Hello, everyone! The Ikran Rider here, and this is indeed the finale of this epic! Cecil and Kain are facing off against Domin for one last showdown! The fate of the entire world, and Rosa's, are in their hands now!
Chapter 6
By the sudden attack from above, Domin slowly rose up with his headdress completely askew. "Erghhhh..." Facing the duo, he murmured, "This form will never suffice."
His body looked as he was hurling when it curled up. By the time he straightened, his body was engulfed by blinding light. Cecil and Kain shielded their eyes, not noticing him leap into the air! When the sphere finally cleared, his true form was revealed: He had a large pair of talons that were as enormous as a Zus, or perhaps double the size. Yet Domin's own body still remained the same. However, he was surrounded by gigantic, dark wings. Their feathers ranged from crimson, to black, to burnt orange and mahogany, to even an opaque shade of grey. He had a draconian head on top of his own, and rows of horns were protruding from it. Everyone, including the Injukhal, were aghast as they saw him!
By the time he transformed, Deimos used all his might to knock the Excalibur from Cecil's hands! Kain volunteered to take the offense, while he takes the defense instead. He knew he could always count on him.
"There's no way he can hold you back now! This time, we fight together!" the Dragoon declared. Just as they would when they fought the Mist Dragon, and Zeromus.
Kain Focused, while Cecil conjured Protect and Shell on the two of them. Deimos realized they were boosting their defenses, and he let out a Roar as deep and menacing like a chimera's. Luckily, Kain was able to leap into the air and avoid the paralysis, while Cecil below succumbed to it. The Abel Lance pierced into Deimos's body, and he saw his friend's predicament. He tossed him a Remedy and his body was flimsy again. The Dragoon focused once more and the monster let out a volley of fire from his maw. Although it wasn't like any normal elemental spell; in fact, it almost looked like lava emitting from him. The unfortunate duo was deeply burned.
"What is this..?" Kain wondered irritably.
"Ergh...Could it be...Firaja?" Cecil queried. It was too painful for either of them to move.
They saw Deimos inhale and unleash another fiery breath. Though it looked slightly brighter than the last attack, it was still very powerful. His breath could also trigger Firaga as well.
Then, Cecil felt an intriguing sensation, almost as if he felt lighter and more tranquil. His heart began to feel warmer, and he heard a familiar whisper of a woman speak his name into his mind. "Rosa..?"
Kain looked over and wondered what the Paladin was saying. Before the scorching onslaught hit, they were encased in diamond-shaped force fields. Before he would use another one, he was engulfed by his own flames as they bounced back to him. The Chain Firaga was reflected. Cecil's teammate wondered what the hell was going on since they couldn't cast Reflect themselves.
"It's Rosa, Kain. I can hear her, she's within me, within us. Fighting alongside us! I can feel my spirit being lifted. She's here!"
"Now's the time, Cecil. Grab your blade, and fight this abomination! I believe in the both of you." They were awed, and they saw Deimos drop to the ground.
"Cecil, hurry!" the Dragoon ordered. Cecil obliged as he ran and grabbed the Excalibur completely intact. It didn't take long for Deimos to recover. He soared again and used a familiar sound to the Paladin, a War Cry. For some odd reason, it made him dazed as his mind drifted back to the Injukhal and Domin himself. Kain, however, wasn't affected, as he had no knowledge since the airship crashed.
"Cecil?"
He never responded. Instead, he lunged at him. He avoided the attack and realized he was subordinate to the monster again. "Cecil, listen to me. You're just confused. Snap out of it!" There was no avail, and the fight dragged on. In order to avoid more damage, he jumped. Deimos rose and gave chase. The landing was aimed at Cecil, but the monster knocked Kain down. Together, they plummeted to the ground. Cecil was no longer confused, but he and Kain were getting weaker.
Within the heap, Cecil decided to cure themselves; however, it healed Deimos instead. They've forgotten that Reflect was still in effect. With an ear-piercing screech, Deimos unleashed another Firaga spell. Only this one went through all of their defenses. It was like an enormous fire bomb as they were engulfed. Together, they went down.
Deimos looked down at the fallen warriors and he laughed hysterically in triumph. Their friends looked upon the battlefield, as did the Injukhal. Rydia and the others felt torn, as they wished they could do something to help if it weren't for their meddling enemies. The red men and the brainwashed fighters started to snicker at their master's victory.
But then, Kain's fingers started to twitch, and Cecil's body lightened. Deimos landed curiously on what was going on. "They...are not dead, yet?" He looked over the inactive bodies and as he went to Cecil's...
He was slashed by the holy blade! Deimos cried in sheer pain. The Paladin glowed until he stood up completely, as did Kain. The Dragoon used the augment, Last Stand; there was still a small portion of his stamina left. While Cecil used Rearise, thanks to Rosa's involvement. He could tell it was her since she did it once before at the Sylph Cave while he faced his doppelganger. That he would never die alone as long as she was with him and Kain.
"You...But how..?" Deimos murmured.
Their scars dissipated and both of the warriors felt anew. "Rosa..?" the Dragoon wondered.
"Yes, Kain. We can feel her now." Cecil confirmed.
"Light shall never overcome the Darkness. I will finish with you!" Deimos roared.
"Kain...Distract the monster long enough. I have an idea." Cecil whispered in a soothing tone.
"Are you sure? What do you have in mind?" the Dragoon wondered.
"Trust me."
Eventually, he nodded. Most of Deimos' attacks were connected to his assailant, and some managed to hit Cecil. Yet, he was still conjuring something. He wasn't sure what, but he knew that Rosa had the right idea. During the spell, he countered with his Excalibur when Deimos got too close.
The Fire spells and the ailments were becoming quite a burden. Yet, Cecil still kept on it. For healing they used Potions and Elixers; there was no time to make a magic spell. Then, when the duo were on their last legs, the Paladin's body began to glow.
His final blow was Holy, combining Cecil's essence along with Rosa's. With her leading the conjuration! The attack completely obliterated the monstrous form. The beam of light caused him to roar and fall. It was almost like an earthquake when Deimos crashed to the ground. Even part of Tenebre crumbled to the ocean! Despite the destruction, Deimos, as his human counterpart, was still barely alive.
Cecil momentarily felt normal again, Then as he got his bearings, he marched up to him and grabbed him by the neck. "Free your slaves, Domin." He didn't even budge. "You have lost your power over them. They have every reason to rise up against you. Free them!" His grip became tighter.
"They...are mine, forever!" he retorted.
"Surrender, Domin. It's over. You've lost!" Kain demanded behind them, walking up to Cecil's side with his Abel Lance drawn.
"Kain, Cecil. I will no longer hesitate." A deep, vehement voice boomed all over the island. Everyone who heard the call were in total shock, except the Injukhal. They knew exactly who it belonged to.
"B-Brother..?" Cecil looked up at the sky.
Kain followed suit. "Golbez..? It can't be..."
"But, how?!" Edge raced up to the duo. Rydia, Edward, and Yang followed from the thick forest. They all gazed up at the Shadow Dragon, and he was speaking telepathically in Golbez's words.
"Do not fret, my brother." he echoed. "I am still in slumber, yet I have witnessed all the chaos Domin and his tribe has caused. I'm only here to make things right on Earth; however, I must be brief."
"Brother..." Cecil had nothing else to say; he was both shocked and somehow relieved.
Domin couldn't believe what he saw hovering above him. "What..? Who are you?!"
"I'm your worst nightmare!"
His serpentine tail wrapped up Domin in a tight grip. He lifted him up high above the sky while the victim kept struggling and screaming to break free. Just then, its fangs began to glimmer, ironically since they were completely black as night will ever get! It sneered as it stared at its hapless prey.
"Urgh-no. No! NO!" Domin kept on wailing at the horrific sight as the Shadow Dragon reared back its head and...
Everyone covered their eyes as it bit down hard on him! "Hraaaagggghhhh!" Apparently, they all knew it was using its Black Fang to devour him! He was history now! Then, everything fell deathly silent as the Creature of Shadow unraveled and dropped Domin to the sea below, never to be seen or heard ever again. He plopped and sunk into the current like a single stone.
It positioned himself over Golbez's long, lost sibling. "It is done... You needn't fear nor worry of him any longer."
Cecil continued to look at the accursed dragon. Yet, he felt sorry that he had to go and continue his sleep. "Brother... Thank you."
Just like that, it faded away, revealing Theodor's eyes and his smile. Cecil grinned back as he now knew that his brother made an act of redemption by slaying a user of darkness. Everyone, including him, would no longer fear or be under the Injukhal's evil influence; the war was finally over.
Edge heard a distant moan and he ran back into the woods. He saw Kaze being surrounded by Gekkou, Izayoi, and Zangetsu. The young man's body was completely covered in blood, and he was hyperventilating and turning more paler.
"Forgive me, I cannot cure him, Master. He's too long gone!" the female cried. Even the White Mages offered, yet they could do so much.
"Master...Edge." Kaze coughed.
"No, don't talk. You must save your strength." Edge ordered as he leaned over him.
"Listen...For my last request." his mentor paid him his upmost attention. "Wish her well, and give her my bandanna. If we should ever have a son or daughter...gift him or her this..." Kaze coughed again, spitting out more blood. A nursemaid gave him a cloth to wipe some of it off. Then the fallen ninja smiled. "I promise to carry on the ancient traditions and our sacred arts. This will be my legacy." He raised his arm and held Edge's. "Sayonara, Master..." His eyes gradually closed.
"Kaze. Kaze!" All he did was drop his grip, and his body became lifeless. Yet, Edge wasn't in the mood for revenge nor grief. He knew from this war that death was inevitable. His students really admired his bravery. "We'll take him to Eblan. He'll be buried in the cave alongside my parents' graves. We'll make the arrangements as soon as possible. Who can build a stretcher and help me carry him?"
All of the ninjas raised their hands, especially the ones who were no longer controlled. They walked toward the group, and they didn't have the will to fight aggressively. Edge was so relieved for their immense cooperation. They went straight to work with all the thick, strong branches and tools they could use.
He hardly noticed the commotion outside. "Look! It's a miracle!" Rydia said.
Sure enough, it was. There were endless fields of plants that were lush and bright. It almost appeared they were sparkling. Everyone was amazed just looking at them; they've never seen anything like it, not even Cecil. He picked one of the small clovers up and held it in his hand. "Could this be...the Glamour Greens?"
"Yes, they are."
The group turned and saw a red man walk to them. So did other Injukhal, and they had no interest to fight anymore. Some of them were actually smiling and feeling at ease. "Do not raise your weapons. We're not here to fight." he said. "We never thought we would ever see them again."
"You all knew about the Glamour Greens?"
They nodded. "Throughout those dark moons, the plants began to die. We were all suffering from infinite famine and disease because of their scarcity. We were hoping for the day we would see the light and peace would reign supreme, yet we continued to endure in the chaos."
"And that was when Chief Abdullah prophesized me; not just to restore your land, but the Glamour Greens, as well. To cure all your ailments."
"Indeed, you are correct, Cecil."
"But, why was Domin so eager to cause so much war and mayhem?" Kain queried.
The aborigine sighed, "Alas, he was always this way. Some of us lost what was so dear, and we began to grow impatient, then we've corrupted ourselves. As did Dragon Rose. A lot of us knew nothing but fear, tragedy, and despair."
"That is awful..." Edward replied. Even he knew what is was like firsthand to lose everything.
"Well, at least the darkness has ended." Rydia chimed in. "Domin's gone, your land has been restored, and I think it's all thanks to his demise and that Holy spell. Man, was it an astounding sight! I'm surprised Cecil could do it."
"He did it because Rosa was with us, Rydia." Kain clarified.
"The Crystals should have their light, too." Edward added. "We should bring them back."
Cecil kept gazing at the herb, never letting his eyes stray away. "I see the Greens are so important to you." he said.
The Paladin looked up. "Oh, yes. My wife, Rosa, she's very sick. She could be dying...and she's also with child." his voice began to soften as he saddened. "Just, please, help me use them. It's the only way she could live again. I-I can't lose her..." He tried to hold his tears back while his eyes were burning.
"I see. She means a great deal to you, as does your child." He touched his hand holding the healing plant. "I will fly with you. Take me to your airship, and to Baron."
The Paladin nodded and he noticed most of the red men were disappearing. "What's happening to them?"
"We are being reunited with the our chieftain and the Great Spirit. As am I." They looked at his body which faded then rematerialized. "We do not have much time. Take me to her!"
At a moment's notice, the second airship arrived at it's own kingdom completely intact. Cecil piloted the vessel while Yang, the Injukhal shaman, Rydia, Edward, and Edge went with him. Kain took the Enterprise while dropping off Gekkou, Izayoi, Zangetsu, and the other ninjas off at Eblan. Kaze's body would be preserved until their sensei returns. He also arrived at Fabul where he unloaded the monks, and lastly went to Mysidia to drop off the Mages. The elemental Crystals were returned to their rightful places throughout the world.
The former Captain of the Red Wings landed the lesser superior airship through the opening from the sunroof. The medicinal man just completed crunching the Glamour Greens in a rocky bowl. All the passengers left except for Cecil and him. "Are they ready?"
"Yes. But I must blend them with some kind of a hot brew."
"Don't worry. I'm sure Sheila will have some tea you can use. It'll go perfect with the Greens." He led him the way as he began to vanish then reappear again, only this time, he became more translucent. Cecil helped him stand and walk toward the main hall. Everyone congratulated on their allies' victories. Cecil immediately asked Sheila to be in charge with the rare herbs for awhile after she makes some fresh tea from her stainless steel kettle. The Injukhal assisted her and kept assuring everyone that he was not the enemy by the time Cecil and the others saved their kind from Domin's wrath. They eventually agreed, though some were less convinced than others.
Especially Cid when they marched up to his bedchamber. The engineer was just guarding the entrance. "What the hell..? Cecil, are you mad again? Do you really think I'm going to accept this demonic dog-!" He raised his Mythril Hammer and was about to make a charge before the Paladin interrupted.
"Cid! Cid, he's here to help. We can never have Rosa well without him. Only he knows how to use the Glamour Greens."
No longer blinded by hatred, Cid saw the tea kettle the red man was holding. "So, you've succeeded, then. You finally have them? There may be a chance for Rosa, after all. She looked so blanch, I feared she might not make it. Please hurry and save her." He allowed Cecil and the Injukhal to pass. Cid was the only one that noticed the Enterprise making its descent.
Joanna and the White Mages were startled, but Cecil calmed everyone that the shaman is only here to heal Rosa. She was still incapacitated, her face as white as a cloud, her breathing was faint. He knelt next to her bed while the shaman poured the contents into a cup. The liquid was hardly spilling out of it. His heart began to race as the warm broth touched her pale pink lips. Slowly, she drank the fluid and he allowed her brief intervals in order for her to breathe. The cup was empty by the time she was done, and his body was dissipating gradually in front of the crowd without stopping.
When he settled the cup on the nightstand, his body became rigid. He closed his eyes as he finally disappeared completely.
Cecil abruptly looked up and noticed the last remnant of the Injukhal was gone. He looked throughout the room and knew he was lost forever, with his ancestors, his chief, and his people. Now, the Injukhal were truly extinct, though he was glad they could rest in peace. After a few moments, his eyes were fixed on Rosa's still, empty vessel. He placed his hand directly on her cheek while the other clutched hers, hoping he wasn't too late. This was almost too much for the Paladin as tears began to fall. He couldn't stand to gaze at her any longer. His face sunk as he watched.
Her hand started to move beneath his hold. His heart nearly stopped as his eyes shot open. "Rosa... Can you hear me?"
She slowly opened her eyes and saw her beloved smiling over her. "I knew you'd come back." he whispered. He kissed her between the eyes. Joanna went to the bed's opposing side and she was incredibly happy to see her daughter alive and well again.
"Mother..?" she asked groggily. "And the White Mages...they're here."
"Yes, Rosa. We're prepared for the delivery. I hope our son or daughter will survive like you did. How're you feeling?" Cecil prayed.
She was feeling no pain or anxiety of any kind. She felt like she was almost invincible. Until...
Her breathing heaved. Cecil held on to her hands, encouraging her to never let go and always keep looking at his eyes. "You can get through this, I know you can! You're a White Mage."
With a smile, she answered, "Cecil, the baby is coming."
His face lit up like the sun itself. Then, she gave a push and jets of water escaped. The delivery had just begun! White Mages encircled her, they kept encouraging her to push and to breathe while keeping an eye out for the baby to crown.
Outside of the drama, everyone but Kain was awaiting at the hall, including the Dragoons. Elder, Palom, and Porom prayed for the deliverance and to welcome the new prince or princess, despite the male prodigy's excitement. Whyt was still next to Rydia, in whom Edge couldn't stay away from. Sheila was tending Ursula and Yang was right beside her. Cid waited amongst the crowd along with some of the guards, the Black Mages, Biggs, and Wedge. And Edward hoped for the best, and perhaps play a lullaby for the newborn. Kain, on the other hand, was standing on top of the tallest roof of the fortress. He was actually the only other observer who noticed the baby's cry.
Later, Joanna walked down from the left staircase and made the announcement. "It's a boy. We have a son, Baron's new prince is born!"
The Harvey family barely noticed the uproar downstairs. The parents kept looking at their son with glee. He was wrapped in a thick blanket, and Rosa was holding the bundle of joy. His eyes shined with a hue of a clear, tropical ocean. Some very short strands of dark blonde hair were hardly seen, and his face was both soft and tense. He kept smiling up and cooing at his mom, and she eventually gave him to Cecil. He was so awestruck. He never thought he'd see the day, with Rosa alive and his son safe and warm. He never felt this overjoyed with anything before.
To give them some brief privacy, the White Mages left. They later heard some light footsteps, thinking they were stilettoes. Soon Rydia marched up to see the infant, and she was just as amazed as the elders were. Cid wobbled along beside her.
"It's a healthy baby boy." she stated.
"You did us proud, Rosa." the fleet master beamed with delight.
Cecil slowly looked at the drowsy mother. "Thank you, Rosa."
She was so exhausted, she barely made a sound. "Heh..." Although, she did blush a little.
"So, does he have a name?" the Summoner asked.
He faced her and smiled, "Yes. We've already picked one."
She was surprised they already came up with one despite the chaos. "Oh? What'd you decide on?"
"Ceodore..." Rosa said quietly. It was her turn to hold the baby for a little while, before he'd be sent down to his crib.
"Hmm! I like it." Cid said.
Rydia walked closer to the new prince. "Ceodore. Nice to meet you, Ceodore."
He didn't make much of a response as he was drifting off to sleep beside his restful mom.
"I believe it's time even you should have a little shut-eye." Cecil whispered to Rosa. "I'll take him down and watch over him for you." He picked up his son beneath his body.
She grinned again. "Thank you, Cecil..."
He shook his head. "No. Thank you... For everything." They kissed and he encouraged her to rest.
Throughout the day, Cecil kept watching Ceodore through the bars of his crib. He later took out the blood-crusted arrow head he received, and was actually thankful for the shaman's help at the last minute. He was the one who saved Rosa's life, and accepted his kid being born. Some day, when he's not too busy, he'll preserve their legacy in a way; he wouldn't want the Injukhal to be erased by the tests of time. He really owes them that much, except for Domin. He was also glad that he was able to keep his promise he made to Rosa months ago: to have their children born in a peaceful world, rather than one ruled by war and death.
He stood over his sleeping child. "Ceodore...my only son." He brushed away a strand of hair from his face. "I will owe my life to yours, when the time comes. You will make a fine prince and king one day. But until then, sleep well."
This was a brand new chapter in the king's life, as well as the prologue of many others to follow.
A/N: I should thank Azurelly immensely for her ideas on what Domin's alternate form should be. Though, the transformation was similar to the orange bird on his black top; pretty foreboding. The first idea, to me, was awful; having it similar to Trance Kuja using his despair and terror to summon one of the most nefarious bosses ever, Necron. That was NOT what I had in mind. The other idea however was that from Vayne in FFXII. Keep in mind I have never played the 12th installment in the main series before. So, this was...complicated to work with. Although the name, Deimos, was a great reference. She had this idea for the two moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos. One is Greek for fear, the other is Greek for terror or terrifying, terreo. The latter was fitting since it symbolized Domin's horrifying ways to control and perish his foes.
In more ways than one Domin is somehow relatable to Vayne. As they're both skillful leaders, strategists, someone who desires to conquer the world. They're also ruthless, manipulative, and obsessed with power while doing everything to gain their goals. Also, Deimos has a similar appearance to that of Vayne as the Undying. But with more orange-like feathers.
She also helped me a lot with his combat skills: In the modern titles there are abilities which can even ignore Defense and Magic Defense. And as the tribe might be an expert in Fire magic she had the idea with Firaja, Chain Firaga (a Firaga spell triggering more than one time), and Piercing Firaga (a spell that ignores Magic Defense). From FF Record Keeper, she had the inspiration for the status ailments like Roar or War Cry leading her teammates getting paralyzed or even confused. And finally the augments Kain and Cecil used, Last Stand and Rearise. Rearise might have the similar effect like the Phoenix augment in FFIV. Cecil was lucky he had it thanks to Rosa's spirit before he got KO'd. Then he got raised right away with some remaining energy after their defeat. Last Stand was for Kain. They got such a blow from the Piercing Firaga, which got them knocked down and he survived it with a pinch of energy left, raising his stats up high; something like a single last chance to store up their defenses and heals. And the result of Holy restored the Crystals, the land, and demised Deimos until Golbez finished the job.
Lastly, of course, there was the birth of Ceodore. While I'm not a huge fan of the sequel The After Years, I still thought it was a good idea to welcome him into the world. It was nice that Cecil and Rosa has an heir; better than a miscarriage, that's for sure.
Thus, this concludes the fics for Final Fantasy IV, my all-time favorite DS game and main installment in the juggernaut. I really hope it gets more attention like VI and VII. Perhaps even a motion picture sometime featuring the awesome remakes from the OverClocked Remix Community. And maybe have Cecil as a playable character in Smash and/or Kingdom Hearts, rather than just the overrated Cloud. I will always adore it with all my heart. And hopefully these stories will prove that. I'm the Ikran Rider, and I'm greatly looking forward to whatever FFIV has next; not anymore infamous ideas like in TAYs. See you soon. XD