Start Date: February 23, 2022
Windwillow
Final Fantasy IV
Chapter Four
With the war against Baron only beginning, Cecil added to his party his white mage lover, Rosa, and the bardic prince of Damcyan, Edward. They now entered Mt. Hobs and sought to reach the martial nation of Fabul.
Fabul began as a monastery, where its founders sought enlightenment of body and soul. Iy eventually grew into a full-fledged country, one where its military arm was composed of monks and martial artists revered the world over for their strength.
Now, the task was simple: Reach Fabul and ally with them.
But would they be in time...?
Scene One
The journey up Mt. Hobs had begun with melting a wall of ice blocking their ascent. This was nothing trivial, given that Rydia had a phobia of fire after the destruction of Mist by fire and flame. Regardless, she overcame it and now the party entered Mt. Hobs.
"I'm proud of you," said Rosa. "It took a lot of guts to do what you did."
Rydia giggled, and stuck her tongue out.
"Yup-yup!"
As they progressed, Cecil noted that Edward seemed... different. An unusual confidence was about him. What he didn't know is that the night before his lost love had visited him, and instilled in him new bravery and courage. He was ready to fight.
About a third of the way up, a horde of gargoyles attacked. These were aerial monsters, heavily muscled and able to breathe flame. The party readied, and Cecil took point. He rushed forward and cut down one gargoyle, as two others loomed above him.
Rydia threw a spear of ice, freezing the gargoyle solid, and Cecil promptly shattered it. Cecil skillfully parried three more, as Rosa held out her hands. The magic froze the monsters, allowing Cecil to carve them in pieces.
From behind a wall, several skeletons and zombies emerged. They were dressed in martial arts gi and were heavily burned, some missing a limb. Rosa stepped forward.
"Undead," she said with a smile, "are a specialty of mine."
Rosa threw her hands forward, and a massive wave of light energy enveloped the undead. The holy pearls dissolved the skeletons and rent the flesh of the zombies, leaving nothing but tattered skin and scattered bones.
They continued onward. As they approached the peak, the party heard a massive roar. Well, a series of roars, each coming from a different beast. Readying for battle, they rushed up the mountain and found a sight that made Rydia's blood run cold.
Scattered on the ground were the burnt bodies of many monks, and countless bombs and grenades floated about. Rydia froze, but a deep fury welled within her and she slammed her hands to the ground. A series of icy stalagmites punctured, froze, and shattered several of the bombs. As they rushed forward the bombs attacked in earnest.
Edward drew his dagger as did Cecil his sword. The bombs breathed fire at the two, but Cecil whirled his sword and dispersed the flames. He and Edward proceeded to hack and stab the monsters, quickly overwhelming them. In the distance, Rosa saw something.
"Someone is fighting the bombs!" she yelled. "There are so... many of them!"
Indeed, a lone figure stood surrounded by a series of grenades. He was muscular and dressed in a gi, and flexed his muscles defiantly. The grenades shrieked and attacked.
The monk swiftly battered the bombs away with his fists and feet, until the numbers threatened to overwhelm him. At that, Edward and Cecil rushed forward, and Rydia threw spears of ice at the monsters.
Several of the bombs prepared to detonate, but Rosa swept her hands and clenched them tightly. As the bombs blew up, her barrier shielded the party from danger. A lone bomb snuck up behind her, but she swiftly evaded its flame, drew her bow, and slew the beast with an arrow through the eye.
"My thanks!" said the monk.
Cecil shook his head.
"Not yet! They're combining!"
Indeed, the remaining bombs flew towards each other and melted into a single, massive bomb. The resulting creature was a massive, muscular bomb with multiple arms ending in individual bombs.
The Mom-Bomb roared. Cecil quickly coated his sword, and stood between the monster and his friends. As a series of fireballs came at him, he parried and cut through them all. Rydia and Rosa flung magic attacks as Edward trembled, and the bard backed off to a safe distance.
"Dammit, man!" yelled Cecil.
Edward shook his head.
"I can't do anything with just a dagger!" Edward protested.
As they argued, a group of bombs flew towards Edward. He screamed and fell to his knees, as Rydia slammed her hands into the ground and speared them with ice. Rosa blasted them with holy pearls of light and Cecil cut them in twain.
"Fight, Edward!" shouted Cecil.
Edward swallowed hard, and staggered to his feet with dagger at the ready. By this time, however, the Mom-Bomb had begun to convulse. Rosa clapped her hands together just in time, and her barrier shielded the group from the massive explosion it produced.
The remnants of the Mom-Bomb burst into new grenades, but as they flew towards them the monk crouched, and was covered with a sheen of blue light.
"Frozen White Tiger! The snowy highlands sing..."
He flew forward and gave a mighty kick, the blow freezing the monsters in a sheet of ice. The monk clapped his hands together.
"Roar!"
The monk slammed his hands to the ground, and the bombs dissolved into shards of ice. He sighed, and turned to the party with a smile on his face.
"Well-met," he said. "I've not seen such talent in a long time!"
Cecil grinned. The monk sighed, and staggered, catching himself quickly and standing straight. He gave a mighty breath.
"Those fiends slew my students... I could not get to them in time."
Rydia paused.
"The undead from earlier were burned... Were those all your students?!"
The monk nodded.
"I came here with a retinue of a few dozen monks, but all died fighting. I've no students left here..."
He extended his hand.
"I am Yang Fang Leiden, head monk of the nation of Fabul. You all have my thanks."
Edward smiled nervously.
"I'm afraid I didn't contribute much, but... Wait. You're the head monk of Fabul?"
Yang nodded. Cecil stepped forward and sheathed his sword.
"I am Cecil Harvey, former knight of Baron."
The monk cocked his head.
"Former?"
Cecil sighed.
"Let's talk. I'm sure we all have something to say..."
Scene Two
As they exchanged info, the party and Yang made their situations clear. Yang had come with his students to train on Mt. Hobs, but they were ambushed and eradicated down to the last man. Cecil explained the situation carefully, and Yang took the information calmly.
"I see. So, Baron has begun to seize the crystals?"
Cecil nodded.
"My party and I intend to fight back, but we'll need assistance. May we aid you?"
Yang sighed.
"If we're to protect the Fire Crystal, any help given would be welcome. Let us go to Fabul and brief His Majesty."
As they turned to leave, Yang's eye caught Rydia's. He turned, and bowed.
"My apologies, miss. I'm saddened that you had to fight those particular monsters on my behalf..."
Rydia smiled nervously.
"I'm fine."
Yang nodded, and smiled. The party continued on. The trip to Fabul took two days, with their rest inside Rosa's magic circle and soon they entered the nation of Fabul. Immediately they were taken to the King, and briefed him of the situation.
"I see... Very well. You've our support, Lord Captain."
Cecil smiled.
"We must make ready. The Red Wings are sure to-"
A monk burst into the throne room.
"Your Majesty! The Baronian air force has been sighted to our southwest!"
The King rose from his throne.
"Gather the soldiers, and prepare our anti-air defenses! All men to their stations!"
As the preparations were being made, Cecil turned to Rosa.
"I don't want you fighting," he said. "Take Rydia and find shelter."
Rosa moved to protest, but stopped. If they fought, they could prove a liability against trained soldiers. And if they took one of them hostage...
"I'll protect her," she said. She smiled. "You three have my confidence!"
Edward paused. He was included?
Scene Three
Within half an hour the Red Wings had reached Fabul. The Fabulians fired their anti-air cannons, and managed to damage several airships. Gradually, though, the bombs tore through the castle's defenses. The monks fell back and fortified their position.
Cecil drew his sword.
"Ready, men?"
Yang and the soldiers nodded, but Edward hesitated before agreeing. As they prepared, the Baronian knights entered the castle and began to fight the monks. The monks held their own, their fists matching the swords and spears of the Baronians. Gradually, though, they began to wane.
"Retreat!" yelled Yang. "To the next stronghold!"
They did so, but with a final slash from Cecil. As they did, the monks hurled small grenades that took out several soldiers. By this point Edward had barely participated, but he did get a couple nice stabs with his knife.
The next battle was much the same, but here Cecil took a more active role. He slashed and stabbed with mighty blows, taking out many soldiers in his wake. But as another fell he narrowly evaded a large fireball.
Baron's black mages had arrived.
Cecil coated his sword in darkness and swung, matching and repelling a spell from the black mages. They continued on, but he dashed forward and cut down several before falling back and retreating with the others. As he did, the white mage corps began to heal the wounded.
They did so several more times, until all that remained was the crystal room. By then most of the monks had been obliterated, leaving only Cecil, Yang, and Edward. The three dashed into the crystal room and readied.
Again, Cecil coated his blade and swung, destroying the entrance to the crystal room with a large explosion. He dropped to one knee, exhausted.
"I'm... almost unconscious..."
Edward sighed.
"We've bought ourselves some time. If you rest, we have a chance."
Yang shook his head.
"There are no more reserves... We're all that remains, and we will tire eventually. The battle... seems to be settled..."
"But we still have Cecil!" protested Edward. "He..."
At that the rubble blocking the entrance burst open. A lone figure stepped forward, a black-armored knight carrying a lance. Cecil staggered, but stood. Was it possible...?
"Kain?! What are you doing here?!"
Kain stepped forward.
"Carrying out His Majesty's orders."
Cecil grit his teeth.
"The hell?! Do you now condone this madness?!"
Kain leaned back, his lance ready. Cecil took immediate action and lunged to parry it. Though he clashed for two blows, Kain soon overwhelmed him and kicked him back into the crystal's pillar.
Struggling, Cecil managed to stand and coat his entire body in darkness. This was his limit.
"Dammit!" he shouted. "Must I cut you down?!"
Kain smiled.
"You don't have to."
He rushed forward and slammed his fist into Cecil's gut, sending him to his knees. The darkness dissipated.
"Because, quite frankly, you can't."
As Kain stepped towards the crystal, Cecil used the last of his strength to clutch his ankle.
"Kain, don't do this! You're better than this!"
Kain kicked Cecil backwards, finally grasping the crystal. It was warm, a soothing sensation filling his body. He stepped down the pedestal, eyes locked on Cecil with a smile. Frowning, he shouldered his lance.
"You're lucky I don't break your lousy neck."
"CECIL!"
Both Cecil and Kain froze, as a new figure emerged. It was a muscular, blue-armored man with a cape and helmet, elegant runes carved into the armor. What mattered more, was that he had Rosa by the shoulder.
"Lord Golbez!"
Cecil slammed his hands, literally hurling himself upright. He grabbed his blade and coated it, though his vision dimmed. By now he was actively forcing himself not to pass out, or perhaps even die.
"Let her go!" Cecil snarled. "Lay one more finger on her and I'll behead you AND Kain!"
Kain kneeled before Golbez.
"Pray, sir, your mercy. She still has uses for us."
Golbez sighed.
"Very well. Move, woman..."
Rosa struggled, but was unable to escape. Cecil staggered forward, sword outstretched, but he was barely conscious. Kain moved to leave, and turned back to shake his head. The contempt was clear, but Cecil felt somehow that Rosa would be safe with Kain.
Now, finally, Cecil dropped his blade and fell to the ground. He forced himself into consciousness long enough crawl forward. Every last bit of him was dedicated to saving her.
But, when he passed out, all he could do was cry.
Scene Four
"Ce-..."
Darkness, a flash of light filled Cecil's vision.
"-cil!"
The sight of Rosa's back, of Kain's glare flashed in his eyes.
"CECIL! Wake up!"
Returning to consciousness, Cecil's eyes snapped open to reveal Edward. He was bandaged, a streak of white covering his right eye. Cecil stood straight in bed, incredible pain reverberating through his entire body. He disregarded it entirely.
Cecil placed a hand to his head.
"Rosa...?! Rosa! What of-"
Edward shook his head. Cecil bit his lip hard enough to draw blood, coughing it up and dragging himself upwards with every bit of power he could gather.
"God damn it!" he roared. "That cur! I'll tear off his bloody head!"
Stepping back, Edward swallowed hard. He'd never heard Cecil curse like this, and the bile and saliva dripping from his jaw coating his chin frightened him to his core.
"And Golbez...! GOLBEZ!"
Edward took Cecil by the shoulders and shook him.
"Get a hold of yourself! Do these words befit a knight?"
Cecil froze. He swallowed hard, closed his eyes, and sighed. After wiping the blood from his face. Cecil turned calmly to Edward.
"I..."
He shook his head.
"I am... sorry, Edward... I just..."
Edward bowed his head.
"My face looked much like yours," he murmured, "when Anna died in front of me."
Cecil sighed.
"I forget myself here and now... Rosa would be ashamed if she saw me."
Edward nodded.
"No witness can say. But, the King wishes to see you. We must go, as soon as you can."
Cecil winced, and fell back in his bed.
"Ten minutes... Just give me that time."
Scene Five
After Cecil gathered himself, the two went to the King's room. He was covered in bandages, as were his retinue. Yang sat solemnly by his side. Cecil managed to kneel, partially of respect and partially of exhaustion. The King sighed.
"Thank you, Lord Captain..."
Cecil paused.
"Pray, tell me. Is she alright?"
Yang nodded.
"They took her aboard their airship, with no struggle. The man called Kain was holding her hand."
A pang of anger striking him, Cecil lowered his head, but said nothing. The King sighed.
"Your pain is partially by our making," the King said. "I pledge full support to retrieve her."
Edward nodded.
"I'll back you."
Yang sighed.
"My fist will be in that man's face one day. I will do everything my body can give."
Cecil staggered. He smiled. The King reached to his side and picked up an object, handing it to Cecil.
"This sword belonged to a dark knight that came here long ago. It is yours, now. The Deathbringer..."
Taking hold of the sword, Cecil bowed deeper. He clutched it tight in his hand.
"My thanks..."
The King sighed.
"What now is the issue is reaching her. We've no airships to get you there."
Yang frowned.
"By sea, then."
Edward nodded.
"We'd need to be cautious, but if we go by ship we might be able to sneak into the castle."
Cecil sighed. This was more painful than his wounds. A thought came, one that should've come earlier.
"And Rydia?"
The door creaked open, and Rydia entered. She was scuffed up, but otherwise unharmed. Her face reflected her grief, and she lowered her head. Cecil paused, then gripped her head softly.
"I cannot ask you to go with me."
Rydia nodded.
"But I will. I couldn't protect her either..."
Cecil sighed.
"A monk, a bard, and an orphan... My party consists of innocents that pledge themselves, when they should not. I am... honored, all..."
Scene Six
After resting for a day, Cecil, Yang, Rydia and Edward set out by ship to Baron. They made good time, and it seemed they could be there in hours. However...
"LEVIATHAN!"
The ship lifted up in a massive wave, as a huge beast emerged from the water. It was long, with a bright maw and firm scales. Its size? At least the size of the ship.
"Damnation!" breathed Cecil. Slowly he saw his companions fall from the ship, Rydia last of all. Cursing himself, he lost consciousness. When he awoke, he was laying bruised on a beach. With all his strength he dragged himself to his feet.
"Rydia! Edward! Yang!"
He slumped to the ground.
"I couldn't save a single soul..."
Cecil staggered, but didn't fall. In the distance he could see the towers of Mysidia. Surely, a cruel joke by the Gods. All he had left to hope for were his victims. What would they say? Would they simply kill him?
"It's my only hope," breathed Cecil. "For even a chance..."
He began to walk towards Mysidia.