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jolienjoyswriting · 5 years

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Mortem In Contumeliam FFVI, Prelude

The prologue chapter of "Mortem In Contumeliam Final Fantasy VI," a Final Fantasy VI fan fiction story (duh). (Formerly "Nova Fabula Final Fantasy VI")

Welcome to something I've been diligently working on for a little over half a month!

I've been in a Final Fantasy kind of mood, lately. It started when I played-and-beat Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII at the end of June. I couldn't stop thinking about it and even started a New Game Plus session at the start of July… only to get distracted with Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Shortly after, I looked into Final Fantasy Record Keeper and found that to be a lot of fun! Revisiting scenarios from the games in a Final Fantasy VI style was pretty cool! However, when I got into the Record Dungeon with actual Final Fantasy VI content… I got drawn back into the world of the game I abandoned way back in May. (Don't worry, I've beaten VI at least three times in my life.) Anyway, as the Imperial Mission to Narshe played out, I got a whimsical idea for a story that showed some interactions between the mind-controlled girl and the Imperial soldiers. After getting that out of my system, I ended up liking the soldiers' personalities so much that I ended up with a new idea: "What if Wedge and Biggs hadn't been erased by Valigarmanda? And, what if they, somehow, became involved in the journey of The Returners?"

That idea… is this story. And, what a story it is! You're gonna see quite a few updates for this one, before it's conclusion!

It's also worth mentioning that the in-production title for this story was simply "The Adventures of Wedge and Biggs." But, that sounded kinda lame. Also, just before September 1st of this year, I found out that Square-Enix already used the second title of this story, "Nova Fabula," in something of theirs – specifically, Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy, the compilation of Final Fantasy XIII. How. Why. If I thought, for a moment, that they had, I would've checked. Now, I know better!! (I ain't mad… I'm not. I'm… jes' full'a surprise.)

Word count: 1,562 – Character count: 9,345 Originally written: July 15, 2019

Soldiers of the Gestahlian Empire invade Narshe in search of a frozen Eidolon… and, get more than they bargained for.

Final Fantasy VI, Wedge, Biggs, and related characters, scenarios, and properties created by Square Soft, Inc. and © Square Enix Co, Ltd.

[ ← Prev. Chapter | Next Chapter → ]

“What the hell happened…? Why does my head hurt…? Biggs…?” “Ugh… I don’t– I don’t know… The last thing I remember was… was… a bright light?”

In the deep recesses of a dank, cold cavern, two men were stirring. They’d had a fairly rough encounter with an Eidolon which was supposed to be frozen and inert. But, as the two found out… that just wasn’t the case.

“Hey, Biggs…” “Yes, Wedge?” “Can… can you move?” “Uh… No, actually.”

Eidolons – otherwise known as “phantom beasts” – were magical creatures of unfathomable power. As the stories go, these creatures once co-existed with humanity over a thousand years prior. But, man’s lust for power brought that to a screeching halt…

“Biggs?” “What?” “I… think we’re tied up.” “Y… yeah…”

The Great Magic War, also known as “The War of the Magi,” brought chaos to the planet. Many creatures, both-man-and-beast, perished during the wars and the planet was almost brought to a point of irreversible destruction. But, in the end… the beasts were beaten back and hid away in a pocket dimension accessible only through one specific location… Sealing themselves away, life went on the separate species and, after a few hundred years… the planet recovered.

“Wh-why are we tied up…? Do you remember?” “I told you… the last thing I remember was–” “Partner…?” “What, now?” “Where’s… our armor?” “Our what– wait. Where is our Magitek Powered Anti-Personnel Armor?”

One day, many years later… a human woman had lost her way during an unnaturally-violent storm. Displaced, confused, and fatigued, she collapsed within a cave to hide from the weather. When she awoke… she saw herself surrounded by creatures of folklore! As it happened, she’d managed to stumble her way into the Eidolons’ World!

“No, Biggs. No. I mean, where’s our armor-armor?” “What…? H-hey… Wedge?” “Yeah, partner?” “Why are we only wearing our shorts…?” “That’s what I’m sayin’!! What the hell?!”

There, the woman known as Madeline told her story to whoever would listen. None seemed interested… except for one particular being. Madin, the creature who had found her, listened with great interest.

“Hey, move your arm.” “What? Uh… alright?” “Yeah, yeah– no-no-no, not that way!” “I’m not deaf, Wedge. You don’t have to yell.” “L-look, just… kind of shimmy. Yeah, like that.” “I don’t understand, but–” “Aaand… there!”

Madeline explained that she was disgusted by the greed and selfishness of mankind. She tried running as far as her legs would take her, desperate to separate herself the worst of humanity. By the end of her story, Madin had become infatuated with her… and, before long, the feeling was mutual. Not long after, the two defied the very tales that both man and beast had told over the ages… They brought unto the world a child of mixed heritage.

“I’ll… be damned.” “Pretty cool, huh? I learned that one from a book!” “Huh. I guess you’re not as incompetent as I thought.” “Yeah, heh heh– heeey…” “Now, get the rest of these ropes untied. We need to find someplace warmer…” “You’re getting all chicken-skinned, too, huh? Heh.” “Just… untie us, already.”

Half-Eidolon, half-human, the child was unlike anything anyone had seen, before… By simply existing, the mixed child proved the legends wrong – humans and Eidolons could co-exist! And, as the days passed, even the most skeptical of Eidolon had to admit… maybe, they were wrong about the girl. But, one day, two years after the child’s birth… tragedy struck.

“Um… uh… partner?” “W-what…?” “Remember how I said I learned that trick from a book?” “Yeah…?” “Weeell… I… never actually finished reading that book. “W… what.” “Yeeaaah… I’m not really sure what to do next? So, uh…” “Gods damn it, Wedge, you’re useless.”

On a stormy day, not unlike the day when Madeline was found, human invaders had located the entrance to the Eidolons’ World… and, they had a mission: capture all of the magical creatures and bring them back to the human world for experimentation!

“Okay, okay, I think I… yeah– yeah, there we go!” “Wedge…” “I’m free, Biggs! Uh, Biggs…? Where’d you–” “Behind you.” “Whoa! Wait. Where?” “Behind you, still.” “What? Biggs, now’s not the time for games, partner! Where are you?!” “Behind. You. Somehow, you tied me to your back.” “I… oh. I thought I was just weak from hunger, hah! Welp… let’s get goin’!”

As a regiment of soldiers led by Emperor Gestahl, himself, took prisoners and killed those who wouldn’t submit, the elder of the village decided that desperate actions became necessary. Using all of his energy, he cast a powerful incantation, expelling the invaders!

“Do you even know where we’re going…?” “Nope! I just figure… if I head toward the light, we’ll get outta here, eventually!” “That’s… not entirely unsound. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather let me down, though?” “Nah, this is great for my leg muscles! Girls love a guy with huge calves!” “You’re an idiot…” “But, I’m your idiot. Heh.” “For-better-or-worse… I wouldn’t have it any other way, Wedge.”

Every last human had been expelled from the magical realm and impenetrable doors had sealed them away from further intrusion from the outside world! But, in casting his conjuration… the child of mixed heritage managed to get swept up in the enchanted wind. Madeline chased after the babe, then Madin after Madeline. By the time they realized what had happened… they were trapped in the human world. But, to make matters worse… the person who had invaded was holding their child in his arms.

“G-g-geez…! It’s even colder, out here! H-how do p-p-people live like this…?!” “B… by staying inside a-and wearing more than a pair of boxer sh-shorts… obviously…” “Never mind that… I found the trail down to th-the city… Man, I hope n-no one recognizes us…” “W-worst-case-scenario… they’ll just think w-we’re a traveling circus a-act.” “Ya… haa… think so? Man, you’re heavy…” “Well, what would y-you think if you saw two nearly-naked, strong-looking men tied together with some rope?” “Heh heh. Heh-heh-heh… Heh heh.” “Get that thought o-out of your head.” “Sorry. Heh.” “Just… go. We’ll find help, then be on our way back to Vector. Hopefully…”

Madeline begged and pleaded with the Emperor to return the child… but, Emperor Gestahl would not be moved. In the end, he murdered the crying woman in cold blood and took the child, raising her as a weapon of war. It was this very “living weapon” which was forced into a mission to find a frozen Eidolon, sixteen years later.

“Hey, excuse me. We seem t-to be lost…” “My word! What are you two?” “W-we’re a traveling circus act, of course! B-but, see…” “You look half-frozen! Goodness… come with me! Quickly!” “Th-thanks, lady…! Y-you’re a real life-saver!”

Narshe. A city of cold steel and warm steam. Built into the mountain range far to the north of the Kingdom of Figaro, the city was a technological marvel of the world. Known for its heavy mining industry and weapon-smithing, the Empire tried, time-and-time-again, to pull it into its claws and use its resources in the bid for global supremacy. But, each time it came up… the elder refused, preferring to stay neutral and help no one. Needless to say, he was extremely shocked when a pair of troops showed up, wearing Magitek Powered Anti-Personnel Armor. Even more surprising was the third member of their party, an innocent-looking girl wearing a crown of brass and controlling the element of fire… with her bare hands.

“There you go. This clothing should serve you well until you can get to South Figaro.” “Thank you, ma’am. If there is anything we can do for you–” “Oh, think nothing of it! After all, we at the House of New Beginnings believe in helping those who help themselves! In doing so, we also hope to spread the message to others!” “Indeed. Your generosity is quite inspiring. Isn’t that right, partner?” “Can’t talk. Eating.” “Goodness, your friend certainly has an appetite!” “The… uh, ‘circus…’ doesn’t exactly provide us with five-star food.” “Hee! Well, you’re always welcome, here! Do take care!” “Thank you. Come on…” “N-nooo, come back, soooup…”

After slaughtering a small detachment of town militia and trained creatures, the soldiers – along with what people were calling a “witch” – made their way into the mines. It was there that they slew the lightning-eating whelk called “Ymir,” then found the treasure the town had been hiding from the Empire: an Eidolon from ages past, fully-preserved and encased in ice!

“So, we’re going back to Vector… just like that?” “What other choice do we have, Wedge? We failed in our mission.” “Yeeaaah, about that… What was our mission, again? My head’s still fuzzy…” “We were sent to Narshe, by the Empire, to locate and claim a… a… um…” “Weapons cache? Gems and gold? Uh… five Gil for coffee?” “Don’t be absurd! We were sent to Narshe for… I… don’t remember what.” “Well, whatever the case, it couldn’t have been too important if you can’t remember it!” “Y… yeah… I guess so.”

Just when it looked like the Empire was going to have its magical creature… the girl, who was supposed to be completely-and-totally under the mind-locking effects of the Puppeteer’s Wheel she wore… stepped forward. Not long after, something happened – something that changed the course of everyone involved. It is after those mysterious happenings… our tale begins.

#fan fiction #Final Fantasy VI #Mortem In Contumeliam #commercial characters #Imperial Soldier #Wedge #Biggs #fantasy #slice of life

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ghrecords · 7 years

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Anemone Tube / Post Scriptvm ‎– Litaniæ Mortuorum Discordantes

Label: La Esencia ‎– cure.11 Format: CD, Album, Limited Edition, Numbered Country: Spain Released: 19 Dec 2016 Style: Dark Ambient, Industrial, Abstract, Experimental

CD comes in full color cardboard sleeve and white offset paper cardboard slipcase with golden typography, including a 4-page booklet. Limited edition of 144 copies, hand numbered

For lovers of soul-shredding funeral music built on dissonance / Triggering spiritual delight / Intended for church performance

Under the headline “Litaniæ Mortuorum Discordantes” Anemone Tube and Post Scriptvm present a collaborative album with a truly unique concept: Originally applied to a particular style of ancient ritual music, in the Classical era the term Litaniæ Mortuorum Discordantes attained a negative connotation and was used to criticize those compositions – which, instead of instilling listeners with the desired pious euphoria, incriminated them with a sense of dread, existential anxiety, feelings of death and decay. Finding this aesthetic choice to be most appropriate for the present era, the two post-industrial projects attempted to create their own “Discordant Death Litanies” for the XXI century.

The idea is culled from a semi-fictional biography of Johann Sebastian Bach, written by a 19th century Russian author. In the chapter describing Bach‘s childhood and early education, his older brother – who was also his music teacher and mentor – dissuades him from composing those “Litaniæ Mortuorum Discordantes” as they dangerously steer the Christian liturgy into a “wrong” direction of primordial chaos. In reality Bach never dealt with such dark notions, but created the most versatile and accomplished musical glorifications of the Christian god ever composed.

Yet tempted by the imagination of real “Litaniæ Mortuorum Discordantes”, Anemone Tube and Post Scriptvm stage a linear, gradually unfolding “oratorio” which begins with layers of lush brass synths resounding a time and place enveloped in ancient mythical beauty. The pristine serenity, however, slowly deteriorates through the influx of anguish, social decay and profanity. Raw field recordings, throbbing electronics, metallic tremors, distant voices and chants portrait a life of numbness and confusion, where man – tormented by ignorance, ignoble desires and anger – has become a plaything of insane “Weltanschauungen” and the commercialization plague. In a world where spirituality is reduced to rituals of sadness, the prophetic – and confirmed – certitude that the end of civilization is close at hand prevails.

Composed, recorded, edited and mixed by Anemone Tube 2013–2016, with field recordings made in Kyoto, Nanjing and Shanghai, 2007/2009 and synthesizer. Gong sounds and additional samples on Irruption of the Whore by Post Scriptvm, 2013. For Ola.

Buried in Fabula Dark and Nameless Gods Laterne D'Horreur Composed, recorded, edited and mixed by Post Scriptvm in Trepan Studios, Brooklyn, NY, USA, 2014–2015.

Mastered by Hunter Barr, 2016.

Cover drawings by Post Scriptvm, 2016. Typography, design & inner sleeve photo by Anemone Tube, 2016. Photo detail of Tryptic of Saint Stanislaus the Bishop, painted and guilded limewood, Hans Süss von Kulmbach, ~1610; Gallery of Medieval Art, Warsaw.

Buy: 13 € http://www.gh-records.com/1372-anemone-tube-post-scriptvm-litaniae-mortuorum-discordantes.html

Payment methods: PayPal Pay by bankwire Pay whith cash on delivery (COD)

youtube

#anemone tube #industrial music

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ghrecords · 7 years

Photo

Anemone Tube / Post Scriptvm ‎– Litaniæ Mortuorum Discordantes

Label: La Esencia ‎– LER015/2016 Format: Vinyl, LP, Limited Edition, Golden Vinyl Country: Spain Released: 19 Dec 2016 Style: Dark Ambient, Industrial, Abstract, Experimental

For lovers of soul-shredding funeral music built on dissonance / Triggering spiritual delight / Intended for church performance

* Standard vinyl edition comes with golden vinyl, full color cover with spine, printed paper inner sleeve and high-quality PVC sleeve with silkscreen printed golden typography. Limited edition of 200 copies.

Ref: LER015/2016, La Esencia Release date: Late January, 2017

Myth and the Relation to the World Recueillement (Sa Propre Mort) Irruption of the Whore Composed, recorded, edited and mixed by Anemone Tube 2013–2016, with field recordings made in Kyoto, Nanjing and Shanghai, 2007/2009 and synthesizer. Gong sounds and additional samples on Irruption of the Whore by Post Scriptvm, 2013. For Ola.

Buried in Fabula Dark and Nameless Gods Laterne D'Horreur Composed, recorded, edited and mixed by Post Scriptvm in Trepan Studios, Brooklyn, NY, USA, 2014–2015.

Mastered by Hunter Barr, 2016.

Buy: 22 € http://www.gh-records.com/1371-anemone-tube-post-scriptvm-litaniae-mortuorum-discordantes.html

Payment methods: PayPal Pay by bankwire Pay whith cash on delivery (COD)

youtube

#anemone tube #dark ambient #industrial

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