Chapter 6

The three travelers slowly walked out of the constricting tunnel and ended up on a narrow ledge that over looked a small, churning lake. The deafening, thunderous crash of a careening waterfall off to their left echoed throughout the cavern. Cecil slowly lifted head and saw that the top of the monstrous cascade was at least a good fifty feet up. It spilled over the cliff with intensity, spilling down the side of the dirty rock wall and collided with the surface of the swirling lake. A damp mist filled the air and brushed against the surface of his toughened skin. The Dark Knight reached up and rubbed his solid jaw line with frustration.

"This is where this Octomamm is?" he asked Tellah, squatting down. His eyes darted around the cave in an effort to survey the situation. Across the lagoon was another entrance to a tunnel that sat upon yet another narrow rocky ledge. The length across had to be at least the length of two airships.

Tellah nodded his head, looking intently into the water as if the creature was going to explode out of the water at any second. "Yes, it is. I saw it with my own eyes."

Cecil peered into the water with suspicion, looking for any sign of the creature. I wonder what this thing looks. He squinted his eyes to better his view but it was no use. The churning water created a mass of frothing bubbles.

Not to inviting to say the least he thought with disdain. He wondered how they were going to fight this thing. He looked around and saw that there were numerous ledges jutting out from the rock wall at various heights.

"We have to spread ourselves out," Tellah said suddenly, running his hand through his long bushy white beard. "And we have to be high."

"Well how in the hell are we going to get up there?" Cecil pointed to one of the higher ledges. Before Tellah could answer, the ledge beneath them began to shake. A low rumble split the air. The Dark Knight cursed in surprise and dropped to his knees in order to keep himself from spilling into the water. The water in the lake began to spit violently into the air, as if something had angered it.

"It’s the Octomamm!" The old man’s voice sounded far away as it made it’s way into Cecil’s shaking head. The Dark Knight back away from the edge, reaching out and pulling Rydia with him. She didn’t argue and scurried to safety behind him. Bracing himself against the wall of the tunnel, Cecil pulled himself to his feet. He felt Rydia wrap her tiny arms around one of his armored legs. His hand made it’s way to the butt of his Dark Sword and gripped it tightly. Tellah’s voice shouted back to them.

"You’ve got to come out here!" The Dark Knight shook his head furiously as he struggled to stay on his feet. The rumbling of the earth beneath him rattled the armor that cloaked his body.

"Where is it?!" Cecil stumbled forward, hindered by Rydia’s grip on his leg. Tellah didn’t respond. He closed his eyes and began to chant.

What are you doing, Tellah?! his mind screamed. The water sputtered brutally into the air and splayed against Cecil’s armor. A tiny cry escaped Rydia’s lips and she surveyed the situation. And then it emerged. A long, pulsating, sickly pink colored head broke the surface of the water and filled Cecil’s vision.

Shiva! the Dark Knight’s mind cried as his eyes took in the vision of the horrible beast. The creature’s frothing lips curled around a set of razor sharp, disgustingly yellow incisors. It’s head was so huge! A shrill scream escaped the throat of the Octomamm that shook the already vibrating walls of the wet, dank grotto. It’s eyes stared evilly down at the Dark Knight. The tips of eight long tentacles rose out of the boiling water and slapped mercilessly at its surface. The beast chomped its jaws as it looked at the three travelers. Rydia clung even more desperately to Cecil’s leg and whimpered in fear. He reached his free hand back and placed it on Rydia’s shoulder, squeezing it to try and offer her some sort of comfort. Just as he did so, Tellah finished his chant and threw his hands forward with intensity.

"FLOAT!" Cecil felt himself being pulled into the air and become separated from Rydia. He looked around as he floated through the damp atmosphere. Each one of them was transported to a different spot. When his feet became planted upon his rocky ledge, the Dark Knight gripped his sword and spun around on his heel to face the Octomamm.

"Dear Shiva, what have I gotten myself into?" Cecil mumbled as he peered down at his enemy. The angry beast thrashed violently in the water, creating an uproar of swirling water. His eyes fell upon Rydia, who had been transported to a ledge that was on the opposite side of the cave. He watched as she cowered away from the monster as it hungrily began to watch her.

NO! his mind screamed. The Octomamm began to slap its tentacles with rapidness and swim towards the little girl. Her ledge was low enough that she was in the creature’s reach.

"Cecil!" the Caller cried, her voice laced with fear. She stumbled back away from the monster as it rose up and became eye level with her. Terror consumed her as the heaving monster stared at her, only a mere five feet away. The stink of its rotten breath overwhelmed her senses. Mommy! Help me! Desperate thoughts ran through her head. She had never seen a monster like this in her whole life. The beast lunged forward then, it’s mouth open with vengeance.

"NO!" Rydia screamed, her shrill voice slicing through the air. She quickly dove out of it’s reach. She let out a cry of pain as she skidded across the hard ledge floor. Shards of rocks embedded themselves in her open wounds. Without haste, she immediately pulled herself to her feet and turned back to the enemy. Enraged that she had eluded it, the Octomamm ground it’s teeth with fury. The little Caller backed up against the wall, her eyes widened in fear. She quickly glanced to her companions. Tellah was frantically chanting some sort of spell. Cecil was staring at her with immense panic, hysterically waving his arms in her directions. Help me Cecil…

Suddenly, a distant voice resounded somewhere in the depths of her tiny mind. It was so clear, yet, so hindered. Use your magic… Rydia looked around, as if the body of the voice that spoke to her was right beside her, but there was no one. It was just she and the Octomamm. Time moved in slow motion as the Caller pressed her back harder against the rocky cavern hedge, even though she could move no further. Her heart pounded deep within her chest. Use your abilities Rydia…

A wave of magical words suddenly spilled from her mouth. She didn’t know where they were coming from. She just knew them. "Daam lo ahi terra si terra vanici domonici..." The air around her thickened as the magic began to gather around her. "Seran loma latisma gandango…" She threw her hands out in front of her just as the Octomamm began to lunge for her.

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"RYDIA!" Cecil screamed his throat straining. I can’t help her! I’m on this damn ledge and that beast is going to kill her! He cried out with all his might to try and distract the monster away from her but it wasn’t working. A feeling of panic and desperation expended upon his body. He had to help her. He had to. The Dark Knight looked towards Tellah. The old man’s eyes were closed and his mouth was moving. He was going to cast a spell.

CRACK! A sudden, bright flash of light blinded the Dark Knight. The crackling sound of a lightening spell reverberated loudly against the rocky cave walls. It entered Cecil’s helmet and rang into his ears. Startled, he stumbled backwards and threw his helmet off. He was stunned to see the Octomamm tense up and throw it’s head back forcefully as the electricity surged through it’s body. It’s shrill scream bounced off the walls again. Smoke began to seep up from the cracks of it’s repulsive head. Covering his ears to block out the sound terrible sound, Cecil looked down and saw Rydia with her arms extended towards the beast.

She cast lightening on it… Cecil’s mind exclaimed in wonder. He had no idea that she could cast such magic. A spell like that is so powerful and rare for a girl of her age…at least he thought. Then again, she was a Caller, and they were known for their extensive magical skills. He saw that her chest was still heaving from the spell. It must have knocked something out of her.

After what seemed like hours, the Octomamm’s dreadful screeching came to a halt. It ground it’s teeth with anger and dove underneath the surface. The hissing of it’s burned skin against the cold water billowed into the air. Cecil braced his feet and gripped his sword. He looked down into the tiny lake as the beast retreated.

"Rydia!" Tellah cried from his tiny ledge. The Dark Knight looked in his direction. "You know Lit?!" The little girl didn’t respond. She just stared at her hands in amazement. The thickening of the air decreased now that the spell was over. She could not believe what had just come out of her hands…out of her mouth.

Cecil shouted out to her in worry. "Are you alright, Rydia?!" The Caller slowly looked up at her companion. His armor covered body looked so ominous to her, his sweaty hair so dark and menacing. For a split second, a feeling of hatred flashed through her mind. He is the one that killed my mommy… She didn’t know why she was feeling that. The emotion dissolved, though, when the sincerity and worry he was experiencing became apparent to her through the tone of his voice.

"I’m alright!" The words fell out of her mouth. She turned her hands over and looked at her throbbing palms. They ached as a result of the powerful magic her body had just endured. Where did I get that spell?

"LOOK OUT!" Rydia’s head snapped toward Tellah. The old man was pointing into the water. The next thing she knew, the Octomamm shot out of the water with ferocious power. It’s eyes gleamed evilly as it growled intensely. Cecil backed away from the edge and replaced his helmet. He gripped the sword tightly and braced his legs.

How am I going to be able to fight this thing? he thought, his mind racing. All I have is a sword. As long as it is out of reach, I am powerless!

Tellah gave the creature no time to attack the little girl again. He quickly chanted the words to the Lit spell. "Daam lo ahi terra si terra venici domonici seran latisma gandango!" He threw his aged hands out if front of him. The air thickened and a blast of lightening came forth from his fingers. The Octomamm was in the middle of lunging towards Rydia again. The pursuit was interrupted, though, when the electricity connected with it’s body. The creature tensed up again and began to thrash around. One of it’s long tentacles slapped against the wall that was beneath Cecil. The ledge shook with fury. A skitter of tiny rocks fell from the ceiling and clanged against the Dark Knight’s armor. He squatted down and covered his head. When the clattering ended, Cecil raised his head and looked around. Rydia and Tellah had both stepped back on their ledges and prepared themselves for another attack. The Octomamm was furious, an angry, pained cry escaping his mouth. It’s eyes glowed a deep red as it looked at the two wizards.

Oh no… Cecil surveyed the situation with growing panic. Both Rydia and Tellah were preparing another spell, but the beast was ready to attack. Smoke continued to seep from the Octomamm’s skin as it stared at them hungrily. He had to do something. Before his conscience knew it, the Dark Knight grabbed a nearby rock and heaved it with all his might right at the back of the monster’s head. It’s hit with a sickening thud and Cecil watched at it’s skin split open and began to seep black blood. The Octomamm cried out again and whirled around to face him. Cecil stepped back and gripped his sword with intensity. He had been successful…it’s attention was off Rydia.

"Oh damn…" the Dark Knight moaned as the beast began to swim towards him, frothing jaws wide open. His heart pounded mercilessly in his chest. He chided himself mentally, disgusted by the fact that he was so scared. You have never been so terrified of a monster, Cecil. Coward…just fight it like you have fought every other monster in your life…just keep it away from Rydia! You have to protect her! But never in his life had he seen such a fiend and been under such restricted conditions. They were in the Octomamm’s territory now.

The voices of Tellah and Rydia sounded far away as Cecil steadied his feet. They were pleading, calling, screaming but it wasn’t distracting the Octomamm. There wasn’t time enough to for them to cast a spell either. The beast lunged forward, a slimy white froth spilling from it’s mouth. The Dark Knight cursed under his breath and dove to the ground. The bone chilling scratch of the beast’s teeth against his armor became known to him. He cried out and waited for the pain to come but it did not. Bringing his eyes up, Cecil watched the Octomamm pull back from it’s attack and sink back into the water. He mentally did a check of his body. His toes, his arms, his legs…they were all still there. The rapid beating of his heart filled his chest. The beast had missed him.

Another flash of lightening lit up the cave as it struck the Octomamm. Then another. The Dark Knight got to his feet and steadied himself as the ledge beneath him shook violently, a result of the beast’s agonized thrashing. He watched as the beast’s skin sizzled and popped with the heat of the electricity. It’s long tentacles whipped around furiously, trying to strike at anything in their way. When it did finally come in contact with something, Cecil screamed.

"Rydia!" The spiny extremity connected with the little Caller and sent her flying into the water. She tried to cry out but there was no time. The water billowed around her head and within seconds, she was swallowed up. "NO!!!" The Dark Knight felt a rush of blood go to his head and he felt dizzy. His eyes frantically searched the surface of the water where she had gone down. There was nothing. The Octomamm’s massive tentacles stirred the water mercilessly Cecil screamed with all his might as he stood on the very edge of the rocky cliff.

She is going to drown! Oh my Shiva, she is going to drown! You have to do something, Cecil! You can’t let her die! Tellah’s voice echoed throughout the cave as he too realized what had happened. The Dark Knight’s mind race. What am I going to do?! He felt powerless. The Octomamm continued to thrash, swinging it’s spiny tentacles with full force. Several times, Cecil saw Tellah ducking away from their path so he could also avoid being thrown into the water. An idea suddenly struck him as he gripped his Dark Sword. He looked at his weapon with slight hesitation. It’s dark blade and anciently carved handle stared back at him.

"Even with all the grief you have caused me," Cecil whispered, speaking to his weapon, "you have always been powerful. Don’t fail me now." He took a deep breath, turning the sword over in his hand. He had to get to Rydia, and killing the beast was the only way he was going to be able to do it. For the second time during their battle, the Dark Knight picked up a sharp rock and heaved it towards the Octomamm’s sickly head. It made contact again, causing another gaping cut in the beast’s skin. It whirled towards Cecil with ferocity and began to swing it’s huge body towards him.

"Bring it on…" the Dark Knight hissed, gritting his teeth angrily. He gripped his sword with two hands and crouched down into battle position. I’m coming Rydia… The beast lunged, swinging it’s tentacles high into the air towards him. With cat like quickness, Cecil dodged each one of it’s attacks, frustrating the terrible beast. Tightening his hold on his weapon the Dark Knight stared into it’s dark beady eyes.

Just a little closer…

Success. The Octomamm shot forward, it’s mouth gaping wide open. Cecil was captivated for only a moment by it’s gigantic size. Licking his lips and taking a short breath, the Dark Knight slid by the beast’s mouth. With a war like cry, he swung the sword around and penetrated the creature’s skull. He could feel the sickening crunch as it’s bone gave way to the dark weapon. Another, yet more agonizing, shriek reverberated the cave walls and an explosion of black blood blanketed the Dark Knight’s armor. A cry escaped his lips and he released his sword, stumbling back away from the beast. He reached up with his shackled hands and threw his helmet off. The stench of the blood filled his nostrils as it ran down his armor. He felt a nauseating lump form in his throat. Covering his mouth with a clean hand, the Dark Knight pressed his body against the cave wall. The Dark Sword still embedded in it’s head, the Octomamm arched back away from the ledge and fell into the water with a thunderous crash.

"Rydia!" Tellah’s old voice rang loud over the thrashing of the dying Octomamm. Cecil ran to the edge and looked over with panic.

Where are you Rydia?! The Dark Knight’s heart pounded uncontrollably in his chest. He had to get to her. Are you crazy, Cecil? He thought for a split second, and realized that it was what he had to do. Having her death on his conscience was not an option. He had brought her into this mission and he had to get her out.

"Shiva, be with me…" With those uttered words, the Dark Knight leapt into the swirling water. He did not fall long before he felt his body slam into the angry lake. The overwhelming strength of the waves immediately overcame him and dragged him under. Holding strong to his breath, he looked around amidst the black blood that was beginning to pool around him. His intent was instantly hindered when one of the Octomamm’s long tentacles split through the water and made contact with his chest. The force slammed him backwards, pushing all of his reserved air out of his lungs. The tentacle soon pulled away though, leaving Cecil weak and disillusioned. Colored dots flashed in front of his eyes as he tried to regain his composure. Another tentacle flew by him. Then another. And another His head spun. His lungs began to burn.

Air… Forcing his legs to move, Cecil began to kick. Whether or not he was going towards the surface, he did not know. He just frantically swam in whatever direction, hoping it would take him to the oxygen. The churning waves hindered him, making it hard to stay oriented. Keep going… At last, the Dark Knight reached his destination. He broke the surface with incredible force and gulped in the precious air. The water crashed relentlessly over his head. He choked and sputtered as it made it’s way into his mouth. Realizing that there was no time to spare, he turned himself around and surveyed the situation. The Octomamm’s attention was no longer on neither he nor Tellah. It was too busy swinging it’s gigantic head around in agony. It’s black blood spilled from the wound in which the Dark Sword was still embedded and ran down it’s sickly pink, raw body. It flowed into the water and clouded it with it’s awful darkness. He wanted to get himself out of the lake but it was too late.

You’ve come this far, Cecil. Now find her. He tried to make his arms and legs move. Find her! No movement. He was paralyzed with fear. Go! Each breath he took in burned. Damn it, you coward! Rescue her! The Dark Knight tried to kick, tried to swim, but nothing. What is wrong with you! It’s a monster! You have seen monsters before! But never had he been in such a situation. The water crashed over his head once again, and once again, he came to the surface sputtering. It had been only a matter of seconds since he had jumped off that ledge and into the water, but it seemed like it had been hours. He felt weak as he tried to keep himself on the surface. He had to get to her. GO!!! An explosion of some energy unknown to him surged through his body and his legs and arms began to work He dove deep into the stormy water and immediately began looking around for Rydia’s little body.

Where are you?! The Dark Knight continued to swim downward, using his strength to hold the air in his chest that the water so mercilessly beat at. Even through his Dark Armor, he could feel the pressure. Continuing to swim, looked around for her. The Octomamm’s tentacles swam furiously by him, but by some luck from above, they never once touched him. But there was no Rydia. The familiar burning sensation suddenly began to trickle back into his chest. His air was almost gone. Back to the surface he went, and then immediately back down.

Back up.

Back down.

Back up.

Back down.

Each time he dove down, he returned without Rydia. Panic began to settle deep into his muscles, driving him frantically to continue his search. The water was beginning to stain black from the blood of the dying beast. Even though the churning waves Cecil could hear the ear-piercing wail of agony that fell from the Octomamm’s mouth. Doing his best to block it out, the Dark Knight continued to search.

Please Rydia…

His eyes began tingle when they came in contact with the creature’s diluted blood. He closed them and swam deeper, ignoring the pain. He had to find her. He couldn’t let her die. Rydia…

Suddenly, as if prayers had been answered, Cecil saw a flash of green out of the corner of his eye. It was the little girl. His mind cried out with joy and he began to pump his arms in her direction. He did not even stop to notice that he was running out of air again…it didn’t matter. Getting to Rydia was the most important thing right now. He would die before he would let her perish

Hold on…

The Dark Knight struggled through the murky water amidst the flailing tentacles and the churning water. He could see her limp form floating helplessly in the waves. Almost there…Her green hair swam around her tiny face. Three more strokes. His lungs burned with lack of oxygen. Two more strokes. Tiny bubbles escaped Rydia’s lips and made their way towards the surface. One more stroke. Cecil felt a tentacle brush over his back as he reached out and wrapped his hand around her tiny little arm. With a strained grunt, the Dark Knight kicked upwards, paddling frantically with his free arm. He was beginning to feel the weight of his armor as he tried to break the surface. It was so heavy.

Go, go, go!!! Cecil paddled harder, suddenly overcome with an agonizing pain in his lungs. They felt as though they were going to burst. The dots appeared once more in front of his eyes. The bloody water seeped into his mouth and tasted bitter against his tongue. He looked up and opened his eyes, ignoring the sting that the blood brought. The light of the surface was so close. Only a few…more…strokes...

"Aaaarrrrgggg!" Cecil cried as he finally exploded out of the water. The used air in his lungs rushed out of him like a bursting balloon. Pulling an unconscious Rydia towards him, the Dark Knight greedily breathed the oxygen. It took a few seconds, but the dots finally went away. There was no time to think though, as his eyes caught the sight of one of the Octomamm’s appendage. It was barreling straight towards Cecil and Rydia. There was no time to swim away so the Dark Knight threw himself over Rydia so he would be the first to get hit, and waited for the pain. Instead of torture, though, he felt himself and the little Caller being pulled out of the water. Just in time too, for the tentacle slapped the water with incredible force where they had just been swimming.

Gripping Rydia in his arms, Cecil closed his eyes and let himself be carried away by Tellah’s obvious Float spell. After a short flight, the Dark Knight felt himself being lowered down onto a ledge. He fell softly onto the rocky floor, soaked like a wet kitten. Rydia lay wrapped in his arms, her green hair pasted upon her unconscious face. He pulled her close to him and back away from the Octomamm.

Rydia suddenly coughed violently, her little body convulsing. A gurgle of blood stained water spilled from her lips, dribbling down her chin. It left a dark streak on her pale skin. Her little eyes opened weakly and looked around. Cecil sat up and held the little Caller in his arms, brushing back her hair. He stared softly at her and found himself gripping her tightly.

"I almost lost you," Cecil said quietly, almost inaudibly. He felt overjoyed at the fact that she was alive, and at the same time, heartsick because he knew that she could have died. She just stared back up at him, a slight smile on her tiny features. What was it about this little girl that he felt such a connection to her? He didn’t know what it was…but it was there. As she lay there in his arms, the Octomamm slowly dying in front of them, he knew that she had come into his life for a reason. What that reason was, though, was something that he could not put his finger on. Now the last Caller on the Blue Planet, there was an inexorable bond between them. She closed her eyes again and pulled herself against Cecil. He pulled her away from the ledge and cradled her gently. Looking up, he saw Tellah float himself over to the ledge, his own helmet in the old man’s hands. The sage came to rest upon the ledge and kneeled beside them.

"Good work, Cecil," he whispered, his eyes befalling upon the Octomamm, his hand befalling upon the Dark Knight’s shoulder. He was silent as he held Rydia and watched the Octomamm as it slowly sank down into the churning water. Blood still spilled from the fatal wound, his own Dark Sword still embedded deep within it. Angry bubbles of black water rose up from the bloody abyss. And then it was gone.

The air between the three travelers was solemn as Tellah pulled Rydia from his arms and laid her gently upon the ground. She groaned slightly, her eyes fluttering weakly. He placed his hands upon her chest and mumbled a few foreign words.

"Rena diera mahi ladania curpos...Cure!" A soft green light gathered around Tellah’s hands and began to flow into the little Caller’s body. Cecil watched quietly, his heart still beating wildly in his chest. The softness gently spread from her chest down to the tips of her fingers and toes. Her skin seemed to glow for a moment as the spell healed her broken body. Opening her eyes again, Tellah helped the little girl sit up. She rubbed her eyes and then shook her tiny little arms.

"Are you okay, Rydia?" Cecil asked, placing his armored hand on her shoulder. The little Caller looked at him, her green eyes glowing. She wiggled her legs and ran her tiny hands through her hair.

"I…I think so," she stuttered, looking out upon the black, bubbling water. It had calmed down now that the Octomamm was dead. The huge waterfall made the only sound in the cave as it crashed down into the tiny lake. Her lower lips quivered when she remembered what had happened to her. Her eyes glistened. "That was so…s…scary." For the first time since Cecil had met her, he saw her true child like innocence shine through in her face. His heart broke as a tiny tear slid down her pale cheek.

"Oh Rydia…" The Dark Knight spoke to her in a soft tone. He wanted to reach out and pull her into a hug, but he stopped himself, not sure if that was what she would want. He sat back on his haunches, eyeing her sadly. "Are you sure you are okay?"

She nodded and slowly pulled herself to her feet. She wiped the tears from her eyes. "I feel alright…did you do a Cure on me, Tellah?"

The old man nodded with a smile, standing up. His knees cracked with age and he winced in pain. "A Cure1 at that, young child." He reached over and patted her tiny head. She smiled slightly and walked slowly, shaking her feet and hands.

"That was really scary." She walked up to the ledge and looked down. "That water is black!"

Cecil nodded and walked up next to her, placing his hand on her shoulder once again. "That’s the Octomamm’s blood."

"We killed it?"

"Yes, Rydia, we killed it. Your lightening spell it what really got us going. I had no idea that you knew such magic."

That little girl cocked her head thoughtfully. "Ya know, Cecil. I didn’t think I did know a Lit spell."

Cecil turned his head towards her, eyebrows raised. "You didn’t know that spell?"

"Nope."

"How did you cast it?"

"I dunno. It just came to me."

Cecil looked at Tellah with widened eyes. The old sage looked back blankly, unsure of what Rydia had just told them.

"It just came you?"

"Yep…I’m not sure how, Cecil. I think my mommy must have helped me."

The Dark Knight’s heart skipped a beat. She had said it like it was nothing…like it was something that she really believed.

"How did she help you?"

"I think she gave me those words. She must have. I heard her."

He opened his mouth to speak, but not a word came out. This was a sensitive subject and he had to choose his words carefully. He could think of none though, so he kept quiet and just squeezed her shoulder.

"Cecil! Look!" Rydia’s tiny voice suddenly rang out. Following her pointing finger, he looked into the dark water. A tiny line of bubbles hissed at the surface, an odiferous gas flowing up when they finally popped.

"What the…" He knelt down and peered at the bubbling mass. The next thing he knew, his Dark Sword floated to the surface. Cecil was silent, just staring at it for a few moments. It’s dark blue blade hovered softly among the bloody water. The bubbles boiled gently around it’s sharp edge. A smear of darkness spread across it’s handle flowing into the ancient carvings of the grip. The Dark Knight hesitated in picking it up out of the blackness. Flashes of Mysidia ran through his head. They came faster than any of his nightmares ever had. Nightmare…his whole life had been one of those. Just one big, bad dream. Now here he was, staring down at the one thing in his life that represented all the evil that ever existed throughout his mortality. The item whose blade had just pierced the skull of another living creature. Yet another had died at his hand. When does it end…

"Cecil?" Rydia said softly, her tiny voice interrupting his thoughts. He tore his gaze from the Dark Sword and looked at his tiny companion.

"Yes Rydia?"

"We have to hurry so we can save Rosa."

The child’s words struck deep into his heart. She was so right. They had to get to Damcyan…they had to get the Sand Ruby…they had to save Rosa. That is your original reason for being on this damn mission, Cecil.

"You’re right." Kneeling down, the Dark Knight hardly heard Tellah as he said something about Anna. He reached down over the edge of the ledge and wrapped his fingers around the blade of his sword. He then stood back up and turned it over in his hands. It was evil. It was wrong. It was ruthless. Yet…it was going to save Rosa. Unable to look at his weapon any longer, the Dark Knight slipped it into his sheath and turned on heel. A new determination filled his heart, his original purpose remembered.

I’m coming Rosa…I’m coming.

With those silent words of his heart, Cecil led the way out of the cave, totally unaware as to the disaster and devastation that awaited them in Damcyan.