Chapter 7
It was a clear sunny morning and Cecil was on an open field as he made his way to Baron. Amongst the tall trees and the early fog, the castle's steeples risen in the distance. In a few short minutes, he would soon be home.
He was thinking about riding a Chocobo to make the journey faster and less stressful. As soon as he entered the pasture, all of the Chocobos fled from it in a panic. Yellow ones and white ones ran on their skinny, nimble legs while black Chocobos flew away frantically in the same direction. Desperately, Cecil tried to stop one of the Chocobos, but the little stampede knocked him down. He rubbed his aching head as he stood up, wondering what made the Chocobos so frightened.
He had his answer as he noticed that the sky was growing dark. Expecting to see clouds, he saw none. Instead the sun looked like it was bleeding, as opaque lines started to spread from its surface. The sky turned more menacing as the lines formed larger and quicker. Eventually, they covered the entire sky and turned into red, stormy clouds. To his horror there was thunder and radical lightning, but no rain. The air became dry and the ground almost felt like a furnace below his feet.
What could this all mean? he thought.
Filled with fear, doubt, and sadness his heart and breathing went rapid as he ran to his kingdom. He looked behind him and he saw no monsters running after him. As he ran, he didn't notice an overgrown vine which he tripped over. The air was so hard, he nearly choked as he coughed.
With his body exhausted and full of pain, he slowly stammered to his feet. The chaotic storm sounded more ferocious, the thunder and lightning became almost unbearable to his senses. As he looked ahead, he saw a shadowy figure with a pair of red, soul-piercing eyes. With little reason he had left, he asked who it was. There was no answer; it withdrew its blade, ready to fight.
Out of instinct, Cecil did the same. He was caught of guard as the dark entity lunged at him with blinding speed. He was laying weakly on the ground as it loomed over him. Like Odin's Zantetsuken, it raised its sword.
Cecil woke up after lightning struck him. Adrenaline was pumping throughout his body. His eyes were as wide as saucers, and his breathing was shallow as he observed his surroundings.
He was in his bedchamber in Fabul. Unlike his night terror, the sky was a robin's egg blue and the sun was glistening through the back window.
Cold sweat covered him as he relinquished his blanket. He stepped down from his bed, his feet touching the hard, wooden floor. The sensation felt welcoming compared to the burning soil he treaded on. He moved some sleek strands of hair from his face and calmed himself before he stood.
Sheila and Yang were in the throne room. Yang was sitting patiently while his wife was pouring tea from a shiny kettle.
"Breakfast is almost ready, dear. We can't start without Cecil. By the way, where is he?" she asked anxiously.
Thoughtfully he answered "Hmmm, I'm not sure. He should be up by now. He's usually an early riser whenever he prepares for a session in Baron, at least that's what I heard."
He trailed off as he had an uneasy feeling. Like all monks, he could sense whenever something evil was brewing.
What is this darkness I sense? he thought, agitated.
"Yang, he's here." Sheila spoke.
"Oh, yes. Good morning, Cecil." he said as he immediately snapped out of his reverie.
"Good 'morrow to you, too." he nodded as he greeted.
From the vacant look in his eyes, Yang knew something was troubling him. Sheila pulled out a chair for the Paladin to sit in. They started eating as everyone was accounted for.
For breakfast there were scrambled Chocobo eggs, buttered biscuits, and fresh salmon. Cecil's mout watered from the smell and sight of the entrey. As he slowly took his frst bite, Sheila reminded him "Eat hearty, Cecil. You're gonna need all the energy you can get when you climb Mount Ordeals."
"Yes, thank you." he replied.
After a few minutes, Yang suggested "This dark place is still populated by the undead, even though Scarmiglione is gone. I'd recommend you stock up on Bomb Cranks and healing items. The Sundries shop should be open for you."
Sheila perked up. "Oh, does that mean you'll meet Kain again? I hope he's fairing well."
"Kain...I hope so, too." Cecil murmurred as he looked down on his empty plate.
"What's wrong, Cecil. Something on your mind?" Yang asked.
He shook his head. "No...it's nothing. I hope I'll see Kain as well. It is a very dangerous place..."
He immediately stood up before his mind started to wander. "I'll get ready. Thanks for the advice, Master Yang."
"Of course." he said somberly as he bowed.
"And thank you for breakfast, Lady Sheila."
"My pleasure." she responded with a smile.
The wary Paladin went down to the main floor. The shop was to his right and it combined with an inn. He went there, took out his Gil, and paid the shopkeeper for Hi-Potions, X-Potions, Remedies, Bomb Cranks, Decoys, and some Phoenix Downs. The Undead were weak to Fire, Holy, and healing items. Phoenix Downs on Undead can instantly kill them if they connect. He thought whenever he's in a bind, he'll use them for emergencies.
As he bidded farewell, he trotted up to his bedchamber. He laid down his sack next to his armor and took a shower in a small waterfall outside. After he was fully cleansed, he gathered his items and equipment.
When he stepped up to the main room once more, he stopped and took a deep breath. He marched to the throne room where Yang, Sheila, and the former king were waiting. They stood up when they saw him.
Yang, full of uncertainty, breathed and said "I'm not saying farewell, I'm saying good luck."
Cecil bowed in respect and gratitude. "Thank you all. I shall return."
Sheila was the last to talk. "Do not forget, the enemies there are more ferocious than before. Good luck, Lord Cecil." She kissed his wrist as a sign of appreciation ad hope. "We'll pray for your departure and for your return."
"Are you sure you don't want my monks to go with you?" Yang asked.
"Yes. There's no need for it. This is something I must endure alone." Cecil answered. After a brief pause, he looked at his comrades and said "I'll not be long...Farewell."
He slowly walked out of the castle as the monks bowed and said good luck to him.
"Good luck on your climb, Lord Cecil."
"May we see you again."
As he emerged into the sun again he faced everyone before he closed his eyes. "Teleport..."
He disappeared and wasn't seen again.
Unlike the sky in Fabul, it was overcast. A slight breeze, which would cause a chill, was blown. He materialized at the mountain's entranceway and looked at its dark, decaying structure.
Much like the monsters that lurk here, he thought.
Then he heeded the warnings from the Fabulian monks. Could they be right? Could the dreadful climb become even more treacherous than he had anticipated? Would Kain still be alive?
With all these thoughts filling his head, he sadly looked up. It was not going to be an easy task. And since he doesn't have anyone with him, unlike last time...
Cecil shook off his uncertainties. He took a deep breath, taking in the vile air in the process. He coughed but now he was determined.
"From this point on, there's no going back."
With renewed confidence, as he remembered why he was here, he marched up the unforgiving terrain. The pathways were difficult since there wasn't a lot of room to roam, and at times he worried that he would lose his footing and fall due to the moist, loose earth. He realized that from the rainstorm that ocurred a few days ago as the ground still didn't dry up.
Before he reached the second layer, he immediately stopped. He looked at an enormous scar of ash on the ground. He remembered, as a Dark Knight, it was the same place where Palom casted a Blizzard spell to extinguish the raging flames. He realized it was a warning for trespassers of what was ahead. Beyond that point was where the undead lurk relentlessly. That line of soot still kept them at bay from the town and the vast landscapes of the Mysidian continent.
Feeling the sensation, he rubbed his foot on the burnt line. He sighed "I can't turn back now." He withdrew his Excalibur and his Lustrous Shield and he was off.
By the time he reached the third layer, there was a small tunnel ahead. This one led to the main trail of the mountain. Out from the darkness two Skuldiers and three Skulnants ran to him. The Skuldiers were skeletal enemies wielding swords with a yellow luster. The Skulnants, much like Scarmiglione's troops, were the most fierce form of zombies anyone has encountered.
A Skulldier grinded its teeth before he raised his sword. The sky rumbled as an enormous lightning bolt shot toward Cecil. He immediately leapt away and nearly slipped on the earth. When he regaind his balance, he charged to the enemy and sliced it. Because the Excalibur was a holy weapon, it crumbled into dust upon contact.
Since the Skulldiers were faster than the Skulnants, the other one was next to attack the Paladin. He parryed its assault with his shield and then it jumped back a few inches. He swung his sword with a right thrust but the monster ducked. It countered with a lunge and it pummeled Cecil to the ground. Its left hand and feet were pinning him down while its right hand was clutching its sword, ready to strike. He couldn't move his arms, instead he squeezed his eyes shut and made an incantation. "Let life destroy this vermin!" he said under his breath. His body glowed in a white aura and the Skulldier hesitated. He wasn't able to move his arms, but his hand was facing toward his enemy.
"Cura!" he shouted.
As the monster felt the healing spell, he began to stagger and wail in pain. He got up and sliced it head on. The last Skulldier dissipated.
But the fight wasn't over yet. The three Skulnants lazily marched toward him as they moaned. Each of their eyes glowed red, and Cecil felt his energy starting to drain. He began to feel light-headed and the spell was progressing, so Cecil knew he had to wipe them out quickly. Desperate, he grabbed three small, red bombs from his pocket and hurled them toward the zombies. They ignited instantly as they hit the Skulnants. They screeched as their flesh was decaying amongst the flames. When the smoke cleared, they were gone and the Drain spell stopped.
Cecil laid a free hand on his chest and casted Cura on himself until his head cleared. He took a few deep breaths and then he started to stand. He grabbed the Excalibur and roamed through the dark tunnel, leading him to the next section.
When he trekked out from the tunnel, he shieded his eyes. There was no sun, but sky started to have some lighter shades compared to where he was before. As he looked down, the mist was below the wary traveler. He could, at least, see he was making progress to the summit. The trail wasn't as difficult as the entrance; however, there were some areas that were just as steep.
Suddenly he heard a low, deep sound. He couldn't be sure what was causing it so he cautiously trekked on with the Excalibur in hand. He climbed up the moldy stairs and the same sound grew louder. He thought it was the wind howling across the landscape, but he felt no air.
The slope started to elevate further up and Cecil became more hopeful. However he was so introverted that he didn't notice he stepped on a stick which was scatered by a dying tree. Just then he heard the sound again, only this time it was more menacing. He immediately heard footsteps running toward him and a few snarls and barks.
The unexpected ambush belonged to a pack of undead hounds. Like the zombies, the dogs had decaying flesh with layers of dry blood. Unlike the Skulnants, however, they were fast.
A stray dog took the front as it bared its dull, bloody teeth and leapt for Cecil. He instantly reacted as he drove the Excalibur into its bare chest. The hound cringed in pain from the holy weapon and fell with a thud.
The others were merciless. Because of their fallen master, they started to howl. Like the redskins' Screech attack, that also lowered Cecil's defense. As they opened their mouths, each one had their own breath attack.
One's breath smelt like methane. Fire shot out from its mouth and burnt Cecil's armor. He screamed from the attack and fell back. The dog wasn't done yet. It started to charge toward him as he chanted and casted a Shell spell on himself. "Protect me from this scorching pain..." He held himself as a blue glow surrounded him. Still stunned by the burn, he smacked the hound with his shield. It staggered back and Cecil drove the blade into its undead flesh.
The next hound's breath was different. It smelled like a rotting orpse up close. It was so bad that Cecil started to choke. He could also feel his strength diminishing. Vulnerable from the ailment, the hound bit his right arm; the same one holding the Excalibur. He conjured enough strength to whack it with his shield, which blinded it. He felt himself blacken out so he frantically searched for a bottle. He didn't care what was in it; he immediately drunk it and his energy returned. However he still felt his energy sap gradually.
With the hound temporarily incapacitated, he focused on the others. One hound shot out a jet of contaminated water. He blocked it with his shield and sliced it, the belly was dangling with its skin.
The last active hound slashed the Paladin with its claws. As he felt the impact there was a flash of light, then darkness. He could still hear and feel what was going on, but he kept missing as he swung his blade. In retaliation it tried to bite his arm, but he kept backing away until he hit something hard. His back laid up against a boulder. He nearly stumbled since it wasn't sturdy.
The dog was closing in on him along with its blinded companion, snarling with blood leaking from their lips. Since Cecil couldn't see, he couldn't attack. He then came up with an idea as he remembered using an X-Potion on himself. In his armor, he felt something soft as it almost belonged to a feather. Before they made their attack, he dropped it. The item reacted and started to glow a heavenly aurora. The dogs hesitated and growled, as they couldn't stand the light. Just then the energy illuminated them and...there was nothing left.
Cecil barely saw the light, but he couldn't hear his nemeses anymore. The Phoenix Down vanquished them.
He sighed with relief as he casted Cura and Esuna. The latter spell stopped the irritation in his eyes. He continued to rest until he was able to see clearly again. With that, he saw a familiar sight.
As he looked over the peak, he had a flashback. He remembered seeing the great sage, Tellah discussing his quest searching for the legendary Black Magic spell, Meteor. And also how he helped him obtain it while in the divine shrine. Cecil reminisced hearing his father's mysticlal voice as he called him "son." And how he felt when he first became a Paladin. He felt a sense of comfort, but his reverie was interrupted by a putrid odor. He could barely move, nor breathe as he had a glimpse of a Revenant. Its felid breath and body were the culprits.
He was weak and paralyzed on the spot, so he couldn't use his weapons. And because of the little time he had, he couldn't bare to cast any spells. The easiest way was to use an item. Something was getting hotter beneath his armor. He took it out and it was another Bomb Crank. He used all his strength to throw it at the humongous zombie. It felt as if an anvil was weighing down on it. It exploded on impact but the monster was still standing. He used the same tactic he used against the hounds with his other hand. The flames in conjunction with the Phoenix Down worked perfectly.
With the Revenant gone, Cecil was able to breathe again. Cold, fresh air filled his lungs to full capacity, then he let out a loud sigh. During the fight, he realized he was close than where he was before. The tunnel was just ahead so he didn't hesitate to follow it. As he went through, he wondered
"Strange...Beside the Skulldiers and Skulnants, I've never faced these enemeies before. Where could they all come from? It can't be Scarmiglione because he perished on the mountaintop...If it's not him who's conjuring them, it must be-"
Then he caught his breath as he connected the dots. "Could it be...my dark self?"
A vision of a Dark Knight en guarding appeared in his mind. But he shook it off; he can't be stalled by his fears. "I...I must keep moving forward."
It was still bright on the other side, but day was fading fast. He hoped that he could make it to the summit before dark.
As he left the tunnel, he noticed there was a fork. One path was going left, while the other headed up. Upon close observation he decided to take the left passage because there was a treasure chest there. He thought it could be a valuable piece of equipment; however, he hesitated on opening it. He cautiously looked at his surroundings and there wasn't a single monster in sight. With a deep sigh, he opened it and there was a bright shield inside. It looked as if it was reflecting sunlight.
He picked up the heavy shield and then his eyes started to grow heavy. He dropped it from his weak hands and fell to his knees. He felt as if his head was spinning as he lost consciousness and collapsed on the sturdy, dry earth.
Unbeknowst to him, there was an enormous monster shaped like a bone dragon. It stomped toward the Paladin and let loose a menacing roar. Surprisingly, Cecil didn't hear its ear-piercing scream. With a single crushing hand, it grabbed its victim still asleep. It began to sniff him with its gigantic nostrils, blowing his loose locks every which way. Thinking it would be too disgusting to eat, it tossed him to the ground. Luckily, upon impact, it shattered a bottle and it started to seep out its contents against his body.
As Cecil began to breathe in the odor emitting from the fluid, he started to wake up. The bottle that broke was a Remedy, and it healed the Sleep spell from the dino's Hyno Gas.
He touched his aching head as it cleared. He then saw the shield that he dropped earlier. He grabbed it and noticed that the hairs at the back of his neck were sticking up, signaling that something was behind him. He looked and saw his attacker, the Death Warden.
He never saw this enemy before, however he realized it as one of the beasts he fought in the Lunar Subterrane. He immediately stood up and looked directly at the monster. Just then a target appeared around it as he analyzed its weakness. He was using his White Magic spell, Libra.
The dino tried to grab its prey again, but Cecil leapt out just in time. He rolled between its legs and struck its serpent-like tail with his Excalibur. The beast screeched in agony and jerked around to face its attacker. He was lucky he ran to a section which was larger than where he was previously standing.
The Death Warden snarled and raced toward Cecil. He threw a Bomb Crank toward it and the item burst into flames. Cringing from the burn it abruptly stepped back, but the fire wasn't strong enough to keep it at bay. It effortlessly stepped through the fire, as it extinguished beneath its feet. However, it didn't see Cecil in front of him. Instead he snuck behind it and climbed onto its back. The fossilized creature was still looking for him.
He hedl onto its neck and drove the Excalibur straight through its skull. The monster wailed and tossed it around, attempting to shake him off. Its scrawny hands tried to grab him again, but they were touching nothing but air. The dino was in so much pain, it didn't notice it was almost stepping off a cliff. Cecil leapt off and crouched as he landed. He saw the damage he'd done as he watched his enemy start to wither.
Then he took out another Phoenix Down and tossed it. The feather reacted, blinding the monster. The pain and the light was too much that the Death Warden lost its footing and fell through the thick fog. Its roar lessened as it descended to its demise.
Cecil sheathed his sword and shield as everything quieted. He cured himself again, staggered onto his feet, and continued his journey. But he didn't go very far.
During that time, he saw small, fancy boxes laying around. They were bright with a turquoise and yellow design and gemstones decorated their exteriors. In astonishment, he wondered,
"Those boxes...Do I dare myself to look what's inside?"
He bent down to open a box, but, much to his dismay, it was a monster-in-a-box. Its lid shot open and its arms extended and broke through its body; the other chests followed suit. He remembered an ancient legend fortelling these boxes; they were known as Pandora's Boxes. It is said that if opened, evil will escape and wreak chaos throughout the world and the monster itself would attack its victims.
As he watched the creatures animate themselves, he took out his Excalibur and his new Crystal Shield. During their appearances, they used something that was very different, and somewhat soothing. As they came to life, it almost sounded they were whistling. That sound caused Cecil to become dazed and confused. He was moving in slow motion, his head felt empty, and everything around him was a complete blur. He was so out of it that he couldn't be aware of his surroundings. In that state, he saw an arm. He thought it was the same arm the enemies had, so he sliced it. Little did he know, he accidently cut himself. In his reaction, he dropped his sword and his eyes were burning with hot tears. It was a deep wound so he immediately casted Cura to seal it.
That knocked him out of the Confusion spell. However, he still felt mushy and his thinking was still foggy. He realized he was Slowed, so he used another Remedy on himself to reverse it. With his head cleared, he retrieved his blade.
The Pandoras didn't have any feet, so they couldn't attack Cecil unless he was too close. With his normal self he quickly diced the monsters one by one. At times, they almost reached and grabbed him because of their long arms. Some of them attempted to seal him inside the box and lock him up for eternity. When the last one's arms disintegrated, along with its square body, he sheathed, sighed, and went on.
Across from the narrow wooden bridge and blocking in front of the last tunnel, there was a group of slimy creatures. The strangest thing was, unlike the Flans, they randomly shift into different shapes. Unlike the Pandoras they can move, and they slither incredibly quick. Since he noticed they were undead, he sliced them with the holy blade. However, one of the enemies slipped away, avoiding the attack. Some of them flattened into a puddle of mush to prevent damage.
There was nothing he could do on the Unknowns physically, so he tossed a Bomb Crank on them. They ignited and, provoked, one of them sput out slime from its grotesque mouth. When the slime landed on him, he started to feel something inside his armor. Like as if something was eating away. Sure enough, it was his own skin.
What was worse was that the same slime caused him to move slow again. He knew he didn't have time to linger for long, otherwise he'd be succumbed to the acid. He fiercely sliced the enemies and he managed to hit only one. Part of its body broke and fell to the ground. Much to his horror, it was still moving and, in a few seconds, formed into another Unknown.
They can...duplicate? he thought in terror. The slime continued to irritate and eat his skin as he squatted and held is chest in pain.
"I...must somehow...destroy these guys!"
He frantically searched for Bomb Cranks and tossed them toward the Unknown. They ignited and screeched in brutal agony until they faded into nothingness.
"Urgh-Esuna!" He casted it on himself to stop his skin from withering. He sat to catch his breath and as he was about to cure himself, he couldn't. His mouth was as dry as the Damcyan desert so he took a drink from an Ether and a few X-Potions. It felt pleasurable after he rehydrated himself.
He got his things together and withdrew his weapons as he stood up and followed the last tunnel.
A/N: Sorry, I had to stop here becase the chapter was getting too long. Oh and that dream scene Cecil had, I once had that dream when I was a kid. It scared the living crap out of me. It's so funny that I remember it after all these years! Lol.
I'd also like to thank Cerb for all the advice she'd given me on making this chapter! And in honor of her, I made an enemy formation with hounds. Thanks a lot, Cerb. You're the best!
Anyways, how'd you think I did on the fighting scenes? I hope I made them more realistic and not a ripoff of a turn-based battle. Plus some of the enemies were based off of other popular games in the series.
Scarmiglione was perished so who's responsible for spawning these new enemies? Will Cecil re-obtain the Light and find Kain? Find out on the next chapter!
