Disclaimer: I don't own FFIV. Hope y'all enjoy this epic fic.

Many of us know about the inhabitants of the Blue Planet; from the humble people of Baron, to the mysterious Lunarians. But there was only one type that we nearly get the chance to know about. Those are the aboriginals who live in the archapelligo between Mythrill and Mysidia.

They lived a solitary and prosperous life until one fateful day, the Lunar Eclipse began. Everyone of their beloved creatures have grown hostile by the numbers and the vegetation began to die. Many have tried to fight against the femine and the perversities but to no avail. And so they've decided to hide underground; in fact, the natives have lived millions of years that they know exactly where to hide, which was why none of us could barely see them.

During that time they foretold a legend that a hero who bares "pure light" could end the war and restore peace throughout the world. After what seemed like ages, they finally emerged and everything was quiet. There were no monsters, flowers started to bloom, and food was plentiful. It was a sign that the story became true, and now they hope to find this man of hallowed light. A new life is about to be made.


Its been one month since the coronation of Baron's new king and queen. The castle was full of life and the people are joyous for a very special occassion. Everyone, excpet Cecil, knew this day would come. Even Rosa and the former king, Odin, knew about the great news.

At the throne room sat Rosa and Cecil and when their first session was over she told him. "Cecil, do you know what day it is?" He nodded and said it is the first of June. He noticed that the castle walls have been decorated, but he wasn't sure of this occassion. Then Rosa's face lit up and she proudly stated that this is his twenty-first birthday!

Ever since they defeated Zeromus, Cecil completely forgot that it's been that many years since he lived in Baron; that was when Odin took him in as an orphan and raised him as his own. Beneath her throne, his beloved pulled out a small box and handed it to him. He opened it and there was a golden necklace with a heart. He thanked her and embraced in a kiss.

Just then, Cid came barging in and greeted them. "Hey you two! Have you told him the great news?"

"Yes, Cid." Rosa gleamed.

"Well, congratulations, Cecil! Boy do I have a surprise that's gonna shake your Chocobo tail feathers!"

"What is it, Cid?" Cecil asked.

"Come. I will show you." He followed Cid to the right wall with a candlestick and opened the hatch.

After they walked through a long, dark tunnel, they saw Cid's most advanced airship in the Red Wing fleet, the Enterprise. "I've made some changes on this baby and as a special gift to you, since you were the best Lord Captain the world has ever known, I'm giving it to you! From now on, you're in charge. May she serve you well."

"Thank you, Cid."

The fleetmaster gave him a card and he explained. "Because you finally turned twenty-one, I'm giving you a special writ to the pub in Troia. Whadda ya say, it'll be just you and me."

"Sounds great!" Cecil exclaimed.

"The party starts at 9 pm sharp. I'll see ya there."

That night Cecil prepared himself for the event and brought his sacred sword, the Excalibur, with him, just in case any monsters try to sneak up on him. Ever since Zeromus perished, Baron's been on high alert in case there were still any strange activity. When he was ready he walked out of his tower and into the throne room where Rosa stood with some White mages.

She was an expert using White magic spells and so she's teaching them the same, one spell at a time. She agreed to stay and train them while the boys head to the Troia pub. They said good-bye and the Enterprise sputtered and lifted off. Cecil was at the helm and it soared northwest to an island with a castle to the left next to a massive waterfall, and a village next to it, along with numerous trees in between. Finally it landed beside the city and they entered.

The town of Troia was all lit up and people were walking around and going on with their lives. Cecil and Cid walked north across a stone bridge and before they reached the pub, they heard a sound of metal pedals. It landed and it was a combination between a bicycle and a small airplane with wings flapping. Sitting in that flying contraption was a little rabbit with pointy ears, a red cloak, and a backpack. It was Puddingway!

He walked out and replied. "Greetings and salvations to you all! What brings you two to Troia?"

"We're here for Cecil's birthday. We're heading to the pub for this splendid ocassion. Want to come with us?" Cid asked.

"Sure! In fact, I was heading the same way because my friend is presenting a great dance tonight. Oh you should see her, once you get a glimpse you never want to turn away!" Puddingway exclaimed.

"That sounds fun, doesn't it, Cecil?" He playfully hit his side and he muttered.

"...Yes..I guess."

"Wonderful! Let's go!" The rabbit led the way and the pair followed suit.

It was 8:58 pm when the trio entered the pub. They found some wooden stools next to the bar and sat. The bartender looked and greeted them and Cid ordered a glass of beer. Puddingway wanted a martini and he wanted to give Cecil one, too. While they waited, Puddingway said that there has been a lot of buzz about the new King of Baron.

"Yes, it's been one month since Rosa and I have been coronated."

He clapped his hands in glee. "Yay! That's great news, I'm so happy for you!"

"Indeed, the kingdom has finally seen the light. It's never been more peaceful."

Finally their drinks came and Cid grabbed the glass and drank within a few gulps. He put it down on the counter and rubbed his lips. Puddingway became wide-eyed and exclaimed. "Wow! I never saw anyone so strong drink it that fast!"

"Years of practice, boys!" Cid replied. "Y'know, she used to be a student in airship engineering."

"No way! What happened to her?"

"Ah, she couldn't understand the mechanisms. I tried helping her, too, but she wanted to become a bartender instead."

Puddingway acknowledged. "Oh, I see. Good for her, though."

Suddenly the lights dimmed and the people silenced. Then there was a light shimmering from the ceiling to the floor at the northwest corner of the pub. Drums started to play and a sillouhette emerged. She was wearing a pink, sleeveless top and denim shorts. She bowed, threw her hair back, and put her hands on her bending knees. She stood up and skimmered her body down slowly. Everyone went agap and Cecil asked who she was.

"That's my former girlfriend from Troia, she's the best dancer in the land. In fact, she was so good that she called herself by her nickname, the Dancing Dagger. Whenever she moves, it's like a dagger stabbed you in the heart. People can't seem to get enough of her."

"So I see." Cid said.

She raised her hands and she went down again. Just then, she caught Cecil's blue eyes and looked at him while blinking fiercely. "It seems she's got her eyes on you, Cecil." Cid stated.

The Paladin never saw anything like it. He started to feel strange, he had a sensation at the pit of his stomach and went down south. Later on, his head felt fuzzy and he excused himself from the pub. Cid and Puddingway looked astonished as he left.

"I guess the shock was too much for him." Cid said.

"Or maybe it's the drink. It can be very potent." Puddingway added.

They felt the cold air as Cecil walked out dizzy. Then he went south to a pool of water. When he got there, he tripped and fell forward. He tried to get up but he was so hot and his body felt like an anvil on his back weighing him down, so he decided to crawl. The silver moon was reflecting its light on the surface and Cecil muttered to himself. "Unh...What's happening..? Why do I feel like this...? Could it be the drink...?"

He shoved his body toward the water's edge and reached down to splash cold water on his face. He would almost do anything to get rid of the drunkeness. His hands barely touched so he tried to dip his face into the lake. He scurried even farther and his head touched, but as he leaned he fell over.

He realized he was drowning and he swam up. He gasped for air for a second and he went down again. He tried a second time but it was no use. He started to sink as he struggled to breathe. Just the he heard something, a maniacal, deep laugh. And then he saw a blue tortoise-like creature with red eyes and shiny fangs. He recognized him, it was the Drowned King Cagnazzo, the Archfiend of Water. He stopped sinking as he listened to his speech.

"So we meet again, Cecil. You're not as tough as you once were...as was your beloved king. Ha ha ha ha ha. He had challenged me so he could protect his kingdom, but failed miserably. Such a waste. And now you will suffer the way he did in your watery grave, and Baron will be mine! Mwa ha ha ha ha!"

He drew his sword and sliced the monster, but he was only attacking water. He tried again but it didn't affect him.

"Yes..use all your strength!" Cagnazzo chuckled.

Cecil struck as hard as he could and he was still there. He was running out of breath, he felt his lungs were ready to burst. They were filling up with water drastically! He tried to breathe and they started to fill up faster. He struggled to get to the surface but he was so far down, he couldn't make it in time. One minute he started to choke and next everything turned to black.

A few minutes later, Cid and Puddingway left the pub. "Man, that was the best dancer I've ever seen!" Cid exclaimed

"You said it!" Puddingway commented.

Just then they some lady screaming by the lake. "Help! Help! Someone drowned in the lake! Hurry, save him!"

They saw small bubbles for a few seconds and when they stopped Cid said "Don't worry, young lass. I'll go get him! Ol' Cid to the rescue!"

He ran to the lake and dove in as he screamed "Jeronimo!" He plunged in to it and in the darkness, he couldn't see anything. By the light of the moon, a sword shimmered in the water. He grabbed it and went for the drowned person as he went deeper. Sure enough, he saw someone sinking and he grabbed him by the cape. He pulled them both up and gasped for air. He vigorously swam over and placed the sword and the man onto the bank. He tossed him on his back and realized that the lifeless body was Cecil's! Cid lifted his chin and started to press both hands upward on his lungs.

After ten presses, he leaned and breathed into his mouth and repeated the process. After several attempts he yelled "C'mon! Breathe, Cecil! BREATHE!" Puddingway looked scared as he may lose his best friend.

Later, Cecil immediately opened then closed his eyes as he choked and coughed water out. When he was done, he took a few deep breaths and slowly awoken. "Geez, don't scare me like that again! We thought we lost you!" Cid stated.

"Are you alright?" Puddingway asked.

"Unh...I think so..." Cecil mumbled. He sat up and the rabbit bowed his head as he apologized.

"I'm sorry, Cecil, it was all my fault. I should've warned you not to take too much of that martini. The effects of it can be too strong for you to deal with."

"It's...okay...you didn't know. I forgive you..." Cecil slurred.

"C'mon, Cecil. Let's head back to Baron, things are looking kinda grim. Alright, up you go!" Cid lifted him on his shoulders and dragged him away from the lake.

Before he reached his PedalPlane, Puddingway said "Oh, Cid..." They turned and he thanked him for saving Cecil's life.

"No problem. It's the least I can do."

"And Cecil, have a great birthday." He smiled and nodded and Puddingway stepped inside the little aircraft. They headed to the Enterprise and Cid laid Cecil down on the deck. He started the engine and took the helm. They lifted off and went back to Baron. During the voyage, Cecil at times began to shiver from his wet uniform and the crisp night air.

Before thy docked, Cecil asked. "Cid...please...do me a favor?"

"Sure, m'lord. Anything."

"Um...don't tell Rosa of what just happened...I...don't want her to worry."

"I won't, Cecil. I cross my heart."

"Thanks."

Meanwhile back at the throne room, Rosa was training the White mages. So far, they learned Cure, Sight, Libra, and Esuna, but she was teaching them the advanced spells such as Protect, Shell, and Cura. While she was doing it, Cid decided to take a detour and take the route to Cecil's tower.

After they climbed up, he put him on his bed and covered him with new warm sheets. "Hey." Cecil looked over at Cid at his left. "You get a goodnight's sleep, you hear? Hope you feel better."

"My pardons." He said as he drifted off to sleep.

Cid left and went to the throne room to see Rosa. "Hey you!"

"Oh, hello, Cid. Alright, that's enough for tonight." she said to the mages. They left and said farewell to the pair and she questioned him.

"Cid, where's Cecil?"

"Ah, he's very tired. He slept just as soon as I tucked him in. Maybe its best you get some sleep, too, Rosa."

"Yes, I suppose. I've been working really hard with the mages and it's going to take awhile before they learn the advanced spells."

"Keep up the good work, ya hear? Good night, Rosa."

"Night, Cid." She blew out the candles and carried one to Cecil's bedchamber. She rested it on the table and blew it out before she snuggled next to her sleeping husband. He always looked so cute when he's asleep, I wonder what he's dreaming, she thought. "Good night, Cecil." she whispered as she kissed him and closed her eyes.