Wrath Of The Inquisitors: A Storm Hawks Story

Chapter Six - The History Of The Inquisitors

As the Storm Hawks prepared for their next encounter with the Inquisitors, Piper began to study up on the Inquisitors. Doing so proved difficult as the Inquisitorius was a secretive society. That didn't stop Piper from digging deeper into the archives.

Aerrow: Stork, what do you know about the Inquisitors? 

Stork: Very little. The Inquisitors are among the most fanatical followers of the Cyclonian Empire. 

Finn: So basically a bunch of nutjobs? 

Stork: Call them whatever you want, but you've seen what they can do. And if you've heard half the stories I've heard, you'd be just as afraid of them as I am. I knew fighting the Cyclonians would get me killed, but I never thought I'd die at the hands of the Inquisitors! 

It was clear to everyone that Stork feared the Inquisitors. While Stork was normally scared and paranoid about everything, it seemed that the Inquisitors deserved that reputation. As the Condor continued to fly to the Black Gorge, Piper finally found something. 

Piper: Hold on, guys. I....I think I found something. 

Aerrow: What did you find?

Piper: According to these records, the Inquisitorius was formed during the reformation of the Cyclonian Empire under Emperor Xanatos. They were nine of the most elite and fanatical Talons in the Cyclonian Empire. They were the ones who helped Xanatos slaughter the Council of Crows. 

Junko: The Council of Crows? 

Aerrow: The original rulers of the Cyclonian Empire. A council of nine rulers. They ruled over the Cyclonian Empire for a thousand years until Xanatos overthrew them. 

Piper: All records about the Inquisitorius are scarce. It's hard to pinpoint their complete history. But there's one thing that's been accounted. The original nine Inquisitors were killed when the Cobalt Sentinels destroyed the Malevolence. Many believed that after the destruction of the Malevolence, the Inquisitorius was disbanded. 

 Stork: But they didn't. Fanatical devotion like that doesn't just go away. And with every Cyclonian ruler after Xanatos, that fanaticism grows.

Piper: So from the original nine, the Inquisitorius persisted. Now under Master Cyclonis's reign, the Inquisitorius serves. 

As the vague history of the Inquisitorius was revealed, the Storm Hawks were left stunned. They now realized that the Inquisitorius was an organization that persisted over the centuries since it's original inception. 

Aerrow: Looks like we've got a challenge on our hands. 

Piper: Are you sure we can beat them?

Aerrow: I'm sure of it, Piper. They might be strong, but that won't stop us. 

With that, the Storm Hawks continued their journey to the Black Gorge to put their plan into action. In the days the followed, the High Inquisitor searched Atmos for the Storm Hawks. As no progress was made, the High Inquisitor was contacted by Master Cyclonis via comlink. 

Master Cyclonis(Comlink): How fares your search, High Inquisitor? 

High Inquisitor: The Storm Hawks have proven more tenacious than expected. But I will find them, Master Cyclonis. I will find them and purge them. 

Master Cyclonis(Comlink): Be relentless, High Inquisitor. The Storm Hawks are unlike anything you have ever hunted before. 

High Inquisitor: As you decree, Master Cyclonis. I will hunt them down to the ends of Atmos. You have decreed the Storm Hawks as your enemies. As your loyal enforcer, I will hunt them down and purge them without hesitation or remorse. I will see to it that they are punished for their crimes against the Cyclonian Empire. I am your sword. I am your vengeance. 

Master Cyclonis(Comlink): Very good, High Inquisitor. 

As the call ended, the High Inquisitor's mind fell back on his childhood. He had been raised at birth to become an Inquisitor. During his harsh and grueling training, he had forsaken his identity and fully devoted himself as an Inquisitor. He soon ascended to the rank of High Inquisitor. During his coronation ceremony, Master Cyclonis herself inoculates him. 

Master Cyclonis(Past): Inquisitor, you have proven yourself a loyal and devoted follower to the Cyclonian Empire. You have struck down our enemies without hesitation or mercy. Your devotion to the Cyclonian Empire is without question. By the will of the Cyclonian Empire, I name thee, High Inquisitor of the Inquisitorius. 

This moment was the greatest in the High Inquisitor's life. All his life, the High Inquisitor had devoted himself to Master Cyclonis and the Cyclonian Empire. As he ascended to the rank of High Inquisitor, the newly knighted High Inquisitor recited the Oath. 

High Inquisitor(Past): I am the fist of the Cyclonian Empire. I am the righteous justice of the Cyclonian Empire. I will punish all enemies of the Cyclonian Empire. I will purge them from Atmos. I pledge my body and mind to you, Master Cyclonis until death takes me.

As he recited his vow, the High Inquisitor pledged himself to Master Cyclonis. He now devoted his life to Master Cyclonis. To him, she was his goddess and he would follow her word without question. Back in the present, a fire lit up inside the High Inquisitor. 

High Inquisitor: (Run, Storm Hawks, run. You cannot hide from me. I will hunt you down to the ends of Atmos. I will not stop until I purge you.) 

In that moment, the High Inquisitor's devotion to Master Cyclonis fueled his desire to hunt down and destroy the Storm Hawks in the name of Master Cyclonis. A collision course was soon set. It was only a matter of time before the High Inquisitor clashed with the Storm Hawks once more.