Final Fantasy: Rise of Despair
Short notes. I shall give all my readers a brief thank-you now, and I shall give credit where it is due at the end of this chapter. Now read on for the conclusion to Final Fantasy: Rise of Despair.
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy: Tactics Advance, I do own the characters and plot.
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Fin
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" Heidi cried as she held Harris' body in her arms. She could no longer fight back the tears, she didn't even want to fight them back. For the first time in a long time, she just wanted to cry.
"It… no… no it can't be…" Matt said as his eyes started to water up.
"Ha ha ha ha ha… you've all done so well hiding your feelings from me throughout this battle… but even the mighty Racemasters, can't hope to hide their sorrow, over an old friend." Alph said gleefully. "Now despair… let me feed off of your misery." Alph continued, reveling in the sadness.
"Harris… why?" Cole asked.
"You… you fool…" Casey whispered.
"Harris… don't put me through the same thing as you… don't do it…" Heidi begged Harris' body. Heidi's tears dripped on to Harris' face. Heidi closed her eyes, letting the tears leak through some more, but then, she opened them, with a renewed determination.
"What?" Alph gasped. "Wha… where is your sadness? Your pain?" Alph asked Heidi curiously.
"No… I won't let it happen. I won't give up!" Heidi exclaimed. "PHOENIX!!!" Heidi summoned the mighty phoenix above Harris' body, flapping its majestic red and gold wings as it hovered over the two of them. "FULL-LIFE!!!" Heidi then channeled the mana in to the phoenix.
"It's hopeless… I am a demon… fatal wounds from a demon's hands have never in history been reversed." Alph said.
"I refuse to give up." Heidi said. "Phoenix! Revive Harris!" Heidi commanded. The phoenix opened its mouth and breathed out a cloud of life-giving mana on to Harris' body. Heidi continued to use her own mana to keep phoenix here, for it to keep trying to revive Harris.
"…" Casey stared at this for a moment before sighing. "You know what… I'm not going to let it end like this either." Casey said as he stood up. "REVIVE!!!" Casey channeled his mana in to the phoenix as well, empowering it further.
"… I will not lose another close friend like this." Cole said. "FULL-LIFE!!!" Cole also channeled his mana in to the phoenix.
"Here… take this… gold battery!" Matt channeled the mana used for gold battery in to his coin, and tossed it to the phoenix, where it disappeared on contact with its feathers. The phoenix was now much stronger than before, breathing more and more of its life force on to Harris, but still it seemed to have no effect.
"Ha ha ha ha…" Alph laughed. "You mortals are so interesting. You refuse to let go… even though it is hopeless. He is already gone, and yet still you try to call him back. It is so amusing." Alph chuckled sadistically.
"Harris…" Heidi said. "Don't go… don't leave me…" Heidi whispered. "I…" Heidi chocked up for a moment. "I…"
"Hm? Ugh… what… what is… this?" Alph said as he started to gasp in pain. "Why am I suddenly…?"
"Harris, you don't know how much you are like family to us… don't die." Matt said.
"You've always been… like a brother to me." Casey said.
"… We're all a family. We've all had to be strong for each other, and now is no exception." Cole said.
Meanwhile…
"Keep holding them back!" Adam shouted as he pushed back numerous Black soldiers.
"Laura!" Hunter shouted. He tackled her and got her out of the way of several arrows that would have pierced her through.
"Hunter…" Laura said.
"Laura, Kyle died for you. He loved you! He loved you like a brother would love a sister and I… I… ahem…" Hunter stopped himself abruptly.
"Oh… shut up you weakling." Laura said with tears in her eyes. She grabbed him, and forced him to kiss her lips.
"Toxin…" Seth said as they stood before numerous black soldiers.
"Yes?" Toxin asked.
"If this is to avenge Syack, you would probably have every right to do that… but… don't let hate be the only thing driving you." Seth said.
"… what else do I have?" Toxin asked.
"Someone… who cares about you. Like Syack did." Seth said while looking at her.
"… Thank you Seth." Toxin said.
"Hey… what's going on with those Black soldiers?" Stacy asked.
"They're… stopping their charge." Monty said in awe.
"Huh?"
"Hey… I'm in my right mind again!" A soldier exclaimed.
"So am I!"
"Thank the totema!"
"What the heck?" Brently wondered out loud.
"If I had an answer I would tell you… but…" Kate started to say. "Ize… I wanted you to know… that I really did love you." Kate said to the sky.
"I don't know why but… I have an incredible urge to say… how much I love my wife." Cid said.
"I… miss my parents, I wonder how they're doing." A random soldier said.
"I love my sister, wherever she is." Another random soldiers said.
"Master Casey, I love you like a father." Adam said.
Meanwhile…
"Urgh… what… is… happening?" Alph asked as he sunk to his hands and knees. Where is all the pain? Why aren't I feeling misery around Ivalice? Why?" Alph asked.
"Harris… please…" Heidi said as a single tear floated down towards Harris' open wound. The tear landed on it, and the spot where the wound way began to glow. The hole in Harris' chest began to close, and Harris' eyes started to open.
"What… no! That's not possible!!!" Alph cried.
"Heidi…" Harris whispered weakly as the wound completely disappeared.
"Yes?" Heidi asked, tears of joy now flooding her eyes.
"Vivian… wanted me… to tell you something…" Harris said. "She wanted to tell you… thank you…"
"… It… wasn't a problem." Heidi said.
"He… he really is alive!" Matt shouted in joy.
"Heh… heh heh heh… aw good old Harris!" Casey said as he wiped away his tears.
"My old friend… you really did come back… you really really did." Cole said with a smile. Heidi leaned in, and kissed Harris gently on the lips.
"Urk… grrrrrack!" Alph began to wriggle pain, he contorted, and twisted, and the sound of bones crunching could be heard. "Augh… gaaaaaaaaaaa… NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" Alph shouted as purple flames began to consume his body. The flames ate away everything, his armor, his sword, and his very flesh until the last thing that remained was his helmet. Finally, the flames consumed it as well.
"Hm? Hey! What the heck happened?" Casey noticed the pyrotechnics going on and walked over to the ashes of the Alph.
"He… died? Just like that?" Matt asked. Harris and Heidi got up and walked over to join the other three.
"Hmmm… how curious…" Cole said. "I wonder if…" Cole started to say when.
"Cole, if you're about to say what I think you're about to say, I must point out that while it is possible, it is a bit far-fetched." Harris said.
"Right." Cole said with a smile.
"Harris…" Heidi started to say.
"Yes?" Harris asked.
"We did it. It's finally over." Heidi said with a smile.
"Yes, just like I promised you." Harris said.
"Just like you promised." Heidi said.
"Come friends, I believe we have to find everyone else. And spread the good news." Cole said.
And so the five Racemasters united with their friends. They were shocked to hear of the casualties that took place, but they nonetheless agreed it was best to move on. It was too late to save those. They first held memorials in honor of all of those who died for this war, and they held memorials for the only three black soldiers considered worthy of such.
Word of the Black King's defeat at the hands of the Racemasters quickly spread. People who felt afraid came out of hiding. People began to mingle freely again, and people converged to Bervenia, just to see if the rumors were true. A celebration to commemorate this occasion was held in Cyril, where the heroes of this war were honored, and where many came to see the Racemasters.
"Ha ha ha ha!"
"Whoo hoo hoo hoo!" Monty and Mendoza were dancing and celebrating full of cheer, enjoying the food and drink provided there. Gilbert was simply talking to Jessica.
"Jessica, will be alright?" Gilbert asked.
"I… I still don't know why though." Jessica said.
"… That dear girl… is something you'll have to find out for yourself." Gilbert said. "Oh, Stacy is something wrong?"
"Um yeah you see…" Stacy began talking to Gilbert. Away from all of the crowds, Blaze simply leaned against the wall of a house in the middle of an alleyway.
"Still not coming eh?" Hunter asked.
"Nah, I don't do well in crowds of unfamiliar people." Blaze said. "Hey listen…" Blaze started.
"Hm?"
"I'm sorry about all the grief I caused you guys at first. It took a while but… I'll admit, you are good people." Blaze said as he turned to walk away.
"Where will you go?" Hunter asked.
"I don't know…" Blaze said. "Hey, tell that Laura woman, that despite our difference, I think Kyle was a righteous man." Blaze said before disappearing. As Blaze kept on walking, he thought he heard footsteps. He looked above him to notice a figure. "What do you want?" He asked.
"You know, I've got nothing else to do with my life and… I'm sick of always doing things alone." Brently said. "And I doubt you'd want to spend the rest of your days isolated."
"…" Blaze sighed for a moment but then smiled. "All right, I guess you can tag along." Blaze said as he started walking again.
"Don't mind if I do." Brently said as he hopped down from the building he was on and started walking beside Blaze.
Harris was also observing the party from a distance, or rather, watching Heidi mingle among them. "Hm? What is it Cole?" Harris asked as he noticed Cole standing right beside him.
"You feel the same way for her don't you?" Cole asked Harris.
"Well… I…" Harris started. He paused, as if hesitant but then… "Yes, Cole I can't hide it. I really do love Heidi." Harris said. "She's different, but she's still everything I loved about Vivian and maybe… even a little more."
"Hm." Cole smiled and held out a hand.
"Cole… is that…" Harris started.
"It is." He responded with a smile.
"But I thought I told you to get rid of it…" Harris said as he grabbed some item out of Cole's hand.
"Aren't you glad I kept it though?"
"… Yes. Yes I am old friend." Harris said before walking towards Heidi.
"Oh Harris!" Heidi said cheerfully as Harris walked up. "Is there something you want to tell me?" She asked.
"Well… Heidi…" Harris hesitated, but he took a deep breath before he continued. "Heidi… When we first met… well no… after I got to know you…" Harris said.
"Yes?" Heidi asked.
"I… already felt as though you were similar to Vivian but… you know… the one who slowly but surely healed my pain… the pain I harbored for too long… was you." Harris said.
"Harris…"
"You put your faith in me, and even when it looked as though I had lied you still held on and… believed in me." Harris said. "You were upset and you had every right to be but…" Heidi then put a finger to Harris' lips.
"Harris, I understand. And I thank you as much as you thank me. You helped me in more ways than one yourself Harris." Heidi told him in a hushed tone. Many people were kind of looking in their direction for some unknown reason, but neither of them seemed to notice.
"But Heidi… it took a while but… I realized something I should have admitted a long time ago…" Harris said. "I… I love you." Harris said.
"Harris I… oh… I love you too." Heidi said.
"And now…" Harris got down on his right knee, and held out a little black box. He opened it, and revealed a small golden ring, with a small diamond jewel in it. "… Heidi, will you marry me?"
"…" Heidi choked up for a moment. Everyone was staring now, everyone wanted to hear what she had to say. As a tear fell down her cheek, she opened her mouth to speak. "Harris… yes. Yes I will." Heidi said.
Several months down the road, many a thing had to be done. Repairs to the capital and the palace had to be done. The judicial system had to reestablished, and after many grueling weeks, the Racemasters found several people to refill the judge council. And after that, the day came…
The day was sunny, the sky had only a few white clouds, and people from all over Ivalice stood at the sides of a massive red carpet leading to the gates of Bervenia castle. Harris stood at the gates in front of the Judgemaster himself. Harris was wearing fine green robes with a white drape on the front and backside tied to his waist with a golden rope. The drape had the symbol of the humans on it, and beside Harris was a fiery torch.
A flock of white doves flew off in to the sky as Heidi walked down the carpet, holding a bouquet of tulips, wearing white flowing robes with a blue drape from the waist down that had the symbol of the viera on it. She walked up in front of the judgemaster and stood next to Harris, and next to a flaming torch.
"Friends, family, and all." The Judgemaster began. "We are gathered here today, to witness the union of a man and woman whose love hast brought them together." The Judgemaster continued to preach.
"You know Casey, I can't believe it finally happened." Matt thought to Casey.
"Shush… this is a wedding Matt, have a little dignity." Casey said.
"Oops…""Harris… honored Racemaster of the humans, do you take this woman to be your wife? In sickness, and through health, until death do you part?" The Judgemaster asked Harris.
"I do." Harris said.
"And you Heidi… honored Racemaster of the viera, do you take this man to be your husband? In sickness, and through health, until death do you part?" The Judgemaster asked Heidi.
"I do." Heidi said. The Judgemaster picked up the torches of Harris and Heidi and held them high.
"These torches represent these two souls. What once was two souls standing alone… are now two souls, united in love, and in marriage." The Judgemaster said as he turned behind him and used those torches to ignite the larger torch behind him. "By the power vested in me by the great country of Ivalice, I pronounce thee… husband, and wife." Applause slowly sounded until it built up to thunderous applause as Harris and Heidi kissed. Their kiss was passionate, their kiss was long, and anyone there could certainly feel the strength of their love for one another.
The celebration followed soon afterwards. Everyone ate, everyone drank, and all were merry. Such a union would not be seen twice in a lifetime, such was a day to celebrate, and celebrate they did. The five Racemasters were off by themselves, talking to each other. "Well, what now my friends?" Harris asked. "What are you guys going to do?"
"Well… I think I'm actually going back to Baguba." Matt said.
"Really?" Casey asked.
"Yeah, I've become attached to that place. I really love what my creations can do while I'm there. Though I do plan to get out a little more." Matt said. "You guys?"
"I'm going back to my school." Cole said as he looked at Kate off by herself. "I want to watch my students grow, and my teachers as well. Some already have." Cole said.
"Casey? What about you?" Heidi asked.
"I think I'm going to start my own clan." Casey said. "Clan Liberation is no longer needed, but I still yearn for adventure. A yearning I will not satisfy without a battle, as long as it's not war." Casey said.
"Master Casey! I will follow you!" Adam said abruptly.
"Ha ha ha! Adam! I wouldn't want it any other way." Casey said as he put an arm around Adam and started walking away. "I still have a bit more training to keep you in shape."
"I look forward to it greatly Master Casey!" Adam said.
"I'm going to go talk to Cid for a moment." Matt said as he walked off.
"YOU'RE PREGNANT!!!" Cid shouted.
"And there we go again…" Matt sighed.
"Excuse me…"
"Oh Judgemaster." Harris said as he turned around and noticed the Judgemaster walking towards him and Heidi.
"May we help you Judgemaster?" Heidi asked.
"Racemasters… we and the other judges decided that to prevent the tragedy that hovered over us for ten years that we would vote on a king and queen in the judiciary. And we wondered if you would accept." The Judgemaster told them.
"…" The two of them looked at each other for a moment, smiled, and then turned the Judgemaster. "We must decline." Harris said.
"But… we do know someone just right for the job." Heidi said.
"If the Racemasters believe someone to be a just king then I won't argue. Who then?"
"Hey Harris! Heidi!" Seth called out as he walked over.
"Seth… good timing." Heidi said.
"You won't believe this…" Seth said with a smile. "I asked Toxin to marry me… and she said yes."
"That's wonderful news, and we have more news for you." Harris said. "Judgemaster, here he is."
"Huh?" Seth scratched his head.
"Master Seth, the honored Racemasters have told me you would be a fine king for our fair country of Ivalice." The Judgemaster said with a bow.
"King?!?" Seth asked.
"Seth, you care genuinely for others. You put your life on the line for others when all seemed hopeless, you have demonstrated the qualities ideal of a leader." Harris said.
"You act as the shield for your people, and nothing is more important than that." Heidi said.
"…" Seth thought for a moment, before a smile crossed his face. "I'll accept."
"Monty, Mendoza. Would you two care to join my clan?" Casey asked.
"It would be an honor Master Casey, but I must say no." Mendoza said sadly.
"Why?" Adam asked.
"Mendoza and I decided that since we're still young we should go see the world!" Monty said cheerfully. "It's something I've always dreamed of doing…"
"And it's the kind of adventure to last a lifetime." Mendoza said.
"I'll join you Master Casey." Will said.
"You're more than welcome to join Will." Casey said.
"What?" Laura asked Cole.
"Yes, I am asking if you would become our new summoning instructor." Cole said.
"…" Laura stayed silent for a moment, but then she smiled. "On one condition."
"Yes?" Cole asked.
"Hunter comes along." Laura said.
"What?" Hunter asked from nearby.
"Well… alright, we can find something for him to do." Cole said with a smile. Cole turned around and looked at where Harris and Heidi were. "I don't know when but… I'll see you again someday… old friends…" Cole thought with a smile.
Elsewhere…
In a small clearing of Koringwood, a rock with a tulip lying in front of it stood alone. Soon Harris and Heidi were standing above it, holding Heidi's bouquet of tulips in her hand. "Vivian, thank you for everything you've given me, and… I only wish I could have known you." Heidi said. "But thank you…"
"Vivian, it pains me to say this… but we'll be gone. I don't know how long, but we'll be back someday. I hope that these tulips we prepared for you… will suffice." Harris said. They stayed silent for a moment before they stood and turned away from Vivian's grave. "Vivian, I will always love you… like I love Heidi now." Harris said.
"And… I love you too Harris." Heidi said. They held hands as they walked away from Vivian's grave. A ray of sunlight shined on the spot of her grave, and the tulips left for her, the tulips from the love of her life. And somewhere in the great beyond, Vivian is smiling down, happy that he can find happiness, in someone who cares for him as she once did.
Epilogue
Mendoza, the Loyal Sword
After the final battle of the war in Ivalice, Mendoza and Monty left on to travel the world and see all that there was to see. To him this was merely the next greatest adventure, and a way he feels will fulfill his life so that he may die happily when his time comes.
Monty, the Loyal Gun
When the war was over Monty and Mendoza left to travel the world together. Monty had always wanted to see what the entire world was like, and it proved to be a trip that would make him and Mendoza better friends than ever.
Gilbert, the Coin
Gilbert went to the Academy of Magic Arts to become a teaching assistant in alchemy. After a while though he became a teacher of his own alchemy class, and all the books in the library couldn't have made him happier.
Stacy, the student mage
Stacy decided to become a student at the Academy of Magic Arts. Though not quite at the top of her class, she did manage to make great strides. She still frequently talks to Gilbert for pointers on black magic.
Jason, the archer
Jason died in the final battle of the war in Ivalice. He died protecting Jessica from certain death in exchange for his own life. Though not as widely recognized by many, there are still some who speak of his heroic sacrifice.
Will, the scaled fist
Will joined Casey's newly formed clan after the war. At first he started out as one of his elites, however irony saw it fit that a brash human woman come along and prove herself superior and make him a normal member again.
Jessica, the hyper ninja
Jessica was never the same after the war. Still unsure why Jason sacrificed himself to save her, she joined a convent and secluded herself from the world, hoping to find the answer within herself.
Kyle, the Lance
Kyle died in during the course of the final battle. Kyle became widely recognized as a hero for his sacrifice in order to bring down one of the wicked Colonels of the Black Army. To this day, Laura continues to honor his final wish.
Hunter, the tactician
At Laura's request, Hunter moved to the Academy of Magic Arts and became a groundskeeper there. He enjoyed playing with the children student in his spare time, and he eventually married Laura.
Laura, the Esper Queen
Laura became a teacher at the Academy of Magic Arts. Laura proved to be the finest summoning instructor the academy has ever had since its establishment. Some time after she married Hunter, the two of them would conceive a child and raise it lovingly like good parents should.
Syack, the Phantasm
Syack died to bring down a large portion of the Black Army with him. His heroic act went recognized, and remains unforgotten in the palace of Bervenia. His name would be recorded in libraries across Ivalice, the story of an old man who was changed by his grandson.
Adam, the Liberator
Adam joined Casey's newly formed clan as its second in command. Adam is recognized all across Ivalice as one of the war's greatest heroes for his courage on the front lines and the inspiration he spread to the troops. Many survivors of the war still tell stories of being in his presence and fighting alongside him.
Brently, the Joker
Brently disappeared some time after the final battle. He and Blaze left for parts unknown, whether they have a goal is uncertain. Many claim to have seen him somewhere in Ivalice, and many of the claims are twisted in to tales.
Blaze, the Fire
Blaze, along with Brently, vanished after the final battle of that epic war. As the last known user of the backdraft style besides Harris, many seek him out, and all of them fail. Many fables are written of the legendary man who inherited the title of 'The Fire'.
Cid the Second, the Mechanic
Cid returned to Baguba after all was said and done. He and his wife had a child and decided to name him Cid the Third much to the amusement of Matt. He still continues to help run the Airship factory.
Kate, the Blue Soul
Kate was changed after the final battle. Remaining emotionless for years, after seeing Ize and witnessing his suicide, her emotions have all returned. She visits Ize's grave everyday before classes and has made clear her wish to be buried beside him.
Seth, the Mist
Seth became the King of Ivalice. Seth would do many a charity to support the common people and create more legislation to help fight oppression. Seth is heralded as a great king by his subjects and council alike.
Toxin, the Other
Toxin married Seth shortly after his coronation. Toxin was no longer afraid to show who she really was and was appointed a position on Seths' advisory council. She supported many bills to support the 'others' and other oppressed groups.
Ize, the Black Soul
Ize committed suicide during the final battle of the war after seeing Kate. Ize was one of the three Black Soldiers given a proper burial, and was buried on the grounds of the Academy of Magic Arts. Kate visits his grave every day before classes.
Mali, the Black General
Mali was killed by Heidi in the final battle of the war. She died peacefully, understanding her feelings now more than she had in her lifetime. Her ashes were buried beside Marshal Agon's ashes next to the coliseum of Ivalice.
Agon, the Black Marshal
Agon lost his life in battle with Harris. Harris was the warrior Agon had been searching for all his life. The warrior that could grant the wish of how he wanted to die. Agon's ashes were buried next to Mali's beside the coliseum
Casey, the Bangaa Master
Casey started a new clan after the final battle. His clan roams Ivalice in search of adventure and thrill just for the enjoyment and not for territory. Many have joined his clan, and he makes frequent visits to his friends.
Matt, the Moogle Master
Matt returned to Baguba and was immediately demanded to continue to act as the mayor. Matt still runs the factory and still has issues with doing paperwork. He enjoys receiving visits and getting some time off to visit his friends.
Cole, the Nu mou Master
Cole returned to act as Headmaster of the Academy of Magic Arts. Cole teaches, observes, and learns more about magic each and every day that passes and is pleased with every visit paid to him by his friends.
Harris and Heidi
A man whose soul was torn by lost love.
A woman who was lost on the path of life
Two paths fated to cross, and two lives made whole by each other.
Now wherever these two may be, may happiness be by their side
And may love be underneath their wings.
THE END
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CREDITS
Square Enix: For creating Final Fantasy: Tactics Advance.
Nintendo: For licensing the game.
Biggoron: For being a frequent reviewer, and for inspiring this story with his fanfictions
Shinging Riku: For being one of the most loyal reviewers.
Blaze 909: Again, for being one of the most loyal reviewers.
To all other readers: To all of my readers who have read this fanfiction and enjoyed it quietly.
With all that said, leave me your final thoughts on the story and let me know on a scale of one to ten how you believe I did. See you guys next time back in the Super Smash Bros. section after I take a little break.
Thank you for reading!!!