Final Fantasy: Rise of Despair
Ugh… I know I've been bad about updating lately and I offer my apologies to my readers since I've forced you to be so patient. But the story is nearly done and the final stretch is coming. Oh why must all good things come to an end? Well, now we shall see both sides prepare for the final fight.
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy: Tactics Advance, I do own the characters and plot.
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Final Preparations
Harris, Heidi, Cole, Matt, and Casey walked down the hallway from the entrance to the double doors at the other end of the hall alone. "Listen, before I explain what happened to us, I feel as though I need to tell all of you something privately." Harris said.
"What is it?" Casey asked.
"You sound serious." Matt said.
"I am serious, and for that reason you know that you have to take this seriously." Harris said.
"We will Harris." Heidi said with an assuring tone.
"So, what is it?" Cole asked.
"I do believe I've figured out everything behind the Black Army." Harris said.
"Everything?" Heidi asked.
"How so? What evidence? And what exactly do you mean?" Casey asked.
"There has been subtle evidence throughout the course of the adventure that hinted to me what is going on." Harris said.
"Hmmm… you know… I'm starting to think I know where you're going with this." Cole said.
"Hmmmm… I still don't have a clue." Heidi said sadly. "I guess I really can't compare to you four." She sighed.
"Nope, I saw you out there, you'll do fine. Vivian would be happy with this!" Matt said confidently.
"I think so as well Heidi." Harris said.
"Heh… thanks." Heidi said.
"Now then…" Harris started explaining his thoughts as they proceeded down the hallway.
Meanwhile…
"Diabol! Why did you call me off of that battle!" Ize yelled angrily. They were the only two in the council room, both of them sitting in their respective seats.
"Hmph… Colonel or not, I'm still your superior Ize and I suggest you address me as such." Diabol threatened.
"Grrrrr… General Diabol, why did you call me off of that battle?" Ize asked, more calmly but still obviously angry.
"Hmph… I guess it's a start." Diabol said. "Actually, it wasn't my idea…"
"What are you talking about?" Ize asked.
"It was mine." Ize and Diabol turned towards the door to the king's throne and found Agon walking in from it. "I told Diabol to call you off of that battle." Agon said emotionlessly.
"Why?" Ize asked.
"You would have been killed." Agon said. "Not that I care… but our master still has use for you." Agon said. "Where is the rest of the council?"
"All out on their respective assignments." Diabol reported. "Marshal Agon, why didn't you send other generals to the battle, we could have won that way." Diabol said.
"…" Agon only gave him an emotionless stare as he walked towards his seat. Agon took his seat, and then spoke. "Because… I didn't want to win this battle."
"What?!?" Diabol shouted in surprise while Ize shouted in anger.
"You mean you expended the last attack force we could spare and you didn't intend to win? What is the meaning of this Marshal Agon?" Ize hissed.
"The Five Racemasters together… they may well be able to match the power of our master when united." Agon said.
"That doesn't answer my question Marshal Agon…" Ize said, suppressing his anger.
"Once the Racemasters are all together, and if we crush them together… than all hope left in Ivalice will disappear." Agon said emotionlessly. "Even more than if we crushed them separately, it will show all of Ivalice that all hope is truly past their reach."
"You would risk victory… to lower just a little bit more moral?" Ize asked.
"Is there anything else Marshal Agon?" The three turned to the magic circle and the remaining generals came in through it. "Is that really all?" Mali asked curiously.
"…" Agon remained silent. "Is everyone here?" Agon asked as the generals took their seats.
"No." Ize said.
"Sheesh, you are all really ready to start without me aren't you?" The generals and Ize turned towards the magic circle, and from it came Colonel Cious, without a mark on her body.
"No, our majesty wouldn't have it any other way at this point." General Agres said.
"I am curious… how did you survive?" Diabol asked.
"Right before that wretched low-life stabbed her katana in to my heart, I summoned phoenix and had it transfer some of its mana to my own." Cious said.
"And the life-force contained within the phoenix's mana revived you after you died." Diabol concluded.
"Clever as always Cious." Ize said approvingly.
"Good… you are all… here…" The Black King said as he entered the room. Everyone stood up and bowed. They waited for the Black King to sit in his chair before everyone else sat down. "First… we must finalize bounties…"
"May I ask a question?" Mis asked.
"Speak…" The Black King moaned.
"Why? They'll come after us at this rate." Mis pointed out.
"We shall… reward whoever kills them… with this sum… this will… encourage the troops… their greed… will be our victory…" The Black King said.
"Very well then." Agon said.
Meanwhile…
"Wow… that's deep stuff…" Mendoza said. Our heroes were in a room that had a large round, wooden table with chairs around it. All but six of them were filled by one of our heroes.
"Yeah…" Laura sighed sadly. "Hm? Hey where's that rat Brently!?!" She demanded suddenly. Everyone in the room looked around, indeed, Brently was nowhere to be found.
"…" Matt sighed. "Forget about him… we forced him to help us this far… I guess we can only force him so much."
"Very well then." Harris said.
"By the way… have those people we sent for the day we got her arrived yet?" Cole asked.
"Who did you send for?" Kyle asked.
"Some old acquaintances that a few of us had, plus some people recommended by Gilbert here." Casey said.
"Hmmmm…" Heidi thought for a moment. "Gilbert… you didn't…" Heidi said with a smile.
"I did." He responded. The group then turned to the door, when familiar laughter was heard behind it.
"Waaaaaah ha ha ha ha ha ha! Where're the bad guys!?!" A woman laughed.
"Good grief… how did you stand this woman?" A moogle voice asked.
"I didn't…" A bangaa voice growled.
"She's not that bad." A human male voice said.
"There you go again." A moogle female voice responded.
"Please be on your best behavior. It would be illogical otherwise." An emotionless female voice said.
"Ah good, they're here." Cole said. The door opened, standing at the door were Kate, Cid, Jessica, Stacy, Jason, and Will.
"Who are you people?" Toxin asked.
"Allies, no cause for worry." Harris said with a smile.
"What's going on here? This weird moogle with an air-ship drops down out of nowhere and tells us that you guys need some help." Stacy said.
"Never mind all of that. Have a seat, we really need to discuss battle plans." Hunter said. The other six shrugged and took a seat.
"Hey… you two look different somehow." Jessica said as she looked at Harris and Heidi. "I can't put my finger on what though…"
"Oh my…" Will breathed heavily before passing out from the excitement after looking at Harris and Heidi.
"I guess he noticed our hands." Heidi sighed.
"Syack could you…" Harris started.
"Sure." Syack walked over towards Will and stomped a foot on his face.
"Ow! Watch it you old geezer!" Will yelled.
"Geezer? Why I'll have you know that…"
"Please just sit down before I summon Madeen in here…" Laura growled. "This is going to take all day and that's time we don't have…"
"She's right, now let's talk about what we're going to do." Matt said.
Meanwhile…
"These bounties are all… so steep…" Cious said.
"Hmph… some of these I don't agree with, I already fought that Blaze loser and he wasn't worth this much." Ize scoffed.
"Never mind the bounties." Agon said. "We should discuss our defensive measures."
"Yes…" The Black King said. "As always… we have kept… the best of the best of our troops… here in Bervenia…"
"About how many soldiers does that amount to?" Agres asked.
"I believe that leaves us a good ten million soldiers." Diabol calculated.
"Good… all of you… make ready the troops… lock the servants away… make sure they're… uncomfortable…" The Black King said.
"It shall be done my master." Agon said.
"I shall do it personally." Mali said gleefully, smiling at the thought of torturing the poor souls in the town.
"My king, it is time we prepare ourselves. They could strike any day." Mis said.
"They will strike in six days…" The Black King said.
"Hm? How does my liege know this?" Ize asked respectfully.
"The Racemasters… are not idiots…" The Black King said. "They will realize… the challenge ahead… and take as much time as they feel is… necessary to prepare… themselves… and those misfits…" The Black King said.
"But why six days?" Mali asked.
"They… are not idiots… they know… that six days is the most… they can afford…" The Black King said.
Meanwhile…
"So why are we striking in six days?" Hunter asked.
"It would do you no benefit to know this Hunter. I'm sorry." Harris said.
"No… that's alright. This does give us time to prepare though." Hunter said.
"Hardly enough time though…" Cole sighed.
"What do you mean?" Laura asked. "As long as Cid pilots the airship to meet with other clans across Ivalice then everything should be fine."
"Yeah but Cid is staying here, I specifically instructed him to bring another pilot." Matt said.
"Yep, and I did." Cid said.
"So then what is the problem? We still have someone going out gathering the clans and that school." Seth said.
"It's what we're about to try and teach you." Heidi said.
"Huh?"
"We have to teach you something very difficult and we have very very little time to do it. If you can't do it in six days then you'll have to go in half-prepared because we can't afford to lose any more time." Harris said.
"That's harsh…" Jason groaned.
"But it's the truth." Casey said.
"I am prepared Master Casey!" Adam said.
"So am I!" Mendoza shouted.
"You know that I am!" Monty declared.
"Alright then… all humans are to come with me." Harris said. "And you two…" Harris looked at Seth and Blaze.
"Hm?" They were a bit confused.
"You're going to have to work much harder than anyone else." Harris said. They let these words sink in as every human in the room followed him out.
"Vieras, come with me." Heidi said as she walked out of the room, the other two following.
"Bangaas with me!" Casey cried as he walked out of the room with the bangaas behind him.
"Nu mou are to come with me." Cole said matter-of-factly as he left the room as the nu mou people followed him out.
"That leaves the moogles with me." Matt said as he walked out of the room, the moogles in the room behind him.
Meanwhile…
"Is it done Mali?" Agon asked. The two were in Mali's potion brewing basement, although all of the ingredients and vials were put away, Mali was simply sharpening her sword.
"Yes, the servants are all locked away." Mali said. Her face then turned to a frown. "Marshal Agon… why did you not want us to win that last battle?"
"…" Agon said nothing. "Soon, I shall find out if my third wish can be fulfilled." Agon said.
"I see…" Mali said. "Marshal Agon…" Before Mali could start, Agon shook his head.
"If emotions trouble you… you should know that I am the wrong one to ask." Agon said as he left the room without even looking at Mali.
"Gah… perhaps I should just… how did Marshal Agon abandon his emotions?" Mali asked. "I've done it somewhat but… if I had done it as well as Agon, I wouldn't be wondering what I'm feeling now… grrrrr… no…" Mali said darkly. "I must focus on the battle ahead." She said with the utmost determination.
Meanwhile…
"Now then…" Harris was in a circular room, standing at attention in front of him were Jessica, Jason, Hunter, Kate, Seth, and Blaze. "All of you are going to need this, you'll be going against the best of the Black Army. They'll keep the best there for defense… and you'll need what I am about to teach you."
"What is it?" Hunter asked.
"You see… you'll not only awaken a different power inside of you, but you may find yourself capable of things you never imagined." Harris said.
Meanwhile…
"So what are you teaching us?" Toxin asked Heidi as she and Laura waited patiently, listening to her say the same thing Harris was telling the others in the other room.
"Heh… she did beat me… I still never would have guessed she would be this good." Laura thought.
"Ultima…" Heidi said seriously.
"Ultima?" Both of them asked.
"Yes, if you have this spell at your disposal, you will have great power that can help you in even the most dire of situations, and it will greatly develop your ability to focus." Heidi explained.
Meanwhile…
"Unfortunately for most of you… your jobs that you specialize in no longer learn an Ultima attack." Casey sighed.
"But… Master Casey…" Adam started.
"Hold on now… no longer is the…" Casey started.
Meanwhile…
"…is the operative word now isn't it?" Matt asked.
"You mean…" Cid started to ask.
"You mean we can still learn it?" Stacy asked.
"Yes, I know each Ultima ability of each job, and thus…" Matt started.
Meanwhile…
"… thus I can teach you your respective Ultima attacks even if your job has lost that ability." Cole explained.
"I see… interesting." Syack thought.
"So then… how difficult will it be?" Gilbert asked.
"I won't lie…" Cole started.
Meanwhile…
"…it will be extremely difficult." Heidi said. "Toxin has it easier since assassins have not lost their Ultima ability."
"Heh… don't worry, I've always been a fast learner." Laura said confidently.
Meanwhile…
"Once Hunter gets it done, I'll ask you to help me teach it." Harris said.
"Really? Wow…" Hunter said. "Sweet!" He said with a smile. "This ought to be fun."
"This isn't a game!" Blaze shouted.
"You don't need to snap at him you know." Seth pointed out.
"Why you…" Blaze started.
"You two… come with me." Harris said.
"Hm?" Blaze and Seth were a bit confused, but they nonetheless followed.
Meanwhile…
"You know Cious, I'm surprised that you aren't raving about your loss to that Cious person." Ize said. The two were in the old coliseum behind the castle.
"Hmph… whatever she was talking about, as far as she's concerned, she's gotten her revenge and as far as I'm concerned, she has gotten her revenge." Cious said.
"You're content with letting her win like that?" Ize asked surprised.
"There's only one person I want to fight on that side… and I'll prove myself superior when I do." Cious said.
"Hm?" Ize thought about that for a minute. Cious then turned around to Ize.
"Ize… I've been thinking."
"What?"
"After this battle… our majesty will no longer need the Black Army, at least not its entire force. Perhaps we could…" Cious started to say. Ize then got an angry look in his eyes.
"Look, Cious, I respect you but that's where it stops." Ize said. "The only person I ever had feelings for is gone now… that's that." He said bitterly.
"I see…" Cious said. "I won't pursue it further then."
"Even if I could lay my eyes on her again…" Ize started to say.
Meanwhile…
"So… what do you want with us?" Blaze asked.
"Is there something special you need us for?" Seth asked more politely.
"…" Harris stared at the two. "To think that these two, who could not be any more different both… the world does work strangely." Harris thought. "Attack me." He said.
"What?" Seth asked.
"Attack you? What would that do?" Blaze asked.
"Just trust me." Harris said as he grabbed his sword sheaths and dropped them. "You won't harm me."
"…" Both Seth and Blaze exchanged glances.
"Oh… very well." Seth said.
"Don't blame me since you asked for it." Blaze said. Blaze took deep breaths and ignited his arms while Seth drew his katana.
"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!" The two of them rushed Harris as fast as they could.
KABOOM
"Huh?" Both of them were shocked at the next sight they saw. Harris' arms were ignited much in the same manner as Blaze's arms, and he was holding Blaze's fist and Seth's katana in his hands. Harris then spun around and a dome of flames repelled them both.
"Whoa!" Seth dropped his katana and Blaze lost his focus and lost control of his arms and they fizzed out. Harris then made quick successive and long hand signs.
"Secret art! Growth veil!"
"Huh? That sounds a lot like… whoa!" Suddenly wooden branches covered the whole room and wrapped themselves around Seth and Blaze.
"Dang it! I can't ignite my arms like this…" Blaze grunted.
"Wait… how did you know my secret veil techniques?" Seth asked.
"Yeah, and how did you know my backdraft style?" Blaze asked.
"Heh… ha ha ha ha ha…" Harris chuckled. "Both of your techniques were created over one-hundred years ago correct. I believe the first man to teach the backdraft style was named Paul the fire, and the first one to pass along the secret veil techniques was a human woman named Paullina the mist." Harris said.
"Huh? But that was the master of my master's master." Seth said.
"The same here… but how do you…" Blaze started to ask, both he and Seth thoroughly confused at this point.
"You two know your techniques… because of a somewhat childish bet I made with old friends." Harris said with a smile.
"Huh?"
"I was the one who created both of your fighting styles." Harris said.
"Seriously!!!" Both of them gasped.
"Yes, and I taught it to a brother and sister that I found traveling Ivalice to gain knowledge. After that, they went their separate ways. I taught them because Matt didn't think the secret veil techniques wouldn't last a century and Casey didn't think that the backdraft style would last a century. So I made a bet with them." Harris said.
"…" The two just listened to this while remaining immobilized by the branches constricting them.
"Oh… my apologies." Harris said. He snapped a finger and the branches receded. "Now then." Harris got a much more serious look on his face. "Seth, if you wish to protect what is innocent, then you'll need the full power of the secret veil techniques and your Ultima attack." Harris said.
"I understand!" Seth said.
"And Blaze, if you want to have any hope of matching Ize, you'll need the full power of the backdraft style and your Ultima attack." Harris told him.
"… I get it." Blaze said.
"Now you both see why you must work harder than anyone else, and I'm going to make sure you do just that." Harris said. "Now then… let's start!"
"Right!" They both said.
And so, both sides prepared, they had their ups…
"I've got it!" Mendoza shouted.
"Really?" The others gasped.
"Yes! I do have it! Breath of life light, my blade and sing within light! Ultima Sword!" Mendoza swung his now glowing sword and struck the ground in front of him. A light purple dome of mana formed in front of him before it expanded. When it cleared, the spot on the ground was a fairly deep crater.
"Well done Mendoza!" Casey said. "I sensed your control was perfect. This makes you the first one out of everyone to master your Ultima attack." Casey said.
"It is an honor Master Casey!" Mendoza said.
Meanwhile…
"Soldiers of the black army!" Agon shouted. He was on the balcony of his tower, retaining his emotionless tone of voice, yet somehow ringing with authority as the soldiers were all crammed below the tower. "Soon our greatest enemies will strike! And for that we must prepare!"
"…" The soldiers listened attentively.
"These men are all dangerous… but the rewards that await you are worth it… behold!" Agon opened up a scroll and began reading its contents. The contents were as follows…
Mendoza the loyal sword – 50,000 gil
Monty the deserter – 50,000 gil
Gilbert the coin – 55,000 gil
The three above at once – 170,000 gil
Hunter the tactician – 550,000 gil
Kyle the Lance – 500,000 gil
Laura the esper queen – 800,000
Syack the Phantasm – 650,000
Adam the liberator – 790,000
Brently the joker – 500,000
Seth the mist – 820,000
Toxin the blind – 800,000
Blaze the fire – 850,000
Casey the bangaa master – 425,000,000
Matt the moogle master – 425,000,000
Cole the nu mou master – 440,000,000
Heidi the viera master – 450,000,000
Harris the human master – 500,000,000
"We'll be rich!"
"Sweet!"
"Death to the enemy! Hoorah!"
"HOORAH!!!"
And both sides had their downs…
"Gah! Control that blasted flame of yours! It's hard to practice this growth veil technique when you're doing that." Seth said.
"Hey! I've got to practice too pretty boy!" Blaze shouted.
"Cool it you two…" Harris groaned.
KABOOM
"What was that?" Harris asked.
"Jessica! You aren't supposed to do it like that!" Hunter yelled.
"But… it's fun…" Jessica's voice whined.
"Oy…" Harris sighed.
Meanwhile…
"Gah! Stop interfering with my training!" Mis shouted at some hapless guards.
"Sorry sir!"
"Ugh…"
And overall, our heroes had to prepare for what seemed like an impossible dream…
"Heh… heh… out… of… breath…" Will panted.
"You… have… no… idea…" Seth gasped.
"I learned how to do it, don't complain." Laura said.
"Well, that makes her the first one who learned a dead ultima attack. You're a good teacher Heidi." Harris complimented.
"Oh… I had little to do with it." Heidi said.
"Okay, your one minute break is up, back to our hours of training!" Matt shouted.
"Ugh…" Nearly everyone groaned.
But finally… the day came.
Outside of the fort they were using, our main heroes stood in the middle of a massive army. This army had students from the Academy of Magic Arts, clan members from clans Liberation, Phantom, Laura, Forest, and several more clans they had never officially met, and even members from a few bandits, namely Toxin's men. Harris stepped forward and cleared his throat.
"Brave men and women of Ivalice… for ten years we have lived under the oppression of the Black King. He has won the crown ten years ago… but that does not make him our king!"
"Yeah!"
"You said it!"
Harris continued. "No, he is no king, he is a tyrant! He has tried to crush you, he has tried to bring you under his control, and he has tried to make your life a living hell! But all that he had done is strengthen our resolve!" Harris shouted.
"Raaaaaah!"
"Today, we will accomplish a dream that many have given up. Today we fulfill what many think can no longer be fulfilled! Today we will strike the heart of what has brought grief and despair to Ivalice! Today we bring back hope and freedom!" Harris shouted.
"RAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
"Remember why you fight! Remember that no matter what happens, that you made your stand today! Show them no quarter! And show them the strength of your spirit!" Harris shouted.
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
"Now then… is everyone ready?" Harris turned to the group.
"I'll follow you through this Harris." Heidi said.
"I will do this… I now have to, no… I want to." Cole said.
"The final battle is upon us old friends." Matt said.
"And for that, we shall spare them nothing." Casey said.
"I am ready for whatever may come Racemasters." Mendoza said.
"Count me in on that." Monty said.
"You know I wouldn't say no." Gilbert said.
"Hey, this could be fun." Jessica said.
"For once I agree with her." Will said.
"I'll do whatever it takes!" Jason added.
"Hey, don't forget about me!" Stacy squeaked.
"Hey, I enjoy a little light-heartedness, I need to win to get that." Hunter said.
"Hmph… these guys have tried to prove themselves stronger too much for me to ignore them." Laura said.
"I won't leave Laura's side on this one." Kyle said.
"I… must do this… for my grandson…" Syack said as he looked at Toxin. "And for you…" He said softly.
"Master Casey, I shall not abandon you now." Adam said.
"Hey, you know that I'm going through with it." Cid said as he gave a thumbs up.
"This is for the good of others." Kate said emotionlessly. "I shall fight."
"For the good of everyone in Ivalice! I must protect them!" Seth said.
"For those who have been oppressed." Toxin said.
"Maybe my motive isn't pure… but… it helps the poor as well… I'll fight for that too." Blaze said.
"And… for you…" Harris said as he looked to the sky. "You wouldn't want a world like this." Harris said with a smile. "Then… let's go." Harris said. The Racemasters and the rest of the group placed a palm on Cole and began channeling their mana.
"Yes excellent… here goes… TELEPORT!!!" Cole created a massive version of his teleportation spell that covered the entire army, causing them to disappear in a flash of light.
Meanwhile…
Soldiers were now flooded at the gates of Bervenia castle and throughout Bervenia, awaiting the assault coming today. Suddenly, a bright flash of light occurred in the distance, and when it died down…
"Oh my… they're here!"
"BLACK ARMY!!! CHARGE!!!" Ize shouted.
"SOLDIERS OF IVALICE!!! CHARGE!!!" Harris shouted.
Both sides raised their weapons and ran for each other, all of them prepared to die for whatever they believe in.
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