Final Fantasy Story Prologue
By Nathan Jones
Long ago, the War of the Magi reduced the world to a scorched wasteland, and magic simply ceased to exist. 1000 years have passed....Iron, gunpowder, and steam engines have been rediscovered, and high technology reigns.
But there are some who would enslave the world by reviving the dread destructive force known as "magic."
Could it be that those in power are on the verge of repeating a senseless and deadly mistake?"
Sadly, this mistake was repeated. A few Monarchs and high officials including
Emperor Geshtal and his next in command Lord Kefka met at the city of Vector,
the main base of actions for the Empire. There they discussed various topics
until a single interesting piece of information was introduced to an unsuspecting
and power hungry group. An Esper, supposedly a creature of legend, had been
found incased in an icy tomb in the mining city of Narshe to the east. Eager
for a chance to learn more about the situation, Emperor Geshtal sent three
scouts to investigate the matter further. One very special member of this
party was a woman by the name of Terra Branford. Terra was special because
she was the product of a human and an Esper and therefore inherited the ability
to utilize the deadly and destructive force known to the world as
“magic”. Upon their arrival at Narshe, the trio made their way
into the mines where they found exactly what they were searching for. Like
the reports had stated, the Esper was in fact within the mines and was intact
as well. However, just as the group was about to begin experimentation on
the Esper, a strange and powerful glow encircled them as if brought on by
their very presence within the mines. The light engulfed everything in flame
and all were killed except for the woman Terra. So began Terra’s journey
to find out who she was and what kind of power she possessed. During the
course of her journey, Terra met up with the Returners, a group of rebels
who opposed the Empire’s dark and sinister rule over the world. With
the help of the Returners and their leader Baron, Terra escaped quietly off
into the mountains beyond the quiet village of Kolingen. There she learned
of why she was being controlled by the Empire, and why her existence beyond
their influence had them worried. She had been their weapon of mass destruction
all her life even though not one memory of these horrific events exposed
itself within her mind.
After learning what was needed, Terra set out to find out more about her
identity and along the way she met many people who soon became her closest
friends. Locke, a treasure hunter, and chief spy for the Returners. Edgar
Figaro, King of Figaro, and also a secret member of the Returners who’s
love for women and wine often made him a favorite around various pubs. Sabin
Figaro, Edgar’s older brother and second heir to the throne of Figaro
who after learning of his father’s death, traded the throne for freedom.
Celes Chere, one of the Empire’s top generals who was infused with magic
at a young age and resigned from her position within the Empire after learning
about their dark plans for the world. Shadow, a mysterious ninja, who lives
a life of solitude with his dog and faithful companion Interceptor. Gau,
a strange boy who has lived his whole life on the Veldt with the various
monsters that inhabit it. Cyan Garamonde, a brave warrior and defender of
the castle of Doma who’s hate for the Empire was swelled when Kefka
poisoned the city’s water and killed everyone including his wife and
child. Setzer Gabbiani, owner of the world’s only airship, and gambler
extraordinaire. Strago Magus, who’s blood is that of ancient Magi and
who’s dreams of a peaceful world cause him to get involved in the
group’s quest to defeat the Empire. And Relm Magus, Strago’s only
granddaughter and who is also a painter with the ability to absorb the souls
of whomever she paints into her portraits.
With the help of these brave people Terra was able to defeat the Empire after Kefka killed Geshtal and proclaimed himself the new Emperor and Lord of Destruction. However, when Kefka died, he vowed to return and thus ended Terra and the other’s struggle to save the world from destruction at the hands of Kefka. It has been six years since that day on top of Kefka’s tower. The “Warriors of Light”, as they were called from that point on, have all gone on with their lives unaware of the danger that looms in the distance. Kefka, Lord of Destruction, has arisen from the dead as promised along with Emperor Geshtal and the two have new plans for the Warriors of Light. The destiny of the world now rests on the shoulders of those brave warriors once again. The fight for mankind has begun.