Start Date: January 29, 2022
Windwillow
Final Fantasy IV
On a blue planet, the nations of the world are stable. Baron, Damcyan, Troia, Fabul, Mysidia... All have their own unique history and culture, and all have developed into vibrant kingdoms. The greatest of these is the Kingdom of Baron, led by (you guessed it) King Baron, a nation that has recently developed airship technology.
The advent of the airship freed man from the earth upon which he was born! To take to the sky was to defy nature itself. While airships contribute much to Earth's culture, however, the King of Baron has created a new military force.
Known as the Red Wings, Baron's elite unit dominates the world's skies. They are specialists in aerial and ground-based combat, unopposed by any army of any kingdom on Earth. Recently, the Red Wings have been ordered to confiscate the world's Crystals for a purpose unknown to all but its royalty.
Crystals are the physical manifestation of a natural element: Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth. These constructs embody the very element they represent, and their great power has held the world in balance for centuries.
But, why target the Crystals? For what purpose does Baron seek them?
Captain of the Red Wings, Sir Cecil Harvey, has been assigned to take Mysidia's Water Crystal. We now open our story in the skies above the magical nation of Mysidia.
The blue planet's war has begun.
Scene One
Mysidia was in sight. Captain Cecil Harvey stood at the bow of his ship, looking down at the mage's village below. Lieutenant Biggs approached, with clear apprehension.
"Sir, we're here. Your orders?"
Cecil sighed.
"Gather the soldiers. We're going in."
Biggs saluted, and the ships landed. The army approached the Mysidian village, and were met by a group of mages - three white mages, and three black mages. The lead white mage shook her head.
"I'm afraid I cannot allow you any further," she said quietly. "Please leave."
One of the soldiers cut her down. The others readied, but another black mage stepped forward, and held his hand in front of them. He boiled with rage.
"I'm not ASKING any more. LEAVE!"
Cecil brushed by him, wordlessly. The remaining soldiers moved with him into the village square. There, an assortment of white, black, and red mages lingered around the center of the village. Cecil sighed.
"By order of the King of Baron, we have come to confiscate the Water Crystal."
A black mage approached.
"Confiscate?! The Crystal is ours! You'll not have it!"
Another soldier thrust his sword into the mage's chest, and as she fell back the group advanced. Cecil lowered his head as he went by, shaking his head. They approached the elder's house and battered down the door. Two black mages and a white mage were inside, and quickly retreated into a back room, where the soldiers followed.
It was a beautiful room, covered with silver and crystal across the whole of the sanctum. In the center, a large, glowing blue Crystal reposed. The black mages placed themselves between them, and the soldiers quickly slew them. A white mage shook her head in disbelief.
"Has the King gone mad?"
Cecil approached.
"My orders are to confiscate the Crystal, by any means necessary. Step aside, please."
The mage threw herself in front of Cecil.
"I beg of you! Please, don't do this!"
Another soldier cut her down, and as she fell, the Elder bowed his head.
"We cannot resist, nor shall we... But, know that we protest this violation of our sovereignty."
Cecil nodded, and approached.
"I am sorry."
His hand brushed the Crystal, and a cooling sensation enveloped his hand. As he clutched it, a chill ran through his very soul. He slowly took it, and lowered his head.
"I am sorry. We are following our orders, sir..."
The Elder shook his head.
"Following orders? Do you not think for yourself, sir?"
Cecil paused. He raised his head.
"I..."
He shook his head.
"We take our leave. Good day."
As they left, atop the corpses of his comrades, the Elder wept. And he wept deeply.
Scene Two
The skies were truly beautiful. Clouds hung like drapes, the wind a cool touch on the skin. Atop the Baronian flagship, Cecil stood, staring at the Water Crystal. Another soldier, Lieutenant Biggs, approached Private Wedge.
"To think, the proud Red Wings... Are we meant to butcher people, now?"
Cecil swirled around to meet him.
"Enough! You have your orders!"
Wedge sighed.
"But... they offered no resistance. We just... MURDERED them! We swung our blades when no steel could meet it. Are we truly so... barbaric?"
Cecil tapped Wedge on the shoulder.
"I'm... I mean, the King has determined that the world's Crystals could pose a threat to us. We must take Baron's defense by sword and shield, both. Though, I've little satisfaction from our actions..."
Another soldier approached.
"Lord Captain! Monsters!"
Cecil drew his sword.
"Battle stations! Prepare the cannons and ready the swordsmen!"
The airship paused, as its cannons readied and its men prepared for battle. As they did, monsters appeared: large Roc hawks and Ahriman, flying one-eyed monstrosities. The soldiers fired cannon after cannon and blew apart several enemies, but others pierced their defenses and engaged the soldiers in battle.
Cecil deftly severed two Ahriman in half, turning and beheading a Roc. One of the soldiers fell back, injured. He rushed forward, readied, and slew the Ahriman. Another soldier - wounded - staggered forward.
"They keep coming!"
"Damnation!" Cecil cursed. He lifted his blade, and dark energy crackled around it. With a mighty swing he threw a wave of shadowy miasma that eradicated the remaining monsters. As the soldiers fell back, Cecil sheathed his sword.
"Medical teams on standby! Tend to the wounded!"
As the soldiers went about their tasks, Cecil lowered his head.
"So many monsters in so little time..."
He raised his head and sighed.
"What on earth is happening to our world...?"
Scene Three
And thus the towers of Baron beckoned. The mighty spires of Baron's castle jutted from the ground, and the Red Wings folded their wings into the hangers of the airship bay. As the crew went about finishing their duties, the armored figure of Cecil Harvey stepped from the airship. He held the Water Crystal in his hand, and its glow left him unsettled.
"Why...?"
"Lord Captain!"
Cecil startled, as the figure of Baigan - captain of the Baronian knights - stepped into the bay. He smiled, with an unsettling grin.
"The King awaits, Cecil. We go."
Nodding slowly, Cecil followed Baigan into the castle.
"This sets me ill at ease, Baigan..."
Baigan turned.
"And what would that be, Lord Captain?"
Cecil bowed his head.
"We... took the Crystal at the tips of our swords. Is this truly the right thing...?"
Baigan scoffed, and brought Cecil forward. As they reached the throne room, he turned and pushed Cecil back.
"I must speak with His Majesty. Wait here."
He opened the door and entered, kneeling before King Baron, with all his glory. Baigan approached and whispered in the King's ear.
"Cecil can no longer be trusted."
The King nodded.
"Bring him in."
Baigan swept his hand.
"Lord Captain, enter!"
The doors swung open, and Cecil entered. King Baron smiled.
"Lord Captain Cecil. Have you retrieved the Crystal?"
Cecil bowed his head.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
He slowly stepped forward, Crystal in hand. As he moved the sight of the blood he'd spilled caked his vision. And the words of the Elder echoed: "Do you not think for yourself, sir?"
Cecil handed the Crystal to the King, who admired it.
"So this is the Water Crystal. Such splendor! Dismissed, Cecil."
As he turned his heel hit the ground. Cecil swiveled around to meet the King, and as he moved he fell to his knee.
"Your Grace, I've a question."
The King's eye sparkled.
"Yes, Cecil?"
Cecil bowed his head.
"Our actions... Are they truly necessary? Must we steal the Crystals...?"
The King sighed.
"Your lack of faith disturbs me, and I've no reason to trust you further. I now strip you of your rank."
Cecil's head snapped up.
"Your Grace?!"
Baigan took a small ring from his robes, and handed it to Cecil.
"Take this Carnelian Signet to the Village of Mist. It is... a token of our friendship."
Cecil shook his head.
"I cannot believe my ears..."
"Nor can I trust mine."
All eyes turned to the throne room doors, as an armored figure stepped forward. Dressed in dark armor and carrying a mighty lance, the Dragoon Kain fell to one knee.
"Your Majesty, I beg of you to reconsider."
The King tightened his fist.
"If you so desire, Kain, you may join him on his mission. Dismissed."
Baigan shoved Cecil backwards.
"You heard His Majesty. Out with you!"
Scene Four
Cecil bowed his head.
"Forgive me, Kain... To think I've involved you in all this..."
With a smirk, Kain slapped a hand to his companion's shoulder. He tightened it.
"It would be not the first nor the last. We leave tomorrow, then?"
Smiling with embarrassment, Cecil nodded.
"Tomorrow, then."
Kain stepped back, and approached the Dragoons' barracks. The Dragoons were an elite military unit, specializing in spears and aerial combat. While small in number, they were among the strongest forces in Baron.
Now exiting the throne room to his quarters, Cecil heard a sharp "Hey!" From above the castle wall, a large, rotund older man waved his hand. He was Cid, head engineer and creator of the airship program. Despite his age, he was notably feisty. Cid exited the upper door and came out next to Cecil.
"You're back, are you? I'm sure you folks have wrecked my airships somethin' bad. Punk."
He shoved Cecil backwards with a grin. Cecil smiled nervously.
"I hope I've not damaged the fleet too badly. It's not like we took much damage from the Mysidians..."
Cid cocked his head.
"Eh? Somethin' happen in Mysidia?"
Again the words echoed: "Do you not think for yourself, Sir?"
Cecil shook his head.
"Nothing to be concerned of. I take leave to my quarters..."
As Cecil entered the western tower, Cid paused, and lowered his head.
"So it's true... I wanted to believe they were exaggerating. The King's gone mad..."
Scene Five
A beautiful young woman approached Cecil. Dressed in white robes, she was the head cleric of the White Mages. These were a cabal of healing mystics that supported Baron's armed forces, as well as serving as medical and medicinal consultants.
She was also Cecil's lover.
"I'd heard you'd returned," she said with a smile. "Shall we spend some time together?"
Cecil paused, and lowered his head.
"I've... no desire for companionship right now... Perhaps another time?"
Rosa grasped Cecil's hand with both of hers.
"Ah, but why? Are you not weary from your mission?"
Cecil froze. He shook his head, not meeting her gaze.
"I need rest, my love. In the morning, I can kiss your sweet lips again. I take leave, by your grace..."
As he entered the tower up towards his quarters, a tear ran down Rosa's face.
Scene Six
He was now divested of his armor, having removed it and thrown it on the floor. While normally resting proudly, now it lay in disorder and disgrace; reflecting the man that wore it. Cecil lay in his bed, grasping his sword. The dark sword, Nightblade. He'd received it from the King when he earned his position, and however proud he may have been, now it seemed a curse.
"This sword drinks blood as wine... A bitter sip, shed by innocents. Am I worthy to wield it?"
Cecil paused and placed the sword by his bedside.
"Do I WANT to wield it?" he murmured as he turned to sleep. From the entrance Rosa appeared, stepping softly towards her lover. She embraced him warmly, and smiled.
"Dear love," she whispered, "May I lay by your side?"
With a sigh, Cecil turned over in his bed.
"I deserve no love, Rosa. Please, leave..."
Rosa stroked his cheek, tears welling in her eyes.
"Cecil, you cannot take all the blame upon yourself. The King, he..."
Cecil turned and locked lips with his love, passionately kissing her until he broke off with a tired smile.
"Even then, Rosa, I cannot disobey."
Nodding, Rosa rose from the bed.
"Perhaps you'd best think for yourself, my love."
Cecil's face contorted, wrenched in grief. He turned his back to her, almost pushing her away from himself.
"My thoughts are of little consequence. Tomorrow I leave with Kain for the Cave of Mist... I'd best get my rest."
Rosa frowned.
"You've a clear soul, Cecil. My love belongs to one whose eyes gleam with pride. The Cecil I love remains before me, yet he masks his face with a snarl. Please, Cecil, think of my words. I now... take leave."
As she left, Cecil sighed.
"Clear soul...? Do I deserve those words, by right of my actions...?"
Scene Six
Kain shouldered his lance, giving Cecil a soft smile.
"Ready to go?"
Cecil unsheathed his blade, looked at it, and resheathed it. He nodded. As they exited the castle, just as they reached the drawbridge, they heard a sound - a whooping sound. They turned their eyes to the top of the castle, where they saw Rosa and Cid waving at them.
"I'd not heard of a going-away party," Kain chuckled. "Did you call for a send-off?"
Shaking his head, Cecil fixed his gaze to Rosa's.
"No... But I can't say I don't appreciate the support."
As they left, Rosa turned to Cid.
"I still..."
Cid nodded.
"Yeah. I'll drop you off at Kaipo."
Rosa sighed.
"Nearby is fine. I don't want to draw attention to myself."
With a laugh, Cid pounded his belly.
"Sure thing, little lady."
Scene Seven
The trip to the Cave of Mist was a fairly long one, taking just under two days. Baron's landscape was unforgiving, with sunken deserts and wild plains seperating the castle from Mist's doorstep. Cecil and Kain encountered no resistance until they reached the desert, where several monsters - nine goblins and six Rocs - approached.
"I'd hoped we'd find some fun," Kain chuckled.
Cecil drew his blade, and looked grimly at his friend.
"There's no fun to be had in mortal combat."
Kain withdrew his lance and lunged, impaling a Roc. Dragging his weapon, he hurled the monster's corpse and clashed with two dagger-wielding goblins. As they clashed Cecil bifurcated two goblins and, as the remainder approached, he drew his sword up to his chest horizontally.
"Away with you," he murmured. Placing his hand on the blade he slid his hand over the sword, covering it with darkness as he went. Drawing back, he gave a mighty swing and the wave of black energy decimated the monsters - split them in pieces and dissolved the remains.
By this time, Kain had disposed of the goblins and rocs. He shouldered his lance.
"Be careful. Overusing darkness will drag you to death."
"I'm aware," Cecil said as he sheathed his sword. "Using the Dark Knight's power creates the scent of death not just for my enemies, but for myself."
He staggered, and coughed.
"Perhaps once we pass the desert and reach the forest, we ought to make camp."
Scene Eight
After a day and a half of travel, including monster attacks, the pair reached the Mist Cave's maw. They entered, and found amidst them a dim mist, only slightly clouding their vision. Cecil narrowed his eyes.
"They call it the Cave of Mist for more than just advertising. I can see, but the smell around here is noxious."
Kain nodded.
"And the monsters are sure to take siege to us. We'd best be careful..."
For most of the trip it was uneventful. As they stepped onto a small plateau, however, Kain caught scent of a monster. At once he loosed his spear and swung, impaling a giant moth disguised in a fog of mist. He flung the corpse away, and shouldered the weapon.
"Monsters rarely roam alone."
Cecil sighed.
"I sense danger. I'd wager a couple dozen, including..."
He unsheathed his sword and decapitated a goblin sneaking up from behind him.
"... the foul stench of a now-dead goblin."
The battle began with a wild melee, both Cecil and Kain thrusting and dicing through moth after moth. As they fought, a slithering sound beneath them caught their attention. Both the soldiers disengaged and slid away, and a huge worm burst from the ground, acid pouring from its maw.
"Damn," cursed Cecil. "The moths hatch from these things."
Roaring, the worm lunged. Both warriors readied, and Cecil decapitated it, allowing he and Kain to continue disposing of the giant moths. Once finished, the two felt a chill and heard an eerie sound.
"Whoever you are, turn back. You're not welcome."
Kain narrowed his eyes.
"Who the devil is that...?"