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Archdruid Sephiroth Presents

A Final Fantasy VI Fanfiction One-Shot

What I Saw: The Transfiguration of Kefka Palazzo

I: Lord Palazzo of Miranda

There were only a few things within the Empire that I disliked… the pollution at the capital was one of them. My beloved Miranda was so much cleaner… few in the way of any steam machines to run the town were even necessary, and my fair citizens preferred to burn wood over coal which kept what air pollution was created to a minimum. But here in Vector, everything is metal and coal… the fires of industry are truly unquenchable.

That said, the capital is a wonder in and of itself. Those complex machines run a network of rail lines, manufacturing plants, and more to keep the citizens in the lap of luxury. There is no homelessness in the city; everyone has a job, everyone has a place. It's quite the spectacle… and there is a certain beauty to it as well. The precision workings of the intricate machines are replicated on a larger scale when viewed from on high by the larger machines they belong to. Mine trains continuously pull more material from below ground, massive slow-grinding gears highlight the process of transforming raw ore into usable material over several steps, and in the distance, a new building is being constructed.

That new building will form the foundation for a new set of projects, I've been told. Projects that will take time to come to fruition. What little was revealed stated the projects would yield some impressive developments in military fields. Not something a patron of the arts like myself would be at all interested in… I detest violence.

But I am not naïve enough to believe that I won't be called to serve in the military in some capacity in the future. I will be forced to set aside my distaste in favor of serving my beloved Emperor Gestahl. Truth be told… I wouldn't hesitate. I love my country… my people… and what we have created. I would gladly put myself in harm's way to defend it. That is the job of a true noble after all… to be the ultimate patriot, and show the people how to be brave in trying times.

Such matters however, are not why I'm here in Vector today. The Emperor wishes to congratulate me on the success of my last charity art gala I hosted in Miranda. Thanks to the hard work of both myself and the orphans of The Kiratalli Orphanage, we raised over Two-Hundred and Fifty Thousand Gil. All proceeds go to the Orphanage, and the Emperor has pledged he would match what the gala generated. Philanthropy after all, is also a duty of a true Noble.

I must get ready, the meeting will be soon, and I certainly do not want to keep my beloved Emperor waiting…

-From the Journal of Lord Kefka Palazzo, Governor of Miranda

Kefka entered the grand hall of the palace to the low cacophony of hundreds of voices speaking in low tones and classical music in the background; gentle strings played a melody his artful mind found quite inspiring, and for a moment, he wished he was in front of his canvas instead of before a crowd of nobles. Almost immediately, as if to pull him from his thoughts, he was beset by servants offering him food and drink, the latter of which he obstained from but graciously accepted a hors d'oeurve as he noted a few younger faces in the crowd.

"Lord Kefka!" came a young woman's voice.

"Ah, Cynthia," he greeted. "I was wondering if you would be here tonight."

"You must be joking," she noted. "I'd never miss a function like this!"

Cynthia was an older woman, around the age of 45 or so, though no one would dare ask her directly. Despite this she looked far younger, especially in such a low-cut scarlet dress. Red being something of a favorite color of his, such outfits would catch his attention, though he often wondered if the woman was trying too hard to please him. Though Kefka was mature, he only recently reached his 28th year, and felt she was far too much for him.

In fact, Kefka wasn't really looking for love at all. His life was as full as he desired it to be. Never-the-less he was known to have the occasional concubine as a guest. He was still a man after all, and men had needs… but Kefka always found that seemingly primitive part of his psyche to be most bothersome. As such, he would never keep a woman around, and preferred the company of women who weren't interested in long-term commitments. Cynthia, he knew would not be interested in the short-term, and as such stayed cordial with her, but always rebuffed her advances.

Today looked like a typical day in that regard…

"Of course," Kefka replied. "I forget that sometimes you help plan such affairs. Though I wasn't expecting to see such when I arrived."

"Oh?"

"I was summoned by The Emperor… so… what is the occasion?"

"I'm not sure exactly," Cynthia admitted, "but I'm told it has something to do with a military victory."

Kefka sighed. "That explains all the uniforms," he noted aloud. And indeed, there were many men who wore military dress. Though he hated conflicts and violence, they were the reality that defined The Empire these days. Still, the outlying cities beyond the border, especially Tzen were being extremely difficult to crack and last he checked, there seemed to be no sign of a potential break-though. Despite hating the war, Kefka did try to keep pace. It was a patriot's duty to remain informed after all.

"I know you find such things detestable," Cynthia agreed, "as do I. But prosperity will be brought to those outside The Empire, and they will thank us in the end."

"Please, Cynthia, spare me the rhetoric. I don't see how one can hate violence but love the violent spreading of an ideal."

"Are you saying we shouldn't spread our culture and success to others?"

"That's not what I'm saying at all," Kefka clarified, "What I am saying is that there are ways to do it that don't cost Imperial Blood… or anyone's blood for that matter."

"Don't be so Naïve, Governor." Kefka inwardly smiled at that. She only called him by his title when she was becoming annoyed with him. "None of these back woods bumpkins would accept the benefits of The Empire willingly, preferring to stick to their own, uncivilized, and unclean ways of life."

"Then I wonder if we truly are so superior then. There is something to be said for a simple life."

Cynthia blinked in disbelief. "You're the last person I would have expected to say such a thing. You live in luxury too you know, benefiting from that same culture you would suddenly dismiss. Could you give it up so easily?"

"Of course not," Kefka admitted. "But this is the life I know… the one I was born into. Their lives are the ones they were born into as well, and forcing such drastic changes on a group of people, rather than letting them adopt them peacefully is only going to create violent revolutions in the future. War no matter how you look at it is a waste of life. However, I don't disagree with spreading our culture and way of life across the world. Our noble emperor wishes to unite the world and I agree that this is a worthy goal. I only question if there aren't less… distasteful ways to do it. In the end, I will follow whatever path The Emperor lays before me, even if I don't agree with it."

"Well… at least we agree on that," Cynthia replied, sounding somewhat defeated.

A noble and a soldier approached at that moment. The noble he knew well as Governor Malcolm of the West Reach District of Vector… the soldier he was unfamiliar with.

"Still bothering him, Lady Harrison?" the Governor asked.

"I'm not a bother, am I?" she asked Kefka.

"I would never say such," Kefka admitted, though all parties involved noted this was not a denial.

"I should be off anyway," Cynthia continued, ignoring the obvious jab. "My Lords." With a gentle curtsy, she was off.

"I don't think that poor woman will ever get the hint," Malcolm noted.

"It is unfortunate that she is so much older," Kefka noted. "She was probably less of a busy-body when she was younger."

Malcolm laughed boisterously in response. "No… she wasn't. Lord Palazzo, I'd like you to meet Major Leo. He's quickly becoming a celebrity around here."

"Major," Kefka replied with a slight bow.

"He had taken control of the Northeast Campaign and managed to minimize casualties on both sides."

Kefka nodded. "Impressive victory."

"I do like to keep the affairs as bloodless as possible, My Lord," Leo replied. "War is already a messy business, so I do my best to make it obvious to the enemy they can't win so they give up without firing a shot."

"A good method," Kefka agreed. "I wish war wasn't necessary at all."

"The unfortunate state of affairs we are in, I'm afraid."

"Quite," Kefka agreed. "If but that we had more men like you."

Leo smiled gently at that.

"Looks like someone sent for you," Malcolm noted. "I was hoping to talk to you about the next Gala."

"They'll be time enough, I'm sure." Kefka faced the page who cleared his throat before speaking.

"The Emperor is waiting for you, My Lord," he announced.

"Best not to keep him waiting." Kefka turned to Malcolm. "Until next time, old friend."

The throne room was just as he remembered it; massive, garish, and full of banners. Recently, the men had put together a "victory wall" on one of the sections of wall between two large pillars. This wall held the names of the places the Empire had managed to conquer. He noted Tzen was still not on the list, nor was Albrook. Both city states were staunchly refusing Imperial control. Many of the smaller villages, towns, and settlements near them however had fallen.

Bowing before the throne, Kefka was met with clapping from his beloved emperor who was now walking down the stairs towards him.

"Another excellent gala!" he proclaimed. "How do you do it?" the emperor was dressed in one of his more formal and dark outfits in preparation for his appearance at the military function. But this was business that took precedence.

"It is a talent of mine, your Highness," Kefka replied. "I know good art when I see it."

"At this rate, you're going to exceed my own philanthropy budget and put some serious debt on the Empire."

"Surely no!" Kefka looked agast, though it was mock shock and both men knew it, having a laugh at the absurdity.

"Well done," Emperor Gestahl affirmed and clapped him firmly on both shoulders. Kefka idly noted the man's beard now almost fully hid the fact that he wore a neckerchief. "Now then, the real reason I summoned you here." He stepped back from Kefka seeming to consider him carefully.

"Yes, your Highness?"

"You remember about three months back; I had you take a special test?" the Emperor asked.

"Yes, I remember," Kefka replied immediately. "I also remember the migraine it gave me."

The emperor made a low chuckle at that. "Messed me up pretty good to," he admitted. Kefka looked at him surprised for a moment. "Yes, I took it myself. You could imagine my dismay when I didn't even finish in the top 100."

Kefka harrumphed at that. "I wonder how accurate the test is then," Kefka replied, deciding it best to soothe over the emperor in case this was a sore spot.

"Oh, spare me the platitude," The Emperor dismissed casually. "It wasn't the kind of test a man like me would have a bruised ego over. You know I firmly believe that every man has his place."

"Indeed. Forgive me."

"Nothing to forgive," he replied immediately. "Such actions are expected of a loyal servant even when unwelcome. You my friend though… you surprised me."

"I must have finished at a high mark then," Kefka mused.

"The highest in fact."

Kefka was quiet at this point. Though he never was told what the test was about, he realized that this could have some major ramifications for him now.

"The new building being constructed," The Emperor continued, "Do you know its purpose?"

"I was told weapons development," Kefka answered. "No particulars though."

The Emperor seemed to start to wander the Throne room now. "Let me tell you a story, an ancient one. It concerns ancient gods, a great war, and a cataclysm. This will of course be the abridged version. Long ago, there existed a dread destructive force in the world; one that can reshape mountains, ravage entire countries, change the nature of reality itself, and even restore the body. I know it seems counterintuitive that a dread destructive force can also have positive benefits, but this force was all encompassing. It was known, as magic."

"Magic," Kefka echoed, almost in a whisper.

"Aye. Magic. This power permeated the world, flowed though all aspects of it. Indeed, some of the ancient scholars believed that even while the power was dormant, it still resided in the world on a fundamental level… because without it, life itself was impossible.

"This power was said to have flowed from three gods, known as the Celestriad. Each member had control over a certain aspect of magic; Creation, Destruction, and Change. Each believed their own magic was superior, and their disagreements eventually led to something the ancient scholars referred to as The War of the Magi. During this time, a race of beings known as The Espers were fighting this war.

"This war was far more terrible than anything seen since, and left the world a shattered wasteland. Seeing the destruction their war wrought upon the world, they vowed never to fight again. If the legend is to be believed, they locked themselves in some kind of magical stone, and were positioned equidistant from each other to maintain a delicate balance between their awesome powers. Espers, having survived the war withdrew from the world, and over time, the world healed."

Kefka wasn't sure what to believe as he heard this. "It's quite the story. Is there any proof of it?"

"Oh, yes," The Emperor replied. "Lately, we have been finding ruins within even our own territory that came from that time. Much of the story has so far been verified based on this ancient evidence. And recently, we discovered where the Esper went off to."

Kefka watched as on cue, men were rolling in some large object covered with a cloth. The entire thing was over three meters tall.

"Behold!" The Emperor declared as he pulled the massive sheet from the device. Beneath was a massive glass cylinder capped with Bronze Devices on both top and bottom. Inside the tube was a liquid solution, and floating in that solution was a creature that was almost human. She was nearly two meters tall including her beautiful three pairs of angelic wings. Kefka noted her body was pure white and had no features. Her face was also without features, except for her eyes which glowed a beautiful blue color. They had no cornea or iris and yet were difficult to look away from.

"This is an Esper!"

"Inconceivable," Kefka whispered as he stared at the uniquely beautiful form before him.

"As we assumed, they're animals despite some of them having humanoid forms. They do not communicate, appear to have no real culture, and simply exist outside of our realm."

"Then, battle in the East?" Kefka whispered. "This is the victory you're celebrating; successfully breaching into another realm."

"In our possession now, we have the tools necessary to create the ultimate weapons. These creatures can give us control over magic like we've never had before. Even now, research and development into a transference method continues. Soon, the power of Magic will be ours, and all governments will have to bow to us."

"And that test?"

The Emperor smiled. "It was meant to see who would be best suited for the transference. You my friend, have the honor of becoming the first Magitek Knight. This Esper will be your donor."

Kefka looked upon the Esper once more and her gaze met his, but there was no malice there, only curiosity. He saw no sapience, at least no more than a pet would have.

"Very well," Kefka replied. "If this is your wish, my Emperor, then I shall submit to it and become your first warrior."

II: The End of Sanity

Construction of the new site took a total of three further months, but soon enough, the day would arrive where Kefka would have to make good on his promise to his emperor.

As soon as he entered, he was taken by the shear size of it; massive open sections with high ceilings and multiple levels of catwalks and platforms. Experiments played themselves out at the various stations and a large row of cylinders, similar the one that was in Gestahl's throne room months ago were lined up in four long rows. Strange creatures resided within some of them, all unmoving. As he passed them, he noted some looked like mythical creatures found in fairy tales and old books, whilst others were humanoid with monstrous details that set them far apart from the men who worked this facility.

The sounds of the machinery were almost rhythmic, and the smell of coal and chemicals was ever present, but not as overpowering as Kefka thought they would be. In fact, the scent of this place reminded him of the hospital in the West District, sterile. The scent of the cleaning chemicals was ever present in everything, and it was basically impossible not to notice it.

Kefka made his way to the set of computing machines and work stations at the far end of the room, noting a scientist who was removing a yellow hooded cloak before preparing to sit down. His clothing consisted of mostly white with black details, almost arcane looking patterns on both his shirt and pants. Kefka wondered at what kind of eccentric this was.

A retinue of men surrounded the young governor as they approached, mostly military men, he noted, though he was able to pick out another scientist or two in their number. These members broke off towards other stations as Kefka continue towards the eccentric at the other end. A feeling of dread came over him as he passed more cylinders with strange creatures within.

"Ah, you're here, my lord," the eccentric called out as he approached. "Good! We have a few things to go over before we begin."

One of the military men near him spoke up, "Lord Palazzo, it is my honor to introduce you to the architect of the future, Doctor Cid Del Norte Marguez."

"Doctor," Kefka greeted, extending a hand.

"Please," the man responded, taking it graciously, "call me Cid. We needn't stand on ceremony. Have you had a tour of the facility?"

"I have," Kefka replied. "Quite impressive! Those Magitek units though… quite garish and frightening!"

"They are machines of war, my lord," Cid replied. "The intimidation factor was most deliberate. They have a degree of life to them as well."

"Truly?!" Kefka replied, surprised.

"They aren't sapient," Cid assured him, "more like beasts of war. They still follow the directions of their riders based on the signals set from the control seat. One day, I hope to have the machines obey commands given mentally by the Magitek Knights riding them so they can act as one on the battlefield."

"Amazing," Kefka replied.

"I know you are not overtly fond of war, however…"

Kefka raised a hand. "I myself am hopeful that these weapons will make our enemies think twice about fighting back in the first place. If war must be fought, then I would be okay with such a war being fought with weapons that never need to be used, who's mere idea precludes any thoughts of resistance."

Cid smiled thoughtfully at that. "I'm not so optimistic about such an event taking place myself. I personally prefer the weapon you only need to use once."

"Well, that would be a good concession." Kefka sighed heavily. "So, tell me about the procedure."

"Of course, follow me." Cid began walking with him as they talked. "The Magitek Transference Matrix consists of two capsules, one to hold the Esper, and one to hold the Knight to be imbued with magic. Once the system is calibrated for both individuals the transference process begins. Energy is drained from the Esper along with part of its metaphysical essence. This essence becomes imprinted upon the Knight, allowing them to tap into the power of magic for themselves. The magical energy taken from the Esper effectively jump-starts this process. Once completed, the Knight will be able to control and manipulate the power of magic."

"And what of the Esper?" Kefka asked.

"The Esper will be weakened by this process but can recover eventually, and can be reused for the process." Cid paused. "Don't tell me you're worried about the Espers. They're animals after all."

"So the emperor told me," Kefka replied. "But wasted life is wasted life, no matter if sapient or not."

"I suppose, but there is more where they came from, an entire realm of them. I wouldn't give it a second thought."

"As you say," Kefka replied, though part of him wondered about that.

Moments later they entered into the chamber where the Magitek Transference Matrix resided. The machine was almost nightmarish to look upon. The cylinder containing the Esper stood at its heart, the angelic being watching curiously and apparently still oblivious to its predicament. Multiple tubes and wires, armored with metal bands linked to a much smaller cylinder. Kefka realized he would be immersed in liquid as well. Everything was dark metal with the occasional red painted bit that seemed to be a warning symbol, but such designed icons were beyond his knowledge.

"No breathing mask?"

"The Esper doesn't need one, and neither will you," Cid assured him. "The fluid is oxygenated and can be breathed, though it takes a bit of effort. Like the Esper, you'll get used to it. Besides, you won't be in there long."

Cid walked to a table producing a covering for his lower torso. "Use the spare room to change. We wouldn't want to permanently stain your nice outfit while we make you as a god upon this earth."

"Poetic," Kefka sourly noted as he accepted the article and proceeded to get changed. It wasn't until he left the small bathroom that he realized just how cold it was in that lab.

"My, you're even paler than I expected," Cid noted.

"I'm an artist, not an outdoors-man," Kefka replied.

"At least you keep in shape." Indeed, Kefka was well toned for an artist, a consequence of staying active in his home and eating cleanly.

"I like to be healthy," Kefka replied. He stared up at the machine again, noting a section that looked spherical though he could only see about half of it. It was nestled beyond some of the larger tubes above the Esper's cylinder. It was covered in glass plates that almost resembled small dishes with a copper spike in the center of each. Occasionally, a spark of electrical energy would jump between a few spikes before fading away, making nary a sound as it did so.

Cid watched him dispassionately for a second noting his anxiety towards the machine. "Governor, it is obvious you are not comfortable with this procedure… why do it?"

"Because I am a patriot, Cid. I want to see my emperor's dream become a reality. Imagine a world free of conflict, working together harmoniously, creating a perfect future for all." He seemed to smile slightly as he thought this. "In the face of such a grand vision, my discomfort is irrelevant. I only hope the results of this experiment exceeds all expectations."

"If but more men thought as you do," Cid noted.

"Seems I hear that a lot lately," Kefka noted. "Is selfless devotion such a foreign concept? Well, enough about that; time to make history."

Without another word, Kefka bravely stepped upon the metal grated platform that served as the bottom of the cylinder. Cid walked to the control panel of the machine and without further delay, pulled the lever to start the process.

"May you be an inspiration to many," Cid whispered as the glass came down.

Warm, clear liquid began to quickly fill the cylinder as air was being evacuated at the same rate above to keep the pressure equalized and stable. Kefka felt partly buoyant in this liquid but failed to float more than a few inches above the grate below that was starting to hurt his feet. Soon the liquid covered over his head and he bravely, and explosively, expelled the air from his lungs. His chest hurt slightly as the liquid displaced the last bit of air inside him and he began to breath the liquid. Cid was right it seemed, the liquid was harder to breathe than water, but his body was up to the challenge and soon he didn't even notice the extra effort.

Kefka could see that Cid was giving orders to other scientists and other switches were being shifted and moved around. A slight tingle crawled over his skin as he watched Cid throw another lever. He could not see the Esper from this Cylinder's position, so he stopped thinking about her for the moment. The tingle quickly traveled from his extremities to his heart, bringing unique sensations to his body. He watched as light seemed to emit from his finger tips and dance around his hands. A look of wonder filled his eyes as similar feelings overtook his heart.

So beautiful…

Multicolored motes of light and energy danced around his hands, leaving beautiful trails in their wake. It was like a performance of sorts, one that was slowly filling the cylinder. He was so fixated on the colors that he didn't notice his visual range outside the cylinder decreasing at first. His eyes tried to focus but everything outside this room past the opened doors was simply blackness, and it was getting closer, like a fog, causing everything at its edge to become fuzzy and indistinct before being swallowed by darkness.

His heart began to beat rapidly as panic began to overtake him. Something about this seemed wrong. A sound, like a young woman moaning pain in the distance echoed around him, barely perceptible, but slowly gaining in strength as the cries echoed around him. The sounds were joined by whimpering, gasping, weeping… the echoes deepened, reverberating through his very soul… the sound becoming maddening.

Darkness closed around him as the fog effect seemed to reach the cylinder. The glass disappeared, and the warm liquid seemed to suddenly become cold, quickly sapping the heat from his body. The void had swallowed him, igniting his fear as the cries of the woman he heard were intensifying, as though she were now being tortured. Kefka found that he was kneeling now, but failed to notice when that happened. He didn't feel the grate beneath him, the floor becoming smooth somehow.

Unconsciously, Kefka held his arms out only to find he was now cradling the Esper in his arms. Her eyes were now yellow, and he realized that the cries were coming from her. Her face betrayed her pain, now looking almost too human to him. Featureless eyes locked with his own and it felt as if she were stating straight into his soul as tears trickled down.

"What have you humans done…"

Barely a whisper in the darkness… but one that Kefka suddenly understood all too well… Either the emperor didn't know, or he lied. The girl was sapient, she could feel pain, and she was intelligent. Where they all like this? How many have already been sacrificed on this mad quest for power?

"I didn't know…"

"Blind you are… Kefka."

"How do you know me?"

"I am already inside you… This link… I am losing myself…"

"Wait!"

Suddenly the world around him exploded. When the light faded, he saw a massive battlefield, mostly a wasteland of half dead vegetation and no trees as far as the eye can see. Two massive armies faced each other down from either side of this field. With a war cry, they charged each other. Columns of ice, streaks of lightning and massive blue explosions suddenly erupted across the field as both forces clashed in an apocalyptic battle. Smoke and dust rose into the air, obscuring vision but doing nothing to reduce the madness and orgy of violence that swam around him.

"The War of the Magi," Kefka whispered as he watched in horror. A human nearby was blown apart from some explosive spell, but the killer had no time to celebrate as he himself was blown apart by a series of lightning attacks. Kefka walked though the battle, people dying around him in horrific ways; some frozen and shattered, others burned away by a hot wind that glassed entire football pitches worth of land. Some of the soldiers were thrown airborne in tornadic winds that tore their bodies to pieces. Hot rain fell upon him as the ground slowly turned crimson, and shreds of flesh and shattered bones fell to earth like festive confetti. Rivers of blood flowed from the battlefield into a nearby river, becoming almost a torrent in its flow in some places, turning the nearby river red.

The people fighting around him did not see him as he strode, tied up in this battle that ended ages ago. His eyes took in the sight, part of him wanted to retch at first but that subsided as he became desensitized to it. Then to his right he saw her at last… Mateus… the Six-Winged Esper was in the sky. From her hand she unleashed a beam of searing energy that ripped though the armor and flesh of her enemies with equal ease. Blood boiled away under the intense heat of it, and dozens died as the bean strafed across the enemy's battle line. Nearby a huge dragon was locked in combat with a metal construct of colossal size, energy spewing from multiple points on the construct. The very ground shook as they fought, but even this was but a small piece of the larger conflict….

Outside the cylinder, Cid hears the alarm klaxons realizing something is going wrong. The Esper's eyes were opened and her body was staring to shrivel within the tube. He began to yell orders as he tried to end the process, but there was a massive burst of electrical energy as the circuits and gears became fused together. The energy was running away, and nothing could stop what would happen next.

Kefka looked down, back to kneeling in the darkness, seeing the Esper's form starting to desiccate here.

"Mateus!" he yelled to her. "What's happening to you?!"

"Inevitability…"

Visions assailed his mind harder and faster now. Kefka screamed as his mind was ill equipped to deal with this level of input or visions this horrific…

He saw the Warring Triad… the Celestriad… presiding over a dead world, weeping for the creatures that slaughtered each other in their name. He saw the world tearing itself asunder with explosions splitting entire landmasses, recognizing that the shape of the land was unfamiliar to him, but the new continents forming in this chaos looked like the modern-day world he knew. The sun hid itself behind a clouded sky that flowed like water, and what little remained of the vegetation shriveled and died.

"Men desire power…"

An Esper writhes in pain as her body is being pulled apart whilst she is still alive. Men in armor watch dispassionately, her screams unheard as her organs are removed. A girl he remembered seeing once lay upon a table, her snow white hair spilled off the flat surface on either side. Tubes inserted into her body were transferring something into her. Her body shuddered occasionally and her mewling was ignored by all but Cid.

"Power begets nightmare…"

Rivers of blood flow from a medieval era town… soldiers grin at the sight…

A massive pyre stacked with the bodies of hundreds burns. His beloved emperor watches them burn whilst enjoying a steak dinner and wine. Dozens more are placed on specially crafted tables undergoing a process to turn them into super soldiers. A woman lie on the ground, her body torn open by gunfire, her children lay motionless next to her.

"The nightmare deepens…"

Kefka raised his head from looking upon the shriveling body of Mateus… the darkness was now full of stars, but he noticed they are slowly starting to fade one by one. Then he saw shapes below him, gasping as his mind suddenly reels…

Bodies the size of entire worlds, rotting in the darkness of oblivion…

The husks of thousands of dead worlds, similar to his own, yet each different…

Suns burning out, going dark, shrouding their worlds in endless night…

Writhing entities, massive and strange beyond comprehension swimming in a vast void, slowly dying themselves as even black holes begin to evaporate into perfect nothingness...

"What is this?" he asks… his eyes wide in terror and confusion.

"Inevitability…"

Kefka watched her beautiful form turn black, quickly breaking apart into ashes as they seem to break off and enter his body though his chest….

It all makes sense now… in the end, entropy wins… In a few short generations, even the accomplishments of our glorious empire will become lost… its meaning no longer relevant to those masses that feast in its honor, and ignorant of the horror that came with them… Try as we might, our accomplishments will never last more than century before their meaning is completely lost… Our greatest advances and achievements… the slaughter of millions… mere footnotes in history.

Pointless…

Time passes… nature decays… even the gods themselves are not immune to this… that's what she was trying to tell me… she realized it during the first war… This world is living a perpetual cycle from which there is no escape…

Six wings began to tear out of his back, two batlike and small while the remaining four echoed the glory of their original owner.

But...

He watched the world breaking apart again, from the world he knew to a new configuration amidst explosions and tsunamis…

That can change… Why wait for the end to come…

He watched his world dying once more, only this time there would be no gods to weep over their deaths, no greater power to rectify the situation…

Everything was now dark… Mateus was gone… in that cold emptiness, Kefka felt something he never thought he'd feel…

He felt peace…

Many hours later, Cid was going over his notes from the transference event trying to learn what went wrong. He gazed over at the empty cylinder, nothing was left of the Esper that was once within. Kefka was comatose in the infirmary.

"This is all my fault," he lamented aloud. "I must have miscalculated something… How am I going to fix this?!"

He stared at his schematics for the machine, going over every detail to try and figure out how the machine could have gone wrong, when a scream was heard from the infirmary. Cid rushed there, hoping something hadn't happened to Lord Palazzo…

A few moments earlier, Kefka finally woke up. The visions that assailed his mind during the transference still fresh, reawakening the migraine headaches he used to receive often.

"More pain… seems that's all I feel anymore…"

"I see you're awake," came the voice of a male nurse.

Kefka said nothing.

"That good huh?"

Kefka frowned. It wasn't enough this waste of space was annoying him with his mere presence, he had to say things in a sarcastic tone.

"Piss off," Kefka finally stated.

"Such manners are unbecoming of a Lord," the Nurse quipped. He set out a few pills and some water. "You should learn to lighten up."

Kefka's eyes glowed as his annoyance finally hit its peak.

"You first," he sneered. "FIRA!"

Before the nurse could even act, he was sudden enveloped in a wave of fire that washed over him. He screamed as his skin and then his flesh burned and melted under the extreme heat of the spell. His body hit the ground and writhed in agony until his nerve endings burned away then simply stopped moving as his body continued to blacken.

Cid entered the room at that point and looked down in horror as the body of the nurse collapsed into a pile of ashes. Despite the heat from the flames, he noted nothing else was burned… just the nurse.

Kefka blinked at the sight… then smiled… then began to laugh maniacally, the sound sending shivers up Cid's spine….

III: The True Face of the Empire

"Cid believes he has managed to perfect the process now," came a report from Major Talin, one of the military officers assigned to the Magitek Research Facility. His clean-shaven look and youthful appearance made this officer a model for others to follow. "The new test went perfectly with no side effects like those seen in the first."

"Outstanding," the emperor proclaimed. "I knew I could count on Cid." The emperor watched as his generals began to make their way into the throne room. "Ah! Perfect timing!"

"My Emperor," General Vask greeted. He was an older man with many battles under his belt, and was eager to see what new weapon the Emperor had managed to bring about.

"Generals, I'm glad you are here. A while back I told you that our victory in the East would yield greater fruits than any of us could have imagined… well today, I make good on that promise…"

A couple of days earlier, in his private villa in Miranda. Governor Palazzo was busy trying to calm himself down. His mind was wandering again back to that perfect darkness, but the sounds of reality around him tore him from that peace.

"This is stupid," he hissed. "It's all so stupid and pointless." With a scream something violently blew apart near him. He looked and saw other trinkets and items he had collected over his time as Governor. His anger flared again and with a word they too blew apart. He lashed out at everything around him, destroying all that tied him to his life. His hand reached back ready to throw another blast of energy when he noticed something… something quite old…

It was a doll fashioned to look like a clown. A small smile came to his face as he used telekinesis to pull the doll to him. His mother had given this to him when he was seven. He was always close with his mother, his father was much harder on him, though until recently, Kefka didn't hate his father. Now though… he found fewer and fewer things daily that didn't make him mad. As he looked upon the doll, a sudden idea came to him. He knew he would have to leave who he was behind him now. Soon Gestahl would make him his Court Mage, which would tie him to the capital. He was okay with that… nothing lasts forever, this he now knew with absolute certainty.

"I should stand out," he whispered as he wrote a list, calling for his servant. The servant entered looking aghast at what had become of this room, but Kefka was oblivious to it.

"Here!" he gave the man the list. "I need all of that."

"The true empire is death… the true empire is destruction… the true empire is power."

Kefka remembered his epiphany as he approached the doors to the throne room. Several guards in the hall looked at him strangely before straightening up, and other nobles in the palace avoided him, glaring at him and whispering to each other.

"… well today I make good on that promise," the words of the emperor came from beyond the doors. "May I present to you, my Court Mage, Lord Kefka Palazzo!"

The doors opened before him and there was some applause though most of the onlookers were shocked by his appearance…

Gone was the sensible nobleman's suit of dark red, replaced with a chaotic motley of colors and designs. Every square inch of his skin was stark white, apparently painted. Black markings on his face betrayed his unhinged nature, and a long feather from his hair simply accentuated the appearance of a man who strayed far from the edge of sanity.

He walked to the bottom step of the throne and turned to face the generals and other officers and nobles who came to look upon him. Inwardly, he took in their shocked and disturbed expressions and it only made him happier.

Moments later, a man was dragged in wearing a prisoner's garb and smelling to high heaven. Kefka saw this man as little more than human refuse. He was a traitor to the Empire, accused of helping some resistance cell in the city, but he was captured before the information he found could be used.

"And now for a demonstration of the power of magic," Gestahl announced.

Kefka walked closer to this man, he knew him by reputation if not by name.

"So… thought you could pull a fast one, eh?" Kefka stated as he walked towards the man. "I wouldn't worry so much though; we'll get rid of the rest of your little cell soon enough!"

"The more you try to control us, the more we will oppose you!" the prisoner stated defiantly.

Kefka laughed aloud. "My dear boy… there is a reason the words 'oppose' and 'dispose' rhyme you know." Kefka lifted his hand causing the man to start to float in the air. Gasps left the mouths of the onlookers as this happened. "You went against my beloved emperor, gutter-trash… time to burn for your crimes!"

The man's arms and legs were pulled back uncomfortably causing him to cry out in pain.

"Inscript the dark god into a rotting body," Kefka incanted. "FLARE!"

Suddenly red energy seemed to pull from everywhere at once burning its way into the prisoner, his screams of agony could almost be made out over the sound of the spell itself as the red energy exploded, virtually disintegrating the body. Only a few scraps of tattered rags, partly charred and burning fell to the ground.

One would expect after such a display of power the crowd would be silent, in awe and shock of what they had just witnessed. One would believe there would be some remorse for what had transpired there…

Kefka grinned as his demonstration was met with thunderous applause. In less than a year, Kefka knew, that the empire's officers would all be made into Magitek Soldiers and Knights. That within a few years, even enlisted officers like Sergeants would have magic at their fingertips. The world would burn in his beloved emperor's name.

Finally… I have seen the true face of the Empire… and it is glorious.

In a hundred years, Kefka knew that the horrors of what would soon transpire would be all but forgotten. The countless gallons of blood spilled, the massive graveyards filled to capacity, none of it would matter for anything, all that would remain is the Empire in whatever form that took. But time would remove even that in due course.

Well… at least I'll have fun while it lasts…

Generals gathered in their masses,

Just like witches at Black Masses

Evil minds that plot destruction,

Sorcerers of death's construction

In the fields the bodies burning,

As the war machine keeps turning

Death and hatred to mankind,

Poison in their brainwashed minds…

-Black Sabbath, "War Pigs"

A/N: It's been quite a while since I created something for Final Fantasy. I'd been so focused on EVA related content and a rocky and unpredictable life that I almost forgot I had projects in that arena.

My muse hasn't been with me much lately. So I take advantage of her whenever she manages to make an appearance, even if the project she wants me to work on isn't one I consider to be fully active at the time. I actually started writing this one a few years ago... like before the pandemic. Took years just to finish the first part. But this evening, I wrote both of the remaining sections as I'd finally gotten into the right mindset.

I consider this piece part of my series of Final Fantasy 6 works; Slave Crown, All That Remains, and the compilation of the previous two that has not gotten very far yet called Nightmare Requiem. Kefka is a character I love to explore, because he's the closest thing to True Evil I know. Arguments can be made for other Final Fantasy Villains I'm sure, but virtually all of them saw themselves as the heroes of their own story. Kefka has no illusions about what he is, and he revels in it, because he truly believes that existence itself is pointless.

So... will I do more with Kefka? I really don't know. I like the idea of expanding on his character like I did here, but as far as doing new things with him... it's less appealing. We'll see though...

Thank you again for reading my drivel. Please leave a comment if it made you feel a certain way. I welcome criticism.