Chapter 1

Kain and Cecil traveled all day by foot to get to Mist. Hindered only by a few tiny monsters, they made their way over the green terrain that lay between Baron and their destination. Kain muttered periodically in irritation about how the King would not provide them with a ship. The Dark Knight could only chuckle lightly at his friend’s misfortune, as his mind was somewhere else. The package in his satchel reminded him of their suspicious mission each time it bumped against his leg.

"You okay?" Kain asked Cecil, whose face was shrouded in concentration. The Dark Knight looked up from the spot in the horizon he had been staring at and looked at his friend with a slight smile.

"I’m alright," he replied, licking his lips, then quickly pulling his tongue back into his mouth. Why do you keep doing that Cecil? It only makes them more chapped. "I’m just thinking about everything that has gone on in the past couple days, man."

Kain nodded solemnly. "I was as surprised as you were when the King came to you and ordered you to get the Crystal of Water. Never in a million years did I think that he would do something so wretched!"

"Tell me about it. The worst part about it is, Kain, is that I can’t believe that I would ever agree to do something that was so wrong!"

"Did the Mysidians put up a fight?"

Cecil sighed. "No, Kain, they really didn’t! That’s one of the reasons I feel so bad. They were so innocent! I can’t understand why they didn’t use any magic on us. Hell, if I were one of those little wizards, I would have blasted me with a shot of Fire 3. But they didn’t! It was if they were too scared to do it or something!"

"It was your job, Cecil.. You had to do it."

"Yea, I suppose it was. But Christ, Kain. The Crystal of Water. The whole world thrives on the energies of these Crystals. They are God damn sacred and...." Cecil trailed off, the knot returning in his stomach. Kain just nodded again with empathy and became quiet. One of the things about the life long friendship that both men had always shared and respected was a knowledge of when to talk and when to be silent. Cecil had already lived through the terrible ordeal, Kain knew, and pressing the issue was not needed, at least not at that moment in time. The two men continued their journey, long into the night...

* * *

The soft, yet deep, clang of the castle’s main clock rang throughout it’s halls as Rosa laid in bed, trying to find sleep. It had to have been a good three hours that she was laying there, but rest just would not come. Her thoughts kept drifting to Cecil. To the conversation they had had the night before, when she had come into his room. The glass from his mirror was all over the place. Her heart had gone out to him, seeing him sit there on the bed, trying to mask his guilt with what he had done earlier in the day. He just could not hide it, though. Ever since they were kids, he had never been able to keep his feelings from her.

"God!" she finally cried in frustration, sitting up on her bed and throwing her feet over the edge. She pressed the palms of her hands into her eyes, fighting tears of sadness, tears of exhaustion. She could still feel the warmth of his body she had felt when her arms were wrapped around him, hugging him close. The thought of Cecil in pain made her sick to her stomach. Oh, how she did not want to let go of him last night. She wanted to hold him in her arms forever, but she just couldn’t. Her heart was too consumed with love for him, and just the thought of knowing that he didn’t feel the same way back killed her. If she had stayed with him for one more moment, she would not have been able to let go. So she had forced herself to pull away, and leave him all alone that night, immersed in his own sadness. Just that in itself made her feel guilty. She was also worried about him making this trip to Mist, even though Kain had accompanied him. Something was not right about this mission. Something was just not right.

"Cecil," she whispered, suddenly leaping up from her bed. An idea had come to her. "I’m coming. You and Kain don’t have to do this by yourselves." And with that, she frantically put her White Wizard armor on, grabbed a few elixirs, and flew out of the castle, headed in the northwest direction for the Village Mist.

* * *

Much to the relief of Cecil and Kain, the sun finally began to make it’s morning appearance over the horizon. They had tried to lay down to rest that night, but sleep just wasn’t an option. There were too many monsters around and the urge to rid themselves of the package was always at their heels. Squinting through the remaining darkness, Cecil looked ahead and saw their destination. He knew it was the Mist Cave because it was shrouded in a fog that seemed to only gather around it’s entrance.

"There it is, Kain!" Cecil exclaimed, pointing to a spot about a quarter of a mile away. Kain’s eyes followed the Dark Knight fingers and settled on the cave.

"Good," the Dragoon said, licking his upper lip. "That means we are at least half way to Mist." Looking over at the still rising sun as he walked, he cracked his knuckles. "I’d say we could be spending another night inside this cave, depending on how fast we move."

"Are you serious?"

"Yea, I am. Haven’t you ever been through this cave before Cecil?"
The Dark Knight was silent for a moment, thinking. Had he ever been through it? "No, actually I haven’t. We always had access to airships and could fly right into the town if we needed to."

Kain chuckled. "My poor, airship pampered friend." Cecil cracked a smile and playfully threw a punch at his arm.

* * *

The soft snoring that finally filled the room was the sweetest sound she had ever heard. She didn’t think her father was every going to go to sleep. After a fight like that, the only human thing to do was to stay up all night, worrying and crying, and worrying some more. Not her father though. He slept.

"That’s your biggest mistake, father," she whispered, sitting up and looking at his sleeping form. She chuckled bitterly, yet softly. No one could keep her from the love of her life. No one, not even her father. Yet, tears of immense sadness clouded her eyes as she thought about the previous night.

"YOU ARE NOT GOING TO MARRY THAT BARD!!" he bellowed with a loudness that shook the walls. She cowered away from him, never having seen him so angry in her whole entire life. She refused, though, to go unheard.

"Daddy!" she pleaded.

"Child! You are too young to marry, and you can’t POSSIBLY know what love is!" Tears spilled from her cheeks.

"He treats me so well!" Her father laughed bitterly, looking into her eyes.

"He will NEVER go anywhere in life! A BARD! How can a BARD take care of you! You are a beautiful, intelligent, kind, not to mention YOUNG, woman, who deserves a HELL of a lot better!"

But he’s NOT a bard! she thought miserably, crying her heart out. They had talked about not revealing his true identity to her father. He wanted to, but she didn’t. She wanted her father to like him for what he TRULY was, not just his social status. But convincing her stubborn father of anything other than what he believed in was a lost cause. He had made it very clear to her that she was going to have to be honest in order to gain his approval.

"Daddy, he’s NOT a..." He held up his hand in fury.

"NO! I REFUSE to give my daughter’s hand to a spoony bard!"

"Please..."

"Don’t argue with me any more!"

"Daddy if you would just..."

"DAMMIT, NO!!!" He slammed his hand down on the table a force of strength she had never seen before. It exploded with a burst of lightening, it’s pieces scattering all around the room. She cried out and covered her eyes. The tears just kept coming, no matter how hard she tried to fight them. Why wouldn’t her father listen to her? Why? She was eighteen years old and had found a man that loved her with all his heart. WHY wouldn’t her father understand that? She sobbed and sobbed, partly for the hatred she felt for having to defy her father and partly because she was scared. Her father had never been that angry before, never to the point where uncast lightening flew from his hands. She had to say it though. She just had to.

"DADDY, I LOVE HIM!!!" The look in her father’s eyes at that moment was indescribable. Unable to face him any more, she ran from the room and flung herself onto her bed, and cried into the pillow, imagining it was her lover’s soft and gentle arms. "I love him..."

Not another word had been exchanged between the two after she said that to him. And when he came into the room and laid down on the floor, she didn’t bother to argue. As long as she didn’t have to hear his voice, she would be fine. She knew what she had to do. Still fully clothed from the night before, she made her way quietly to the front door, but stopped before she went out. Reaching up to her neck, she felt the cool touch of the ruby necklace her father had given her on her 10th birthday. He had said it represented how much he loved her and that he would always be there for her. With a furious jerk, she ripped it from her neck, the beads scattering. She watched it slowly roll off her fingers and hit the floor with a heart wrenching echo.

"The one time I really need you, Father, you aren’t there."

* * *

Kain looked his best friend and wondered what he was thinking. The two had been travelling through the cave all day, cracking jokes and trying to make light of the fact that they had to go on this mission. It was hard though, because he knew that his best friend was feeling bad. Throughout their whole lives, Cecil had always been one to stand up for what was right. Always.

You must really be beating yourself up over this Cecil, Kain thought as he watched his friend’s facial expressions. Man, I know you’re hiding a lot of pain. I’m sorry you have to feel it, Cecil. I really am.. Suddenly, Cecil stopped talking and looked up at Kain.

"Did you hear a word I just said?" the Dark Knight asked him, chuckling slightly. Kain looked away, embarrassed, as if Cecil actually heard what he was thinking about. He laughed it off.

"Sorry, man, I was just thinking."

"What about?"

"Oh, nothing really."

Cecil laughed again. "Well, I can tell you what I was thinking about!"

"And what would that be, my friend?"

"Rosa." Kain’s heart skipped a beat. Cecil continued. "I’ve been thinking about Rosa. By God, Kain, she came into my room last night and she looked so beautiful. Of course, nothing happened. I am not that lucky. But she gave me a hug told me everything was going to be alright. God! She is so unbelievably perfect!"

You’re right, Kain thought. She truly is unbelievably perfect. Beautiful, kind Rosa. Just the thought of her made his heart melt. They had all grown up together and with each passing year, his attachment to her grew stronger and stronger. She and Cecil, though, had always been closer friends. He had truly hoped that her name would not come up during their journey. When Cecil talked about Rosa, he spoke of nothing but his intense love for her. Honestly, it made Kain jealous to hear that his best friend lusted after the same woman he did. He had begun to hate discussing Rosa with Cecil because of this insane jealousy. He never, though, let his friend know of his discontent. His friendship with Cecil meant enough to him that he never started any kind of a feud with him over her. In fact, he didn’t even think that Cecil knew of his feelings for Rosa. It was best kept that way too.

"You okay?" Cecil’s voice suddenly rang into Kain’s thoughts and he snapped back to attention. Putting on a fake smile, Kain laughed and nodded.

"I’m fine," he replied, mentally kicking himself for acting so foolish and thinking such thoughts. Please, let’s just stop talking about this. I don’t want to deal with your obsession over Rosa right now. Suddenly, a slight wind passed over the two men.

"Go back..." Kain and Cecil froze, looking at each other.

"Did you hear that?" Cecil asked, looking around. The draft, and the woman’s voice, disappeared as suddenly as it had come. Placing his hand on his sword, the Dark Knight instantly prepared himself for a battle. Kain nodded and stepped back, drawing his lance and squatting, ready to utilize his best Dragoona defense. Jumping.

"Who’s there?!" Kain cried out. The only response they got was a thickening of the haze that already occupied the cave. Cecil’s heart skipped a beat. If there was one thing that he couldn’t stand about battle, it was the idea of not being able to see. It greatly took away from his ability to defend from all sides. Eyes squinting, as if he were trying to make out some sort of enemy in the fog, Cecil bent his knees slightly, took a breath, and waited.

"Ones from Baron..." the eerie voice hissed. The draft was back. The cold air seemed to find the cracks in Cecil’s armor with incredible ease, penetrating through to his back. Several shivers went up and down his spine.

"Who are you?" Cecil demanded, fighting the cold distraction and focusing on the problem at hand. The fog continued to thicken. As he struggled to breath in and out, it seemed to freeze his throat.

"Return and I will not harm you..."

"Show yourself!" Kain shouted with weighted authority, ready to spring at any moment. "We must deliver this package to the Village of Mist!" His voice was harsh.

"Go back! I am the protector of Mist and I will not let you pass..."

Suddenly, a familiar knot began to form in his stomach. The same knot he had felt in Mysidia only two days earlier. Something wasn’t right about this mission. Something just wasn’t right. But like before, Cecil found himself complying to what a loyal servant to the King would have done, instead of his conscience.

"No!" the Dark Knight called out. "We must go on!!" No, Cecil...turn back.

"So be it..." The already thick fog suddenly began to circle around them, spinning faster and faster by the second. The whirling cloud of white began to make him dizzy, so he forced his eyes shut. The sharp wind whistled in his ears and pounded at his back, threatening to put him to his knees. Stay on your feet Cecil...

"DANGER WILL NOT ENTER MIST!!!" the voice screamed, it’s shrill tone echoing off the walls. Cecil cried out in pain as the piercing sound made it’s way into his ears. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the Dark Knight could feel the wind dying down. He opened his eyes faced his enemy. A giant white dragon floated there, surrounded by a misty fog. It stared down at Kain and Cecil with gleaming red eyes obvious extreme fury. Never had he seen such a beast in his whole life. Without any more hesitation, the great beast threw it’s head back and then shot it forward, spewing out a stream of swirling white fire. Springing into action, Cecil dove to the right, successfully avoiding the dragon’s attack. The cave wall behind him exploded upon contact with the fire, scattering bits of rock all over the place. The dragon roared and attacked again, this time directing it towards Kain.

"Look out Kain!!" Cecil cried, climbing to his feet. The skilled Dragoon dodged each and every one of it’s attacks and leapt high into the air. The dragon followed Kain with it’s eyes but was unable to react in time as he came smashing down upon it’s back. He quickly slashed the dragon with his spear. It screamed and swung it’s giant tail. It connected with Kain’s side and sent him sprawling to the ground. He quickly recovered and got to his feet, but not before the dragon raised it’s mighty tail once again to him. Cecil charged. With a two swipes of his Dark Sword, he severed the dragon’s tail. "Nooooo!" it screamed, quickly stepping back from it’s predators. Cecil was thrown off guard by the sound that left the dragon’s mouth. He looked to Kain. The same look of surprise was on his face. Was that voice of a woman that just left that dragon’s mouth? Before he could sit and contemplate any longer, the dragon was back in full momentum for an attack. It shot another fire attack, this time catching Cecil off guard. Before he could move, the ball hit him, sending him sailing across the cave. He skidded along the ground and came to a screeching halt when the cave wall would let him go no further.

"Oh, shit..." Cecil moaned, laying there in immense pain. A burning sensation consumed his whole body, from his head to his toes. He felt like he was on fire. Within a few more seconds, though, the burning was gone. Coughing, he opened up eyes and saw Kain launching another jump attack on the beast. He landed, once again, on the back of the animal, this time causing it’s feet to collapse underneath it. For a moment, the animal was forced to the ground. Kain proceeded in stabbing deep into the belly of the dragon. The woman’s voice once again screamed from the dragon’s mouth and it furiously flung Kain off of it’s hind quarters. Spitting out blood from his mouth, Cecil forced himself up, ignoring his weakness, grabbed his sword and charged again. Out of the corner of it’s eye, the dragon saw Cecil coming and swung her head around. Red eyes gleaming, it began to dissolve. Before the Dark Knight could sink his sword into it’s body, the dragon had fully become, once again, a form of fog and clouds. Immediately, it began to spin around them.

"Go back..."

Kain attempted to stab the fog bound dragon but it were as if he were slicing air. It swirled around, creating a choking atmosphere, practically blinding them. Cecil tried to stay on his feet but couldn’t hold himself up. Grasping sword, to make sure he didn’t lose it, he allowed the wind to put him on his knees, unable to fight it. It was so strong. Kain’s voice sounded very distant to him as it echoed through the swirling fog.

"We got to retreat, Cecil! I can’t hold up against this wind much longer!"

"NO!" Cecil opened his eyes and looked around frantically for a way of killing the monster. He wasn’t going to let this monster get him. Struggling to keep his eyes open, he looked for some sign of hope. Nothing. He had to find Kain. They should not be separated.

"Kain!?" he shouted, pushing against the wind as he stood up. His friend replied but it sounded so far away. "Where are you?!" This time there was no response. The wind picked up at whistled in his ears. A woman’s faint laughter sounded around him. Suddenly, he spotted something through the fog. It was a floating blue ball. Squinting, he took a few slow steps towards it. This thing must be in control of the dragon. The laughter grew louder, bouncing around inside his head. He had to do something. They would never win, he realized, as long as this dragon was in mist form. He raised his Dark Sword and struggled over towards the ball.

Only a few more steps Cecil...you’ve got to make it. The laughter grew more insanely loud with each step closer to the ball he got. Finally! He was close enough. With a burst of energy, he began to bring down the sword. Just before he made contact the face of a woman appeared in the ball. The only thing he had time to absorb was the bright green hair that flowed around her face. It was too late stop though. With a roar, he finally sliced it in two. The ball exploded immediately, sending Cecil crashing back to the wall. A horrid, deathly scream echoed through the cave, through Cecil’s ears. The fog then came together, reforming the dragon. The screaming continued. It was so shrill that it paralyzed Cecil. He tried to get up but couldn’t. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Kain once again dodging fireballs from the creature. He too was struggling with the piercing shriek.

"Kain!" Cecil cried. "HELP!" The Dragoon dodged the enemy’s shot again and ran to Cecil. He yanked a Cure bottle from his satchel, popped the top and poured it into Cecil’s mouth. Just as he finished swallowing it, a white fire ball hit Kain in the side, throwing him to the ground. The grunt of pain left the Dragoon’s mouth. As soon as the cure entered his stomach, it’s warmth spread all over his body. Rejuvenated, climbed to his feet and once again gripped his sword. He looked over and saw Kain slowly getting to his feet. Seeing that he was okay, the Dark Knight turned his rage to the white dragon. Red eyes to blue eyes, they stared at each other, forming a bond of enemies.

"Let me pass through to Mist," Cecil cried angrily, over the continuing shriek of the woman. He ran with all his might towards the dragon. He was 10 steps away. Eight steps. Six steps. He raised his sword. Four steps. Two steps. One step. He was there. Full of rage, Cecil thrust his sword down deep into the chest of the white dragon of Mist. It threw it’s head back and it’s red eyes rolled. It’s tongue flapped out of the side of it’s mouth. A wail of agony escaped the slobbering mouth.

"BE GONE!" Kain boomed. Cecil looked up. He saw the Dragoon sailing over head, aiming towards the head of their enemy. With one quick motion, through the blood in his eyes and the fog swirling around his head, Kain chopped it’s head off with his spear. The body of the dragon fell the ground with an earth shattering crash. Upon impact, the cave began to shake.

"Go!" Kain ordered to Cecil as he landed his jump. The Dark Knight pulled his sword from the chest of the fallen dragon and bolted for the exit, as did Kain.

Run, Cecil! he screamed to himself as they ran down the passage that dragon had originally been guarding. Up ahead he could see the light of day. All around him, rocks were falling.

"Go, Cecil, GO!" Kain’s voice screamed from behind him. The Dark Knight pushed his legs to go faster, although they felt like jelly. Looking behind him, he could see Kain catching up to him as the rocks behind them continued to fall. It was like a tidal wave. "GO!"

Both legs and lungs burning, Cecil summoned every last bit of strength he had in him and together, with Kain, burst out of the cave and into freedom. They didn’t stop, though, until they knew they were safely away. And when they finally were, they both collapsed, utterly exhausted..

* * *

Rosa made her way across the relatively smooth terrain. She had been travelling all night and was tired A wave of weakness, passed suddenly through her body and she forced herself to sit down and rest, as she had refused to do so at all during the night. Pulling a bottle of water from her satchel, Rosa drank thirstily, only stopping to take a breath. When she was finally done, she looked north. The mountains that stood between her and Mist were probably a mere two or three miles away. It wouldn’t take her nearly she had to be getting close to Kain and Cecil by now. She had been using her Exit spell to transport herself from place to place, so she had been moving pretty quickly. Using such magic over and over again, though, had drained her.

"Rosa," she told herself, forcing herself to her feet. "You’ve got to..." Her train of thought was interrupted by a huge explosion. Startled, Rosa looked up and saw where it was coming from. The mountains to which she was going to. Gasping, she cried out. "NO! Cecil! Kain! NO!" They were in those mountains. At least, they had to pass through them. She watched in horror as the range slowly began to collapse on itself. Huge clouds of dust and smoke filled the air. "NO!!"

Panicking, Rosa began to run toward the disaster but, being as weak as she was, collapsed when she tried to put forth her utmost strength. Realizing what she had to do, she said a quick prayer. "C’mon magic. Don’t fail me now." And with that, she began to transport herself closer to the disaster.

* * *

After a few moments and a few Cure bottles, Cecil slowly stood up, wincing with the little pain that he had left. He stared at the cave that had been closed off only moments earlier. His thoughts went back to the woman he had seen in that blue ball. Who was that? Kain’s voice suddenly broke into his thoughts.

"Are you alright?" the Dragoon asked, standing up and brushing himself off. He looked at his best friend, who had a shaken look on his face.

"I t-think so," Cecil stuttered, his eyes still plastered on the cave. He couldn’t believe what had just gone on. He had this terrible, terrible feeling that just wouldn’t shake. "That dragon was so protective, Kain. Why? How did it know that we are even going to Mist?"

"I’m not sure," Kain replied, taking off his helmet and running his hand through his long, thick blonde hair. Cecil continued.

"I can’t help but think about what that dragon said."

"What?"

"You know... ‘Danger will not enter Mist’." Cecil pulled the small brown package from his satchel. It sat in his hands, so innocent, just being the brown package that it was supposed to be. "Maybe we should open it before we go into the town." He looked into the distance. There, in the valley, lay the Village Mist.

"I don’t think that is a good idea."

"But the dragon..."

"Yes I know what he said! I was there but I still don’t think it is right." Kain took the package from Cecil’s muddy hands. "Neither of us want to be here Cecil, so let’s just get this mission over with okay?" He turned towards the Village Mist and began walking. The town was about a quarter of a mile away, in the valley. Cecil just stood there. A bad feeling washed over him. He didn’t even know why he was doing this mission after what the King made him do to Mysidia. This was the same feeling that he experienced there. The same feeling! Something told him to turn around and run away from Baron forever. For some reason, he felt trapped by it though. All those years he spent trying to get to his current position, Captain of the Red Wings. Part of the job was acquiring a fierce loyalty to your kingdom. He had that loyalty, and had it to the highest extent, until the journey to Mysidia. Something inside of his changed when he went to there. It was as if he left a part of himself there to die. He knew what part it was too. It was that strong loyalty. Trained for years and years to defend Baron forever, and then one event crushes it all like it was nothing

"Cecil!" Kain cried, turning back to his friend. The Dark Knight pulled himself, once again, out of his daze of thought and looked at the Dragoon, who was already several steps ahead of him. He motioned for him to come on. "Let’s go!" Taking a deep breath, Cecil jogged up to Kain. He just wanted to get this over with. Together they marched down the hill and into the tiny village that was covered in a light fog. Almost immediately, the villages glared at the two outsiders with scared looks. The two men slowed from a strong stride to a slow walk. Cecil pumped his fist a few times, as if it would help dry the perspiration that covered them.

"They look like they are scared of us," the Dark Knight mumbled softly, looking nervously at the villagers. An older woman saw them and immediately began to back out of their way. Two little boys that had been playing with a ball abandoned their game and ran to their mother’s side. Cecil’s stomach began to churn.

Kain stopped walking and shifted in his boots. "They shouldn’t be. These Callers are the most powerful magic users there are." A man quickly led his children into their house. A dog barked at them.

Go, Cecil. Turn and leave. His conscience screamed at him. He shouldn’t here. They shouldn’t be here. A couple that had been holding hands on a bench got up and moved away. Birds began to chirp furiously.

Why is my heart pounding? Cecil thought, looking around. He suddenly felt dizzy. Why am I suddenly so afraid? He looked at Kain, sweat beginning to gather on his forehead. A feeling of nausea passed over his stomach. The Dragoon looked back at him worriedly. He placed his hand on Cecil’s shoulder.

"Are you okay, man?" he asked. Cecil’s eyes fell upon the brown package that Kain was holding in his other hand. A sudden, dark dread filled him. Run, Cecil! Get out of there!!

Cecil shook his head furiously and stepped back. "We’ve got to get out of here Kain!" The Dragoon looked at him like he was nuts.

"What in God’s name are you talking about?"

"Something isn’t right!"

"But, Cecil!"

"Kain, c’mon!" He pulled at his best friend’s arm with urgency, trying to lead him out of the village. The Dragoon resisted, jerking his arm away.

"Cecil, we are here, now let’s just deliver this damn package and then we can go." The Dark Knight’s heart pounded uncontrollably. He began to shout.

"But that’s what the problem is!!" Before either of them could speak again, the package began to shake. Cecil and Kain looked on in horror as it flew out of the Dragoon’s hand and exploded in mid air. Shielding his eyes, Cecil turned away, but only for a second. The sound of Kain’s deeply frantic voice filled his ears.

"NO!!!" Cecil looked up at the horrible sight. A group of Firebombs, a flaming monster with piercing yellow eyes and razor sharp teeth, had emerged from the package. He watched helplessly as the Firebombs flew around the village, starting everything aflame. Kain pulled out his lance and began trying to bring down the monsters, but they were too quick. The atmosphere turned red, engulfed by flames in a matter of seconds. The whole town went into total chaos. People flooded out of their homes, some on fire, some dragging their children, some just screaming.

"STOP!!!" Cecil shrieked, as if it would do any good. The Firebombs wreaked havoc upon the little town. Without thinking, he rushed forward, determined to try to undo the damage he had done. Seeing how unsuccessful Kain was with even his Jump attack, he realized that he was going to have to help the people escape. He tried to smother people who had caught fire but with his limited resources, he couldn’t do much. The heat of the fire was unbearable as Cecil rushed around, trying to aid the villagers. At the same time, he tried to bring down any of the Firebombs that came close to him but they seemed invincible. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kain rushing into the burning house of a frantic, screaming woman.

"My baby!!!" she cried with apparent desperation. The Dragoon struggled around the flames and smoke but it was just too hot. He returned with nothing but a burn on his arm.

Cecil frantically tried to put out as much of the fire as he possibly could, but he didn’t seem to be getting anywhere. His muscles screamed in pain, his mind screamed in anger. How could you follow through with that God damn mission?! Standing up straight, he looked at the village, his world spinning around him. The massive heat waves made the town look wobbly. His ears were filled with nothing but horrible screams. Suddenly, though, a bloodcurdling wail caught his attention. Looking in the direction from which it had come, he saw a little girl kneeling next to a fallen woman. Without hesitation, he ran over to her and grabbed her arm.

"Come on!" Cecil screamed over the roaring fire. The flames seemed to lick at his heels, threatening to consume him as well. The girl did nothing but shake her head furiously. He persisted. "You must! You will die if you don’t!"

"NO!" she shrieked through sobbing tears. "I saw a vision!"

"A vision?! Little girl, we don’t have time for visions! We have got to get out of this fire!

"My mother is DEAD!" she bellowed, her voice choked with tears. "SHE IS DEAD!" She screamed in grief, oblivious to the fire around her. Cecil’s heart went to her. He gripped her arm lifted her to her feet, determined to get the girl to safety. It was then that she looked up and saw the Dark Knight’s face for the first time. When their eyes met, the girl jerked away from him in pure fury.

"You!" she cried, pointing to the Dark Knight. Tears streaked her tiny little face. Kain ran up to Cecil, who was now squared off with the little girl.

"What are you doing..." Kain cried, trailing off when he saw the look on the girl’s face.

"AND YOU!" The flames of the village roared up around them. Kain’s eyes widened and he looked to Cecil for an answer. The Dark Knight just stared at the little girl, enamored by her looks. She seemed so...familiar. "You two MURDERED my mother!" Tears flowed freely down her cheeks.

"W-what?" Cecil stammered, surprised by her sudden accusation. It was then. though, that he made the connection. Green hair. The little girl had green hair...just like the woman in that ball. He HAD murdered her mother. She took another step back and wiped her tears. There was a wild look in her eyes.

"You two evil men killed my mother and her dragon! WHY?!"

"What is she talking about??" Kain cried to Cecil, pulling on his friend’s arm. The Dark Knight just shook his head. The dragon had been right. They were a danger to Mist.. He put his hand on his forehead, feeling even more dizzy. His world began to spin around him. The King had used him. Again. Kain sounded so distant as Cecil tried to gather himself. He had allowed himself to be used again, and now this poor girl’s mother dead!

"YOU WILL PAY!" she roared with . "I am a Caller. I will use my powers to make you SUFFER!" Cecil and Kain backed away, alarmed by the girl’s threat. She put her hands together, closed her eyes, said a short chant and stepped forward. "QUAKE!"

A huge, horrible, mutantly ugly man appeared. He knelt down and with all of his strength, punched the ground. Cecil barely felt the impact, for it was so great. The last thing he remembered before blacking out was him hitting the ground somewhere with an incredible, blinding force.