A/N: Ok, this is where Domin finally makes his goal into fruition while Kain and Yang keep gathering recruitments. Will the world be doomed into ruin?
Chapter 4
Kain and Yang continued to find recruits for the fight against the Injukhal. Damcyan had recently fallen, and the Fire Crystal was stolen right in front of them after they fought some of the savages. They now know how their countrymen, as well as the Mages of Mysidia, have been affected by their thrall. In order to assist Cecil and to cure Rosa, they've decided to strike back and restore the world into order, while eventually looking for the Glamour Greens. Unfortunately, things have not gone well.
Recently, they headed to Troia and noticed that the Epopts and some of the guardswomen were missing. Those that stayed became injured and the Earth Crystal was gone. Much like the other elemental gems. Kain feared that Cecil would succumb to Domin's spell and relentlessly give him the Wind Crystal, yet still his intentions remained unknown.
"I fear after Domin retrieves them, he may go to the Land of the Dwarves and usurp the Dark Crystals. This could be a cinche for him."
"I hear you, Kain." Yang said over the rotors. "We do not have much time left; our last stop should be at Eblan. I hope Edge and the ninjas haven't fallen under their influence yet." As they flew south the air started to get hot and dry, like it did back in Damcyan.
Inside the desert fortress, the people have already been brainwashed by the drums they recently heard. The ninjas went on a full-blown rampage as they fought against those that haven't gone under: those being Prince Edge, Seneschal, Kaze, Zangetsu, Izayoi, and Gekkou. With the overwhelming efforts made by the Injukhal warriors, as well as their condors and the ninjas, it was nearly too much.
Edge and Zangetsu used their Ninjitsu, their simultaneous Double Blitz, to zap the humongous birds from the air. Yet the tension was mounting before them. The muscular ninja that wielded his prowess of fire, Gekkou, dealt with some of the ninjas hand to hand trying to drive them away from Seneschal and the innocent civilians. But only he could do so much as they kept overwhelming him.
"Hold them! They're trying to get through!" Edge ordered.
"Highness, their might is growing! We can't keep them back for long!" Kaze looked similar to Edge, and much like him, he's very well-rounded and quick on his feet. He's also one of the most nimble and petite out of the four unaffected ninjas. He wore turquoise earrings, a long-faded grey ponytail, and a flowing amethyst cape and poncho. He also had on black shoes and indigo tights. His distraction against the Injukhal were almost flawless; unfortunately the ninjas just kept getting in his way!
"Surprise attack coming from above!" their mentor shouted, as he barely saw another wave of condors. Without hesitation, Izayoi used some of her ice magic, mostly her Blizzara, to drive them back. Some of her assailants countered with their own Fira, injuring her in the process!
"Damn! Izayoi, be careful! Apparently, these guys know our weaknesses!" the proud prince warned.
She managed to cure herself and then defended with some Water-type Ninjitsu, yet still they kept on advancing!
"Ah! Don't they ever give up!?" Edge grew more outraged with their persistence. He could've sworn one of the redskins said to finish the job. The condors were gone, but the remaining enemies sneered and closed in for the kill.
Then, Kain and his group showed up and took down some of the red men with their lethal jumps and kicks. Seeing they were nearly overmatched they, along with several willing ninjas, used their smokescreens to the Injukhal's advantage and vanished without a trace!
The recipients coughed, but Edge didn't falter. "You're not getting away!" He managed to barely see the ninjas and the red men run away amongst the thick, black fog, and he hurriedly followed them. He burst outside with as much speed as a ninja would possess. There weren't any traces of them, not even footprints; it was as if they weren't even here! "Those insolent bastards..! They tainted our ninjas, and they wreaked havoc on my kingdom! I will not let the arts of ninjitsu fall into their dark hands! They will pay!" he declared with a shaking fist.
"Edge!" Kain and Yang ran up to him. "Are you hurt?" Despite the monk's ongoing competition with the Eblanese, they still sometimes worked together and put aside their differences.
"No, I'm fine. Thanks for the assistance, guys; they were getting to be quite a pain!"
"Yes. And they've already taken over other kingdoms as well. You should be lucky yours is still standing." Kain said.
"Lucky?! Didn't you see what happened?! Over half of our ninjas are gone! And the Seneschal is injured. Those redskins...I never thought these guys would ever turn rogue. They were a peace-loving people, but they were hardly seen."
"It seems you know of them." Yang stated. "They were peaceful. Until Domin started to usurp other nations and steal the Crystals. That's what Cecil told us."
"What!? Cecil's in on this? Alone!? And the Crystals are in peril again?! What's next, the Tower of Babil activating!? Ergh, just you wait!"
"Calm yourself, Highness." Izayoi marched up to the commotion. "Seneschal wouldn't want you to grow so reckless when you lose your cool."
"Yeah, you still have us, right?" Gekkou caught up. "We will assist you. And so would Kaze and Zangetsu. For the sake of our kingdom, and for our sacred arts."
"I appreciate the offer, but Kaze..." Edge scratched his neck. Kaze was very young and new to the elites. His skills in wielding wind Ninjitsu and his agility were on par, yet he still was a newbie. He always had his doubts despite his potential. He thought he wouldn't stand a chance if he were to go to war.
"Let's go, we can't stay and dilly here." Kain said.
"Yeah, yeah."
The prince was discussing the arrangements for his men with his reinforcements. He enlisted Zangetsu, Izayoi, and Gekkou as his teammates. He was very reluctant to add Kaze, but his determination was unwavering. He promised his girlfriend he shall return after the conflict.
"Don't let me down, tyro. This isn't a game, y'know."
"Of course not, Highness." Kaze hoped his training at the Eblan Cave paid off.
"All right! We're all set. Let's put end to those tyrannical tribesmen. They will answer for what Domin has done. And if he ever manages to hypnotize Cecil, he'll taste my steel!"
"Don't let it get to your head, Highness." Seneschal reprimanded.
"I won't. Geez, geezer, you worry too much."
They headed to the airship and for a moment, Edge looked out at the horizon; he hoped that Rydia would also get involved, and he would promise to help her anyway he can.
"Edge! Let's do it!" Gekkou called. He ran back to the deck and his sensei soon followed.
Within the deep forest of Tenebre, Cecil was sitting on a rock next to Domin. They were immersed with the Injukhal tribe, along with various other clans. The Black Mages and the White Mages of Mysidia also gathered as they were being dressed for the victory dance, so were the Epopts and the guardswomen from Troia, the ninjas of Eblan, and the remaining monks from Fabul.
Drums were beating steadily among the crowd, and the Paladin was just anointed as one of Domin's very own. The Epopts were tweezing his eyebrows, and applying bloody war paint on his face. He was sitting very still as his eyes glowed with the same manner as the monks. His blue headband was removed and replaced by an indigenous one; it was a mix with crimson and violet, with three feathers sticking out of the front. It also had an exotic lunar design embedded in the center.
Domin also had a new outlook: his face was being covered by white paint from a cotton ball; his black cloak was removed and he donned on a dark shawl with a burnt orange bird in the middle; his moccasins were put on as well as a flowing article of clothing. He had some stripes of paint descending from between his eyes to his nose and below his lips. One of the Epopts readjusted his collar, and Domin just smiled at her. And finally, to top it all, he had on a headdress filled with enormous black and white feathers.
When the dressing was complete he declared as he stood before his brethren, "My fellow Injukhal, both the aborigines, and those who've just joined us from the world over...our mission is finally at its climax. At long last, we have found our finest warrior, the holy Paladin, Cecil." As soon as he heard his name, he immediately straightened.
"He has joined us as a mighty addition to our people. We will honor him, like how the late chief, Abdullah, has... He's a vital asset to us all, and so is this victory. We've collected half of the world's Crystals, according to him. And we shall soon find the remaining Dark Crystals. We will gain unsurmountable power from them." The three were placed in a pit. Domin motioned to his herald. "Cecil, if you would kindly do so, give us the legendary Wind Crystal you've obtained from Fabul."
He nodded slowly and spoke in a vehement, monotonous tone, "Of course, Chieftain..." He walked toward the pit and placed the Crystal within the others. Strangely enough, they were already hovering inside. With all the Light Crystals gathered, everyone roared.
The Paladin bowed down to his new master and the latter raised his arms to calm the pandemonium. "Now, let the ceremony...begin..!"
A timpani and a low, deep gong were hit four times as a monk and an Injukhal held the latter instrument. Then everyone stomped their feet to the building beat as more red men were hitting various drums, such as tom toms, and even skulls. Some of the other countrymen participated playing their own percussion; one of them was hitting sticks and cried out wildly. Cecil at first watched the people around him dance to this primitive, ravenous, and thrilling Congo trance music. He soon followed the Troians as they squirmed their bodies low to the ground and rose up slowly. The clans were reveling in it just as Cecil and Domin were. Most of their bodies were ascending and descending as they all absorbed the negative energy surrounding them. In fact, from the drums, darkness was spreading as they were being played. They were all embracing the sinister desires in their hearts. It was so intense that it even made the Black Chocobo panic and fly away.
It was almost too much for Cecil as he and Domin took in most of the energy. He felt so alive, so driven and enthralled. The more he took in, the more intense his feelings of aggression and power were. He kind of missed this sensation since he stripped off his accursed Dark Knight armor. Next to his lord, he was enjoying it! He kept on sneering and breathing heavily, until he fulfilled his appetite and he let out a loud war cry of his own! With his voice, it was mixed in with the roar of a dragon!
At the Feymarch, chaos was sweeping through as each Eidolon was suffering. A lot of them were holding their heads and ears in agony, begging for the drums to stop. Chocobos were running all over and colliding into the walls. One of the female beasts yelled, "Ahhh! The noise! I can't stand it!"
Apparently, the phantasmal beings were very sensitive to the prowess above. Even Asura and Leviathan, in their elderly vessels, were just as pained. For Rydia, it was nothing since she was the only human; however, she was frightened by how her newfound family was feeling! There was little to nothing she could do to calm them down. She was so hapless and scared for everyone. Even for that tiny bomb...
The youngest of the bombs was outside, hurting as much as his dad bomb. A big blue one attempted to cover him, but he just kept wailing! His circular body started to flash on and off, then ignite as he was releasing the pressure. Lastly, the worst happened as he let out an ear-piercing scream and made a colossal explosion! The impact knocked everyone but Rydia, Asura, and Leviathan down. And everything grew silent as the smoke cleared. All that remained was a large crater where the dark, lifeless bomb was.
The monsters eventually gathered around the horrific sight, mourning over the tragedy. Especially the devastated blue father bomb. Whyt emerged along with Rydia and her guardians. They were just as sad and shocked as they were. Rydia sunk to her knees when she looked over the site, and burst into tears cradling him. Who knew the drums could cause so much merciless destruction..? Who would do such a very unbearable, unforgivable act?
The king of the Eidolons laid a hand on her shoulder, and whispered, "I just heard the drums were from a savage clan known as the Injukhal. A figure clad in darkness named Domin was leading the menace. And our friend, Cecil, was in the middle of it."
"Cecil..?" Rydia spoke through her sadness.
"Yes, dear. He's one of them. He's under their thrall now."
The tears stopped as she swallowed harshly; this wasn't the time to grieve. The whole world will soon be in ruin thanks to them, and Cecil if they won't get him back. Looking at the tiny bomb and its depressed dad once again, the Summoner's determination grew. Slowly, while looking at the creatures she calls her friends, she stood up with a great deal of courage.
Facing her guardians, she declared war on the Injukhal. "Let's go. To Tenebre! I won't let that evil tribe...get away with this!"
Back on the airship, everyone was preparing themselves as they were adjusting their armor and equipment. Edge and his team were sharpening their Shruikens and blades, the monks were sparring with each other, and the Dragoons were warming up. Yang was assessing everyone as Kain took the helm. They were heading east toward the mysterious island. Through the victims' hazy memory, they said it lies somewhere within the eastern archipelago. That brought the fleet to their next destination.
They were about to soar over Agart while Kain was worrying about Cecil's fate. Yang sensed his anxiety and walked up to him. "Yang...it's Cecil. I can't help but recall those dreadful times when I was shrouded in darkness. My mind was so overwhelmed by much hatred and despair. Golbez, and Zemus, they used our hearts as playthings, exploiting our weaknesses to their twisted advantage. It never stops, and it sometimes feels to be true. If Cecil is really brainwashed by Domin..?"
"You fear he might not be coming back." The Dragoon sulked, as if Yang read his mind. "I understand your insecurity. As a Paladin, he is weak against such an element. It is a powerful thing, and it had manipulated him a few times before. But, we're here for him. WE are the world's only hope. He needs us; we will defeat Domin, just like we did with Zeromus."
"That's right! Yang has a point there, as much as I hate to admit it." Edge added, throwing away his bitter rivalry with the Fabulian monks.
"Hm, if you say so, Edge." Kain responded, still having his doubts.
As they were flying over the mountain range with the colossal crater, a red flame as large as a Firaga spell busted deep within the abyss. An enormous, muscular beast leapt out and landed with a thud on the airship's deck. Everyone startled as it began to tilt for a short while. By the time it settled, they saw Ifirit! And Rydia was on his back!
The crew greeted her enthusiastically. Especially Edge who was just awestruck. "Hello, guys!" Rydia hopped off her ally's back and dismissed him as he dissipated into a couple pyroflies.
"Rydia, you made it!" Yang cheered. They embraced each other, reunited like they haven't seen each other in time immemorial. "It's great to see you, too, Yang! Kain, Edge." The ninja stepped forward and continued to stare at her. The Sylphs couldn't be more happier as they encircled their favorite monk.
The ninjas weren't as familiar with her. "Who is she?" Kaze curiously said.
"She's the last surviving Summoner from the distant village of Mist." Zangetsu answered.
"I bet that is Edge's girlfriend he's been chasing after." Izayoi mocked. The prince wasn't thrilled of the response. "Wait-what?"
"Never mind." she raised her hands in surrender.
Ignoring the teasing, Kain asked her in a more serious fashion, "You've heard of what's happened, haven't you?"
"Yes, I have." she replied. "The Eidolons were crying hysterically as we heard the drums from above. Leviathan gave the intel on it...Then, one of the Bombs exploded and died. He was so young..." She couldn't bare to tell them the tragic death again, not after what she had seen. Her comrades understood her, and they didn't force her to press on.
Sensing her sadness her true friend, the Mist Dragon, came to her as she flew beside the airship. Looking at the radiant serpent, her heart mended again and she jumped onto her back. Being her late mom's Eidolon, she had always known when to comfort her. Then, more Eidolons came to her side, such as a couple Bombs, the Chocobos, and even Asura in front.
"We've not a minute to waste! We shall go to Tenebre, no matter how dire the consequences..." Kain said.
"Look!" Rydia pointed out to an island that was in a violet hue. It appeared to be expanding, gradually covering other land forms.
"Is that it?! That's the enemy stronghold?" Edge commented. "It doesn't seem too bad. We can take these guys on easily." He received a scornful look from his comrades. "...That is if none of us goes under their thrall. Like they did to our own ninjas!" His expression turned into vengeance. He crossed his Kotetsus in front of him, just as he did against Rubicante.
"This looks bad..." Rydia whispered. "I really hope Cecil will make it out of this. As, too, our countrymen. We cannot kill them."
"No, but we won't hesitate." Kain reiterated. "Our main enemies are the savage tribe and Domin. We don't know what he's capable of, although we should stay sharp even when they should use those vile drums again. If Cecil is under, I'll be the one to take him on. And hopefully the chief as well."
"Hey, the Enterprise is here!" Edge pointed to the vessel laying next to a dense, desolated Chocobo forest on a distant isle. "So, Cecil is definitely awaiting us."
"He told us to stay put. But we won't back down, not without a fight!" Yang challeneged. "Domin should be no match for us as long as we're careful."
"Then it's settled; let's head down to Tenebre!" the pilot cried. "Full speed ahead!"
And so the fleet of hope were about to take on the most dangerous mission any of the warriors will ever face.
At that time, Cecil, Domin, and their tribe were celebrating and reveling at the middle of their village. The dark head of the Injukhal was sitting within a ring, while the brainwashed Paladin sat across from him. From the White Mages, they were each given a golden chalice filled with a crimson liquid that seemed odd to Cecil. The ruler marched over to him and whispered, "It is the blood of my people, Cecil. You are one of us now. Drink this, and you shall be a part of my clan forever." The atmosphere was very enticing to him, while the Epopts were singing and worshipping him, and so was this offer. He gazed at his chieftain before he closed his eyes and took a sip...until he stopped.
He opened them and his head felt heavy. It was as if he just woke up from a dream. As they cleared, he looked around.
The Injukhal...I'm with them? He then saw a scary sight as he saw other clans among them. They have blood on their lips..? Are they bleeding? N-no, it couldn't be. But wait-That man, Domin, h-he's here, too! It's him! From that horrible dream..! He realized he wasn't dreaming at all; this was too surreal. He realized he was holding something, a rare, gold chalice. He hasn't seen one so elaborate before; he figured only the most richest people in the world would possess such belongings. His eyes wandered inside his cup and he hardly saw what he was drinking, or what he was about to drink.
By the time a cloud moved away from the sun, he saw it was...actual blood?! Startled, he almost dropped and spilled it as he slammed it to the ground. His hands were trembling, and the Injukhal noticed his demeanor. He even saw Domin facing him. Quickly, he changed his expression to a semi-dazed manner. "May I...be excused, Chieftain..?"
He simply nodded his assent. Slowly from the cushion he was sitting cross-legged on, Cecil stood up and wandered away. He wasn't sure where he was going, or where he should go to next. Yet, he had this feeling that something was wrong. His absent mind lead him to a structure made of limestone. He had to hide for awhile, away from Domin and his slaves. He also had an inclination neither of the people were serving him willingly. Still, he pressed on as he climbed up the tower; he figured it would give him some better coverage.
As he trekked up though, there was an intense stench. He could relate it to that of a rotting corpse. He covered his nose and inhaled through his mouth instead. He ventured further and in some other chamber, he saw pools of blood and decaying weapons all over the place! Cecil immediately turned away as his heart began to race. This was undoubtedly turning into some diluted nightmare!
His head began to feel foggy and he was on the verge of fainting. He mindlessly walked into some other room nearby. He was completely shocked when he saw Palom and Porom. Their arms were raised above them by intertwining chains wrapped around a tall, wooden pole reaching to the ceiling. Blood stains were splattered over the walls, debris were scattered throughout the floor, and various tribal ornaments, including a few drums, were put on display. He even noticed a few look-a-loos were watching over their prisoners from an open window above. From their expressions, they couldn't wait to annihilate the children! Cecil hid himself behind a wall, as he was attempting to come up with a plan.
"I will not let them fall from their evil hands!" the Paladin thought out loud.
Just then, Porom began to stir and her arms were getting more irritated as they were being pulled by her confinements. She jiggled, trying to wake up her twin brother, then she whispered to him, hoping not to get their assailants' attention. "Palom..? Palom..!"
The kid woke up very groggy, wondering what happened. "What..?" He tested the strong chains. "What is this? How did we end up here?" The stench was becoming too much for Palom. "Ergh, what is that rotten stench?! It smells like a thousand carcasses in here!" Porom noticed it as well.
"Palom, we were abducted by the redskins. They invaded Mysidia, stole the Water Crystal, and attacked Elder, remember?" her voice cracked.
"Yeah, I thought we had them, until the Mages got in our way!"
They looked around and were more frightened of their impending doom. They started to whimper as though they'd never get out. How is anyone supposed to rescue them in the middle of enemy territory where all of their close friends have succumbed to those drums!? Everyone they knew was against them, and serving those demons!
Palom wanted to escape using a Black Magic spell, but his sis advised otherwise since it would provoke some people close by who're willing to kill them in an instant. "Well what can we do?!" Porom never said a word; she was incredibly horrified as he was.
Someone was coming from the doorway as he marched up slowly to the helpless youngsters. He looked like he was shrouded and there was poor lighting. They could hardly make out his features except a sword he drew out from his scabbard, and all they did was brace for their deaths as they quivered in fear. The figure sliced the chains above them, and the links fell and unraveled themselves. He was lucky the clanking noise didn't startle any onlookers.
The fraternal Mages looked at their hands and were surprised they've been freed by that stranger. Was it an Injukhal who decided to betray his tribesmen? He looked the part as they made out some feathers protruding from his head while he knelt down to them. "It's all right, Palom and Porom. I'm here." he spoke. From his distinctive voice, they knew.
"Cecil!" They chorused, and they both made a tight embrace simultaneously. They couldn't be more happier to see him. Neither was the Paladin.
"Oh, it's so great to see you two alive and well." he greeted.
As they broke away, Palom said, "I knew you would come for us! Porom never thought so, but I did!"
She just burst into tears. "Porom..? What's wrong?" Cecil looked at her sincerely as he laid a hand on her shaking shoulder.
She wiped her eyes. "Cecil, I thought no one was going to save us; we were afraid we're gonna die. The Mages turned against us after we fought back with everything we had, trying to protect Elder...And he's gone, much like Tellah." Palom was also depressed about what she said.
"No. The Elder is not dead. I managed to save him as he was on his last legs. I know Mysidia was invaded, just like Fabul and Mythril. I was able to cure him in time. He's safe now, don't worry." Cecil reassured. However, the blabber mouth wasn't convinced.
"Oh, we should worry. You're wearing some of their apparel. That shows you became one of them, haven't you?" he protested. The Paladin was taken aback.
"Palom!" She was about to thwack him behind the head.
"Porom, no! He's right, I was controlled, and you have every reason to hate me. But...we mustn't give into our emotions right now." he responded with a tight throat. "We need to escape somehow."
Before the trio thought of a foolproof strategy, they heard footsteps coming up to the dungeon. "What is that..?" Porom whispered in terror.
"I think it's a monster; one of the redskins! I can smell their intense odor from here." Palom figured it was just as appalling as the stench surrounding the room.
Cecil just knelt there, his eyes were shut. Porom called to get his attention. "I'm thinking..." Then, after a few moments, he opened his eyes after an image of Mysidia burned into his mind. "Everyone, hold onto me and never let go." They obliged as they hugged him tightly. The Paladin closed his eyes once more and faint energy surrounded him. When the spell was complete, he shouted, "Teleport!" They vanished almost instantly, just before a Black Mage, an Epopt, and a red man marched into it. Needless to say, they were outraged the hostages escaped. They immediately put 2 and 2 together as they hypothesized that Cecil betrayed Domin's vow as he helped them. The Injukhal ordered to let their chieftain know of his treachery.
By the time the children released from Cecil, they've returned safe and sound. "We're back! We're in Mysidia!" Palom cheered.
"I sure hope Elder is okay." Porom worried.
Sure enough, the priest walked up to them, glad as ever. The two young apprentices embraced him as tightly as possible. He was indeed a little startled on the Paladin's new look. "Cecil...I-I can't thank you enough for rescuing them since you've kept your promise. However, I'm...quite rattled of your...new attire."
He just sulked at the remark; he was at a complete loss. "I..."
"Regardless, the important thing is they are safe. You have my upmost gratitude."
"Thank you, Elder."
"I will escort them to Baron. I'll pray that things won't take a turn for the worst. Kain and Yang have already left."
Cecil could hardly breathe. "Kain..? And Yang!? But they would..."
"Let's not presume such unfortunate events." the priest said. "Palom, Porom, come. We must head to Baron from the Devil's Road. It's far too dangerous for you two to tag along."
"I want to help Cecil." Palom puffed out his chest. "Me too." Porom volunteered.
"No!" The Paladin halted their conversation. "Believe me, I'd really appreciate that. But this is between me...and the Injukhal. I'll let Yang and the others handle it as well. They can easily hold their own." The twins sighed.
"Just, please be careful, Cecil." she said and kissed his wrist.
"Don't end up in the red demons' control again. And get our Mages back!" Palom added.
"I will, you guys. You've my word on that." Cecil smiled.
The Elder gave a small prayer for his success and for Rosa's welfare; although, the most vital objective is to win Domin's war. Cecil looked at his reflection over a sparkling lake and splashed and rinsed his face vigorously. He then removed the crimson headband, and replaced it with his signature blue one from his side pocket. He was beginning to feel more like himself again. He briefly looked back on Rosa's condition, thinking he may not have much time. Still, he must forge ahead and put an end to Domin, once and for all! Even though he's uncertain who he's dealing with.
A/N: Kaze is one of the names I came up with for the replacement for Tsukinowa. Kaze is a unisex Japanese name that signifies wind, or cold as in the illness. I thought it would be most appropriate. Obviously, there has to be a replacement for Tsukinowa since he hasn't been born yet. The other three elemental ninjas are still in this fic, assisting Edge in this global war. This would be like moments before the Eblan 4 existed.
The song for the war dance I thought was fitting is the Dark Lich theme from "The Secret of Mana." Believe it or not, I never played the game; however, I did hear this song during a LP of a ROM hack of Final Fantasy VI known as "The Eternal Crystals." Specifically, when the player fights Lich himself, whom I guess was one of the super bosses in Kefka's Tower. Also, just a quick shout-out to the Autarch (Alex Rochon), I don't understand how that song is a mockery to the player! Seriously?! That song rocks! Hell, I even used it as the main theme for Domin himself; I believe it suits him well.
As for the song during Rydia's vow and the mission on going to Tenebre, I've decided to pick the OverClocked remake called "Full of Courage" by Nutritious. It is an epic piece of music, and I really hope developers could use their amazing work for perhaps a motion picture for the game itself! Next to a reboot/sequel to "The Bouncer," I really wish for that to happen as well!
Of course, Domin's costume and the scenery for the dance and whatnot were based off of the classic Sesame Street clip, "African Dance in the Park;" at least I think that's what it's called. I also remembered I once had a dream when Cecil was getting prepped for the dance, with the tweezed eyebrows and the war paint.
And that scene where Palom and Porom were held captive, the tower of limestone was based off of the end scene from the graphic novel, "State of Fear," by Michael Crichton. Although, I didn't understand very much of all the environmental crap, the savage tribe from the Solomon islands , as well as the country itself, were extremely terrifying!
I would also like to declare a name for the airship and the reinforcements as "The Fleet of Hope." Their theme song would of course be the aforementioned tune, "Full of Courage." Bon Voyage, good luck, and God speed to them!