cairos the XVIII."
Tamara smiled as she escorted Midas to the lush throne, and whispered, "I can hardly imagine that a mere brigand like you is suddenly a king."
"Don't worry, I have no intention of bringing you into my 'court'." Midas muttered back, and it was all Tamara could do to avoid laughing.
Midas looked down at the throne disdainfully, and decided to remain standing. "Karma, I think you know my first proclamation. If it does not burden you, I wish for it to be spread."
"With all due haste." Karma replied, and then orders several more of her inquisitors to prepare copies of the prewritten edict.
"I suppose that you shall have to make a general kingdom assembly…" Tamara added.
Midas groaned. "Yes… I suppose I shall, won't I?"
One hour later, on the Castle Balcony overlooking the city…
"I know that I am probably being unfair to you, leaving while we are in transition, but there are many things that I have yet to do before this kingdom can be safe from those who would destroy us. Until I return, I intend to leave this realm in the capable hands of the High Inquisitor." Midas finished, stifling a cough. He had never spoken this long at once, and it was beginning to show in his voice.
The crowd below seemed a little confused that a man who had been an Outlaw was suddenly their new ruler, but they reacted enthusiastically nonetheless. Midas had to remind himself not to be surprised. Many people of Cairos had supported him as a renegade, it only made sense that they'd be supportive now.
Retreating back into the castle, he was immediately besieged by a disturbed Karma. "Midas, I must beseech you not to leave Cairos. You cannot!"
Midas stared at the High Inquisitor, "You know much more about running a kingdom than I do, and I'm afraid I don't have the time to learn. Besides, I've spent all my life with the people who are leaving for Moros. It seems wrong to leave them now."
"But… it will be dangerous…"
"I've faced danger all my life. Why are you so concerned?"
Karma stammered slightly, but regained her composure, "It's just that… we can't afford to lose you at such a critical stage."
"You won't. I've always found a way to survive, and I have no reason to doubt that I won't this time." Midas slid out of his royal tunic, and put on his customary robe marking him as a Red Mage. "Well, I'm outta here. Take good care of the place while I'm gone, will ya?"
That said, Midas stepped out the door of the balcony chamber, making his way to the rear service entrance of the palace where his companions were waiting, leaving Karma to the business of maintaining Cairos.
End Act One