The Transformation of Ifrit


 * From Vana'diel Tribune volume 14 (June 30, 2003). Translated from Japanese.

Long, long ago, in the lands of a certain powerful empire that reigned over an entire continent, was a general who was often called a "demon" for both his ferocity in the battlefield as well as for his strong temper, which reared its head to even his allies. This man's name was Frit.

Though he had killed many of his opponents on the battlefields of war, he embraced reckless strategies and took pleasure in his brutal acts of violence. Thus, scarcely a soul would even think to call him a hero.

However, one day, Frit abandoned his recklessness and began to show patient consideration with even his subordinates; consequently, the terrible rumors spoken of him crept back into the shadows. In the background, new rumors about the existence of a maiden called Falbub began to surface.

Many years ago, while his forces were burning down a foreign village, Frit heard the cries of a newborn child as he walked in front of one the houses he ordered destroyed. Entering it, he came upon a baby girl wrapped in cloth beside the body of what seemed to be its mother. Peering into Frit's eyes, the baby abruptly stopped crying, and upon seeing his rather fearsome appearance, she broke out into a smile with her hands outstretched. This child was Falbub.

Several weeks later, the war between the two nations ended, and Frit returned to his residence with the young Falbub. There, he then entrusted her into the care of two of his oldest servants, who were happily married.

From then on, Frit continued to carefully watch the young girl grow older. Living a happy childhood, she often approached him for conversation, and occasionally, she would even admonish him for his behavior. In all truth, it was through her very efforts that Frit was able to cultivate kindness in his heart.

However, Frit was brought sad news only half a year after his return home. His own estate had been burned to the ground, and the remains of the old couple and Falbub had been found.

The leader of the survivors from the countries that Frit had utterly destroyed (including Falbub's home nation) had been notified of his whereabouts.

If this was their revenge against Frit himself, why did Falbub become their victim?

Frit held this uneasy question deep in his heart with grief, and questioned himself as a perpetrator of innumerable brutal acts. He cursed himself.

Then, exhausted by anxiety, he came to one solid decision.

"When the Sun is Consumed by the Moon, The Souls of the Dead will Gather at the Mountain of Flames, and the Gates of the Underworld will open."

Trusting in a single verse passed down from the ancients, Frit set out to the southern islands, where a volcano was detailed to exist. Many weeks passed, and after facing much hardship, he was finally able to climb to the summit. There he sat, deciding to wait until that appointed time.

Having sat there until he could not distinguish whether a month or a year had passed, Frit suddenly was surrounded by darkness. The time had come. He looked down into the volcanic crater, and saw the spirits of the dead, each wrapped in pale light. Forming lines, they plunged into the fiery center one by one.

Noticing Frit's presence, one group of the dead broke out of one of the lines, and ran over to him. Despite their numbers, he remembered them all. They were the soldiers and villagers that he had killed himself. Beside them were several of his own men--the very men whom he had sent to massacre his enemies.

With hatred gleaming in their eyes, they quickly pounced on Frit.

Knowing fully the gravity of his past sins, he was completely unable to parry their attacks. The spirits' blades pierced his skin and tore his flesh, his blood scorched in the volcanic flames.

Exactly how many spirits wounded him is left to be wondered. Receiving yet more of their hatred, Frit was cursed further by the spirits-- bathed in flame, Frit grew 2 thick horns from his head, completing his transformation into a being completely removed from his former appearance.

Content with their alteration of Frit's body into its terrifying state, the spirits attempted to draw him into the scorching lava of the crater. In that moment, a lone girl elbowed her way through the crowd and ran to his side. It was Falbub.

Frit was so terrified of letting his hideous appearance be seen by her that he turned his head away in agony. In the center of those flames, she stared at his terrible form…and broke into a smile, holding out her hands.

That smile hadn't changed at all since the time they first met. As Frit embraced Falbub, he prayed to the Goddess for the first time in his life.

His wish must have reached the heavens.

In that instant, the phosphorescent light that had surrounded Falbub disappeared, and in its place was the rich glow of vitality.

After setting her down onto a safe rock ledge, Frit sank slowly into the fiery crater with the spirits of the dead. It is said that Frit was smiling to Falbub as he traveled into the next realm, easing her heart as she screamed and cried for many a night.

Soon, the Goddess realized that Falbub's life in the living world would not be a truly happy one, and decided to allow Falbub and Ifrit to meet again by calling them to the heavens.

To this day, it is said that the ancients who heard this story then began to call him I' frit (Frit of the Flames) in honor of his strong spirit.

Note: Falbub is the brighest star in the Ifrit constellation in Vana'diel's sky. It is a red-colored star.