Wings, the air force of the kingdom of Baron , are on their way home after completing a successful raid upon Mysidia for the Water Crystal. Their captain, Cecil, reflects back on this mission, which took place only hours before. Although it was the king’s order, Cecil and his men feel guilty about taking the Crystal from the innocent people of Mysidia. But Cecil reminds them that they are the proud and mighty Red Wings of Baron and must always remain loyal to the king. Still torn by guilt, Cecil brings the Crystal to the king of Baron. He starts to leave, but decides to ask the king his intentions. Accused of disloyalty, Cecil is stripped of his command of the Red Wings and ordered to go hunt the Phantom Beast plaguing the Mist Valley northwest of Baron… And so begins an epic tale of betrayal, love, and redemption as the dark knight Cecil departs on his journey of awakening. His travels will take him around the world and beyond, where he will find both fearsome enemies and new allies. Only by renouncing everything he has known will he be able to succeed in a quest that will ultimately decide the fate of the world.