FINAL FANTASY: INQUISITION
By Thomas Knapp
Act Six- Scene Two
Midas slowly pushed open the massive stone door at the base of Alexander's tower. Once the entry was parted enough, Tamara and Trigger rolled in, weapons at the ready.
Tamara lifted from her defensive crouch, and scratched her head. "Okay… this is starting to get REALLY creepy. There's nothing here either."
Creed stuck his head in the door, and confirmed the obvious. "Perhaps we're too late. Maybe Alexander's already done the dirty deed."
"No." Midas replied simply, "Alexander's still here… I can feel it. Although we do not have much more time to waste."
From the stairway above, Tarsis's voice suddenly called. "That's funny, since that's PRECISELY what I'm here to do." At the same time, howls of angry monsters and abominations started wailing, and their approach began to fill the entry of the tower.
Harmon saw the first wave of inhuman force become visible just two flights of stairs above, and had to ask, "Was this more what you were expecting, Creed?"
The monk fingered the clawed weapon on his hand; eyes focused on the coming swarm. "Oh yeah…"
All further conversation was quickly lost in the heat of battle.
One hour later…
Fortunately, it did not appear that Tarsis's minions were endless, and at first slowly, then with increasing success, the group began to push upward, working their way to the higher floors of the tower. Midas wasn't even sure how many monsters he had slain, just that his armor was flecked with slime, scales, and the occasional patch of fur.
It didn't help Midas's cause that he was quite frequently taking his eyes of his own battles, and focusing on the heavily armored knight across from him. His face was beginning to show the signs of his fragmented concentration, and was thus giving Fredros quite a workout.
Eventually they reached the large assembly room that sat about halfway up the looming structure. Waiting inside at the far wall, flanked by two spiraling staircases that joined again at the top of the room, was Tarsis.
"Bravo, I must say I am very impressed." Tarsis said, hands clapping together in a slow and ridiculing applause. "You reached here considerably faster than I expected. I guess I'll have to go all out now."
"Oh, and what are YOU going to do?" Borz challenged.
"Indeed, you've been a crafty adversary, Tarsis." Fredros commented. "However, I fail to see how you could delay our progress for any significant period of time."
"Yes… that is true. In my current state… I dare say I'd last about as long as a snowflake in Wodensland. However, I am NEVER without a contingency plan." With a snap of his fingers, Tarsis said with a flourish, "Come on in and get reacquainted, boys."
They heard the all too telltale sounds of thunderous footsteps. Just the reverberating hoof beats from above told the group of adventurers all they needed to know. Midas slapped his hand on his forehead, nimbly remembering his horn just in time, and moaned, "You have GOT to be KIDDING ME!"
The two Demi-Eidolons started their descent down the spiral staircases to Tarsis's side. However, as the pair of minotaurs came into view, the group quickly recognized some significant differences.
First of all, they didn't walk as they did before. They staggered down the steps mindlessly, a blank look in their eyes, even for them. Sacred still had small pieces of burnt skin and flesh crumbling away as he took each rung of the staircase, while Minotaur hobbled on his injured leg. But neither of them appeared to be in any pain… they didn't appear to be feeling anything at all.
They reached floor level, and strode to each side of Tarsis. Once the behemoth creatures were flanking (and dwarfing) the mercenary, they turned to face the group they had battled several times… and just STOOD there. No howls, no threats, no long-winded chest beating… just stood there.
"Don't mind me saying so… but this is starting to get CREEPY." Borz commented to no one in particular. Tamara couldn't help but nod in agreement.
"Oh… Sacred and Minotaur aren't… really here." Tarsis chuckled, "Midas's little fit of fury quite capably cast their spirits straight to the depths of hell. However, their power… it remained."
Tarsis reached out with each hand, and ripped small chunks of flesh from each minotaur flanking him. Midas quickly realized what he was up to, but before the Summoner could react, Tarsis had swallowed the two pieces. What was left of Sacred and Minotaur almost melted into ash… but no one was really focusing their attention on that.
What they WERE focusing on was the warped transformation that Tarsis was undergoing. Limbs became distended and rippled unnaturally. One of his eyes bulged almost completely out his skull. The top of his head expanded sickeningly, as his appearance started to resemble a bad Picasso painting.
This is not gonna be pretty. Fusing with a Demi-Eidolon… TWO Demi-Eidolons, and not even a hint of summoner potential? I can't even BEGIN to predict what's gonna happen here… Hades gasped, displaying a shock that he very rarely ever registered.
Finally… the twisted transformation seemed to finish, partly because no one could believe that what stood before all of them was the end result. Three heads, two bull, with Tarsis's in the center, topped a massive, hairy chest with six arms and six legs, two ending with thick hooves. The rest of the body was covered with either human skin or patches of fur. All in all, it was a rather grotesque sight.
"Oh, you're pretty." Borz quipped, and almost didn't stop the outburst of bile from his stomach.
"Who cares about form?" The new Tarsis sneered, "All that matters to me is function right now. And FINALLY, I have the means to battle you… elitists… on an actual LEVEL field!"
His battle cry finished, Tarsis charged forward, club arms flailing at anything that didn't get out of the way, which happened to include Creed, who decided that he could go toe for toe with the fused mercenary. Upon placing new cracks on the wall behind him, the monk decided that his plan didn't have nearly the merit as first thought.
Creed was violently pulled out of the way just as one of the massive minotaur clubs busted through the thick stone wall right where Creeds head would have been. Tarsis followed with a ring of energy that rippled and shook the floor, casting weaker portions downward, leaving gaping pits. Borz had to quickly take to the air to avoid a nasty fall, and in the process, right Harmon, who had started to lose his footing.
'Okay, Hades… I'm going to give Tarsis our little surprise.' Midas stated.
Oh, sure, you could use it now… but it wouldn't do any good. Tarsis is too strong right now for the technique to have any effect. He'll have to be worn down a little bit. Hades advised sternly. Do you know ANYTHING about maximizing an Eidolon's effectiveness?
'As much as I could being a summoner for all of 2 months.' Midas retorted. He then decided to try and take some initiative, moving in for a quick swipe that managed to draw blood on one of Tarsis's arms. As the fused mercenary whirled to counter, Trigger stepped in behind, giving a matching pair of katana cuts across the monster's broad, hairy back.
As all this happened, Tamara circled the immediate fray as Creed lunged into the melee. Once she found a solid footing, she shouted out, "CLEAR!" Upon hearing this, the three fighters simply reacted, jumping away from Tarsis, as Tamara's sword crackled with energy. "CLIMHAZZARD!" The lady knight screamed, and a stream of blue-white energy ripped from the blade. Tarsis had turned around at the sound of Tamara's voice, just in time to take the blade of power right to his abdomen. His six legs staggered and stumbled backward, but managed to remain upright. With a snort from his bullheads, Tarsis charged, and in the small confines of the chamber, Tamara didn't have enough time to react.
"STOP!" Borz cried, his magic rod held up in the air, as if gathering magic energy
Tarsis did pause, but to look back, and chuckle, "That simple spell won't have any effect on me, you runt moogle."
Borz smiled, and said, "What spell?"
Tarsis blinked, then caught on when he once again was on the receiving end of Tamara's Climhazzard. This time, Tarsis's rear two legs crumpled, casting him onto his backside.
Harmon began raining down a series of enemy skills he had garnered, with Fredros supplying additional magic power in the form of some Ethers he had mixed. Creed and Trigger offered sheer muscle power, keeping the enormous mercenary from regaining his footing for any extended period of time.
It was at this point that Tarsis realized he had lost sight of Midas. Realizing the potential dangers the Dark Summoner could be concocting, Tarsis whirled about with his three heads, trying to regain a visual placement of the former Red Mage.
Finally, Tarsis spotted Midas. He had retreated into the shadows of the far side of the chamber, one hand raised to his forehead in concentration. Tarsis didn't particularly want to wait and find out what Dark Eidolon Midas was planning to use to put Tarsis in a world of pain, so with one quick shrug, pushed Creed and Trigger away. Then jumping to the side to avoid a pair of spells from Harmon and Borz, the mercenary charged full speed at Midas.
Midas glanced up to see the massive creature bearing down with unnatural speed, but held his ground. If he was interrupted now, he'd have to start the summoning from the beginning, and he doubted that his allies could keep Tarsis busy that long again. Nonetheless, it was going to be close.
Tamara was about to rush forward and intercept Midas from becoming roadkill when Trigger stopped her with a well placed foot that caused her to trip. Whirling around to stare at the ninja accusingly, Trigger merely shook his head, indicating to Tamara that they should let this play out.
Tarsis howled gleefully as the Dark Summoner came ever closer to being in range of his massive clubs. Midas continued to chant, then suddenly whipped his arm forward, shouting, "ZANTETSUKEN!"
From behind Midas, Odin's form suddenly appeared through the stone wall, passing through the Dark Summoner, and directly into the path of the onrushing Tarsis. Tarsis's eyes widened in terror as the Eidolon's sword met his exposed belly…
* * * * *
"Daddy? What are we going to do while you are gone?"
Tarsis smiled reassuringly, and rubbed his son on the head, "Onius, don't worry about a thing. The Church of Alexander has agreed to supply you and your mother with food and clothing while I'm gone."
"But… what if…"
"First of all, I'm not about to die, and even if by some fluke of nature I AM brought down, Wodensland will make sure the two of you will be well taken care of…"
* * * * *
Tarsis stumbled into the small house, head down in shame. As his wife waited, her smile disappeared. "You… weren't hired."
"They are only looking for 'skill positions', not 'menial labor'." Tarsis sneered as he pulled off his boots in disgust. "Same as everywhere."
"Did you explain that you've been at war for the past six years?"
"Yes, and they told me that it wasn't their problem I didn't have an education. As if I could AFFORD the higher education I need." Tarsis slumped down dejectedly, "We were promised untold riches for our sacrifices in the war… some riches…"
"It's okay, darling. We'll find something…" His wife began, but Tarsis wasn't going to hear anything of it.
"No, Anita! Do you realize… that had I DIED in the war… you two wouldn't have a worry in the world? You wouldn't have to worry about where your next meal was coming from… where you'd find a roof that DIDN'T LEAK TO HELL! Where you'd…"
"That's enough." Anita scolded, putting a finger to Tarsis's lips. "Had you died in the war, Onius and I would merely be miserable in an entirely different way. I wanted to tell you that Mohoma has started a hunting company. They hunt down exotic furs for coats and other fine goods, and he said he'd hire you. The pay wouldn't be much, but at least it would be something…"
* * * * *
"So you're letting me go."
"I HAVE to." Mohoma answered, "Ever since Fredros became High Priest, he pretty much convinced the king to ban ALL fur trapping and hunting. You were a great hunter, Tarsis, but your time has passed."
"Surely you have something else?"
"Nothing for a man who only knows how to hunt." Mohoma answered the beginnings of a scowl working on his face. "Stop begging, it doesn't suit you. Just pack up your goods, and get out of here before you embarrass yourself more."
* * * * *
"I'm hungry, Daddy." Onius whispered pitifully, his body trembling with hunger and malnourishment. The family was huddled in a large packing crate left in a dark alley. The heavy rain that was pounding merely made Anita's fever worse, and it was hard enough for Tarsis to tend to his wife without his son's whining.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Tarsis finally shouted, "I AM TRYING TO MAKE YOUR MOTHER FEEL BETTER!"
"Onius needs to eat, love." Anita said feebly. "I will be fine while you try to get some food."
Tarsis pondered this silently for a moment, then decided to follow his wife's wishes. Stepping out into the pounding rain, he promised to return in an hour.
It took considerably longer than that, but Tarsis was quite convinced that they'd forgive him when he came back at the end of the day, and they saw the load he had managed to haul in. He stuck his head into the massive crate, and promptly dropped the rolls he had acquired.
Onius and Anita were curled together inside the crate, the child's head clutched tightly to his mother's chest. At first he thought they were just sleeping, but as he poked their shoulders to rouse them, he noted that there was no tenseness to their muscles. No breath came from their lips. Their eyes were void of all life. Their mouths were fixed in slight smiles, as if something had finally relieved them of all their pain… leaving Tarsis to suffer alone.
* * * * *
Now only required to take care of himself, Tarsis was able to take a role as a gladiator for the Royal Court of Wodensland. His success was noted and rewarded with considerable prize money and fame. Fortunately, it was enough to secure a small place to live and survive… Unfortunately, it was also enough to give considerable contributions to the tavern across the street.
It was during such a… donation… that a man dressed in a ragged brown cowl sat down next to Tarsis. "I saw your performance at the battleground today. You are an intelligent fighter."
"It's all I'm good for." Tarsis replied.
"I beg to differ. I need someone like you. Someone noteworthy, capable of stirring the people."
"I bet you are waiting for me to ask why." Tarsis humped, taking another swallow of ale, "Too bad I'm not going to." He dropped a stack of gil on the counter, and started to walk away.
"I know how you can avenge your family." The cowled man added, and that managed to draw Tarsis's attention. He once again took a seat, and asked, "How do you…"
"Know about your family? I asked around… I traced your history through the people who once knew you." The cowled man chuckled, "But that isn't important. You see, the summoners, the magic-users… they've run people like you and me into the ground, taking and in essence stealing from us so they can gorge themselves and hoard all the wealth and comforts of this life, and all at our expense."
"And this is important… how?"
"Don't you get it?" The cowled man insisted in a harsh whisper, "The MAGIC-USERS killed your family. THEY were the ones that ran you into the ground. THEY were the ones that denied you the education that you needed. THEY are responsible for ALL of this."
Tarsis ran the logic through his intoxicated brain for a bit, then said, "I still don't know how I fit in to all this."
"I have… successfully began commoner revolutions in other kingdoms. The people of this land think of you as somewhat of a hero… with your fame telling them to rise up and lead them… we could speed up the process incredibly. You could be a KING."
"I don't want to be a king… I'm just a gladiator, a mercenary, if you will. All I want is to fight."
"Oh you'll get plenty of chances to fight…"
* * * * *
Gregorian's promises turned out to be rather shallow indeed. Wodensland fell with very little resistance, and after just a couple of mop up jobs around the world, he found himself cast into overseeing a bunch of mechanics for 5 years.
Then came another offer… one that showed some promise.
Tarsis… I am Karma, the chosen vessel for Alexander. You are a warrior, not a little prison warden. I am offering you the chance to fight again. My sovereign, the Great Guardian of the World himself, is going to make a great war into the heavens. Cast allegiance with me, Tarsis, and you shall be on the left side of the charge against the God of Creation. This will be the ultimate battle; one a warrior like you couldn't refuse to take part in.
And sure enough… the mercenary could not… Once again, Tarsis would hunt, once again, he would fight… it was ALL he could believe in…
* * * * *
The fused form of Tarsis collapsed to the ground lifelessly, massive clubs crashing with a resounding thud mere centimeters from Midas's feet as the form of Odin dissolved into the Astral plane as quickly as it had appeared.
In absolute relief, tears forming in her eyes, Tamara flung herself into Midas's arms, trying to keep from the indignity of crying in front of everyone. "Midas… don't EVER do such a foolish thing EVER again…" She ordered, "I need to be careful… and SO DO YOU."
Midas stared into Tamara's face, and for a moment, it was as if he was looking through another set of eyes, at another woman. "I understand." Midas replied, "I'm sorry… I just knew I had to…"
Creed interrupted, "You know, as much as I'm enjoying this tender moment, do you think you two can save the hugging and loving promises for now. We probably don't have much more time."
"Agreed." Fredros added, "We must hurry."
Tamara regained her composure, and took step behind the others as they began to progress up the staircase once again. Tamara turned and said, "Midas… hurry up."
He looked up into her face, and with a hint of a smile said, "I'll be right behind you. I just want to make sure that our friend doesn't come back to haunt us AGAIN."
With a nod, Tamara continued up the steps, leaving Midas to ponder what he had just witnessed. 'Was what that I saw, Hades?'
You saw the man behind the monster… it is a side effect of Odin's power. Hades explained. Which is why I didn't want to have to use it… such a perspective can quickly complicate things.
There was a moment's pause as Midas analyzed the scenes rampaging through his mind. He could envision Tamara and her unborn child in the place of Tarsis's family. What would Midas have done differently… how could he have done things better?
'Why do we do this to each other, Hades?' Midas finally asked solemnly.
As much as I am loath to say it… I simply don't know… I simply don't know.
End Scene Two
