Disclaimer: I don't own FFIV, Squeenix does; lucky dogs. I wish the juggernaut didn't turn so crappy overtime. My long-awaited FFIV story is finally here! As you may or may not know, I'm a die-hard FFIV fan; like many people is with FFVII. I've grown up with this game since my early childhood and it's always been an all-time favorite, especially when it was made for the DS. By the time I beat it several years ago, this is how it all started. It's a Cecil-centric story that revolves around his challenges and tribulations as the new king of Baron. As well as an encounter with a mysterious tribe along the way.

I hope y'all would enjoy this dramatic, multi-chapter feature just as I did making it. Let's go!

Prologue

It's been a few months after Cecil and Rosa were coronated. Since then, the advanced kingdom of Baron has finally seen the light and peace reigned supreme; it couldn't possibly get any better. Today, it was decorated with various bouquets and ornaments that represented the Moon's phases. A session was ending as a group of monarchs and Mages left the throne room. Lord Cecil and Lady Rosa were alone, and after a few moments of relaxation she slowly withdrew a flat, little, elaborate box from underneath her cushion.

"Cecil?" she called, getting his attention. "Do you know what day it is?"

The Paladin shook his head, "It's Monday, right? What's the occasion?"

"It's your birthday!"

His eyes grew wide with wonder. It was June 1, the same day when Baron's former king took in the abandoned orphan baby. The resemblance was astounding to him, as it reminded him of his failed relationship with Cecilia, due to his cowardice. People weren't sure exactly when he was born, so they decided to make this day official, just over 20 years ago!

Cecil was so preoccupied of his newfound duties and his intense fight with Zeromus, that he actually forgot about it.

"So that's why the castle's been decorated! I'm now...21."

"Yes," she nodded with a smile. "And I got this for you."

He took out the box and gradually lifted the lid, revealing a thin cloth of satin, and there was a beautiful necklace which glimmered in the daylight. It was just as silvery as the carved moon itself.

"Thank you, Rosa." he said gladly. They leaned for a kiss and he kept it around his neck.

Just then Cid burst through the doors, as jolly as ever. "Good day to you, lovebirds. And a very happy day to you, too." he said, eyeing Cecil.

"Thanks, Cid."

"I see that you're 21, which is why I have something that'll shake your Chocobo tail feathers!"

"What is it?"

"I'm actually inviting you personally to the prestigious pub in all of Troia. They say there's going to be a dance there." he said holding a pink slip in his hands. "A guy's night out! You in?"

Cecil looked at his beloved, who nodded happily.

"I'm in, Cid!"

"This couldn't come at a better time since Rosa will be teaching a night class with the White Mages."

By the time night fell over the kingdom, Cecil was ready for his birthday bash. He was wearing light sky-blue clothing and less armor. His arm blades and shoulder plates were removed, but he still had the Excalibur in his left sheath just in case he needs it for an enemy attack. Under the candle in a secret wall, Rosa bid Cid and Cecil farewell and a safe journey. They headed to the Enterprise, the fleetmaster's prized airship of the Red Wing army.

"With this baby, we'll get to Troia in no time. Hold on to your shins, Cecil."

He let out a small laugh as he strapped himself in; he always appreciated his numerous plays on words.

With a brief sputter, the engine started and the blades spun faster than a machine sewing a thread. The airship rose aloft from an opening in the roof. They emerged within a couple minutes and everyone below waved to them. The light of the moon shone behind them as they headed northwest. Throughout most of the village, they were silent as they've greatly anticipated what was yet to come. Unlike Cid, Cecil was a bit tense as he never drank before. He wondered how different, and exhilarating, the party will be.

In a matter of minutes, Cid docked the Enterprise several feet out of the bustling city. Many houses were lit with candles inside the windows. The outskirts were almost barren as people settled for the night.

"Here we go, off to the finest pub in Troia. It could always rival even Baron's pubs." Cid said.

"You've been in there long?" Cecil asked.

"Indeed. I've gone to this place years before you were even born. Alas, I've lost my libido and interest. But it's well-known for its stunning events. And since you're 21, there's no time like the present!"

Cecil was full of doubt on that comment.

Suddenly, a gigantic shadow with wings flew above them. When it landed, they saw a black Choicobo. And the rider was a cute bunny wearing a red-hooded jacket and backpack.

"Namingway!" Cecil and Cid exclaimed; they'd recognize that unweary traveler from anywhere.

"Ah, greetings and salutations to you all!" he greeted. "And Cecil. It's nice to see you again. What brings you here?"

The king explained it's his 21st birthday and Cid personally invited him to Troia.

"So I see. Well, you two lucky Imps aren't too late. I'm also invited to see the Dancing Dagger's performance."

Cecil asked who is she.

"She's one of the most renowned dancers in all the world! Troia's her hometown, but she makes quite an appearance once in awhile."

He looked around suspiciously and whispered in his ear, "She was my first date. When I was stuck between two women, I eventually decided on the second one."

He knew the story well.

"Oh, look at the time! We must hurry along." The rabbit gleefully ran ahead and the two men followed him inside.

It's just as they thought: wooden furniture, people gawking, airy and dusty, glasses constantly being served and clanking. Namingway offered them a table near the counter and a blonde woman served them. Cecil was shy on what he wanted to drink, but Namingway suggested their famous wine.

"It's made out of the ripest fruits; though it's in a small glass, it's very potent."

It was no trouble for Cid and in less than a few minutes, their drinks were served. The engineer gulped down a large pitcher of bourbon without stopping or breaking a sweat!

"Wow. I didn't know you could drink alcohol that fast." Cecil said in awe.

"Years of practice, boys." Cid said as he wiped his lips with his arm.

So, why do they call her the Dancing Dagger?"

"Oh, she'll captivate your soul in a way you can't imagine. She's as sharp and shimmering as a blade that just pierces your heart." Namingway said as he clutched his chest. "No one can outmaneuver her...she's legendary!"

Just like that, the bar became silent and the lighting dimmed; the show was about to start. First, there was a heavy incense as pink fog covered the floor behind the counter. Then a massive black drum with colorful feathers was beaten slowly, giving it a deep, steady rhythm. Next a thin, sleek woman emerged.

She was thin, had short pink hair, had a headband with a blood red rose embedded on it, and a bright crimson bird painted on her chest. Her clothes were almost see through; she was wearing hot pink underpants and bra with violet velvet straps.

Candles lit up her body as she curled and bent smoothly like a snake. She brought her hands over her head as she slowly lowered her hips to the ground. After the first sip, Cecil gazed upon the exotic sight. It was very irresistible; he never felt anything like this as he began to feel strange. He wasn't sure if it was the wine rushing through his head; yet still he was mesmerized. He became warm, his heart was hammering in a beat similar to the drum's as it got louder. And the Dancing Dagger looked at him!

"It seems she's got the hots for you, Cecil." Cid noticed.

The Paladin didn't say a word, his breath was caught in his throat. Then he had a sensation between his thighs.

"I...cannot...look away." he muttered breathlessly.

The dance was becoming more intense and his eyes were growing heavy. Then he felt light-headed. He held his forehead and his body broke into chills. After a few gasps, he rose from his seat and staggered as he walked out the door. Whatever came over him, he had to relieve it somehow. Fresh air might clear his mind, but it didn't.

Who would've thought a small wine glass would cause such a big mess? he thought.

He tripped and fell to the ground, and saw the moon sparkling ahead of him. He used his strength to crawl to the nearby lake and he hoped the cool, water would stop the dizziness. He hung his head over the bank as he reached down. He splashed it on himself, but nothing happened as he got more blurry. He managed his face to touch the surface, but his weight was too much, causing him to fall over!

Submerged, he heard an echo. A menacing laugh belonging to some kind of evil monster. There was a gigantic blue beast with strong limbs, a huge body shaped like a turtle's, a long, scaly tail, and a face with sneering eyes and teeth sharper than swords. It was the Archfiend of Water, Cagnazzo!

But, you can't be real! I've slewed you twice! he thought.

"Have you forgotten? I thrive in the bodies of water and darkness. I shall never leave this world as long as evil exists. Your fellow king suffered in a sealed, submerged tomb. Now, his fate...will be yours!" He laughed wildly.

Cecil charged with his blade, slicing the image with all his fury. Only the onslaught caused it to ripple, not disappear. He continued taunting at him on how he's weak, how he calls himself a king.

By the time he was out of energy, Cecil made one final blow.

"Yes. Use all your strength."

Another swipe and his lungs felt they would burst! He tried to swim helplessly to the surface, but only his hand emerged before he sank. He lost the grip of his sword and everything went blank.

Meanwhile, Cid and Namingway left the bar with big smiles.

"I told you the Dancing Dagger is a force to be reckoned with!"

"You've said it! I wish Cecil would've seen it all. By the way, I wonder where he is."

Just then, they heard a woman screaming in the distance. They rushed over and found her next to the lake.

"Someone's drowning! I saw a man thrash beneath the water as I was heading home! And then I saw a hand stick out before he sunk." She grabbed Cid's collar. "Please, help!"

He saw a few small bubbles pop on top of the lake. "Hold on, I'll save him! Cid to the rescue!"

He ran to it and dove holding his legs together as he yelled, "Geronimo!"

By the light of the moon, he saw and grabbed the sinking sword and immediately went deeper as he saw Cecil's lifeless body. He was limp in his arms as they both broke through. Horrified, Namingway and the onlooker grabbed and pulled them to dry land, and Cid laid Cecil on his back, lifted his head to open the airways, and he held his nose as he gave him mouth-to-mouth and twelve chest presses.

He repeated the process several times while he encouraged him to wake up. "Come on! Open your eyes, you fool!" Cid cried. "What would Rosa think?"

As he gave him another breath, his hopes dwindling...Cecil began to cough and sputter. Large amounts of water were exiting his mouth as he laid his face to the side. By the time his lungs were clear, he slowly opened his eyes and barely Namingway and Cid standing over him.

"We thought we'd lost you," Cid said, gently sitting him up.

Namingway, however, didn't look so relieved, but saddened. "Cecil...it's all my fault. I should never have given you that drink. Please, forgive me; I never thought it'd be too much for you."

With a weak smile, Cecil nearly slurred, "No, it's alright...You didn't know..." It did comfort him a little.

"Well, I s'pose we should get underway. It's been a hell of a night."

"Yeah, I should return home, too. I hope you'll feel better."

"I'm sure he will; he's always been this tough. Ok now, up you go." Cid carried Cecil on his shoulders and hardly dragged him as they returned to the Enterprise.

The brisk air helped clear his head, but Cecil was still out of it. "Cid...could you...do me this favor?"

"Of course, party boy, anything."

"Do not...let Rosa know...'bout all this. I...can't let her worry..."

"I won't. You've my word on it."

By the time they got back, the White Mages' class ended. Cid resumed to carry Cecil to his bedchamber. When the guards saw his drunken state, they grew worried. He assured them he had too much to drink and he just partied too hard. He'll be fine and dandy by morning.

He managed to dry him up, remove his armor, and put dry clothes on him before he laid him to sleep. By the time he was done, he met up with Rosa outside the tower.

"How is Cecil, Cid?"

"He's fine; he really had a blast at Troia. And I guess Cecil had the most attention."

She giggled.

"But at least it turned out well. He's sleeping now; he needs it."

"I suppose." she confirmed.

They said goodnight and the White Mage glimpsed over her husband. She always thinks he's so peaceful, sleeping like a baby. She climbed into it beside him, kissed his cheek, and drifted off to sleep almost as fast as her partner.

A/N: Nice prologue, don't you think? Much like "Firion's Past," and "The Mikado Saga," this will be a multi-chapter fic but centered on my favorite character, Cecil Harvey. If y'all familiar with the DS remake, you'll recognize Namingway and the notorious sidequests. I didn't get very far and I can't find the rare Rainbow Pudding he needed in the Antlion's Den; it's been almost impossible since there's a 0.01% chance.

The birth date was made up, but I did see on the Wikia that Cecil is 20 upon the game's events. This does take place before the Interlude; in fact, I actually came up with this fic before it even existed!

What'll happen next would really intrigue you as Cecil and Rosa come across the mysterious redskins. See you then!