Cecil and Rosa are two very important characters in the video game Final Fantasy IV. The game was released in the U.S. as Final Fantasy II for the SNES, then later released under it's true title for the Playstation as part of the Final Fantasy Chronicles set, then later still for the GBA as Final Fantasy IV Advance.

Cecil is the main character, the one you must control throughout the game, even as other characters come and go from your party. In the beginning of the game, Cecil is a Dark Knight and commander of the Red Wings, a military force in the kingdom of Baron. The king orders him to do many things he is not comfortable with, like killing innocents to obtain crystals. He eventually rebels against his kingdom and embarks on a quest to redeem himself, as well as save the world. Along the way, his lover Rosa fights beside him and lends her powerful white magic skills to his quest.

*SPOILERS FOR THE WHOLE GAME FOLLOW*

Cecil and Rosa grew up together in Baron, along with their friend Kain. Although the English strategy guide says that Rosa is "secretly" in love with Cecil, it is quite clear in the game that the two of them are a couple. In fact, it's strongly implied that they have been lovers since long before the game even started. It is also hinted that they have a rather active sexual relationship (Rosa goes to his room at night, which seems to be a very common occurance). Of all major Final Fantasy couples, they have one of the most simple relationships in the series. They love each other, have loved each other for a long time, and that love never falters throughout the story. Cecil would do anything to protect Rosa, and she risks everything (including her life) to fight by his side. It is stated in the game that the sole reason Rosa began training to be a White Mage in the first place was so that she could stand beside Cecil in battle. As for Cecil, he risked the fate of the entire planet (by giving the crystals to Kain), to get Rosa back when she had been captured.

Late in the game, there is a scene that really spoke volumes of their relationship. The party is heading to the moon to face the final boss of the game. Cecil (who is joined by Kain and Edge) tells Rosa and Rydia to stay behind, that it would be too dangerous for them. Rydia objects, but Rosa accepts his decision and leads the other girl away. Once the men reach the moon, Rosa and Rydia appear, as they had snuck back on the ship. Cecil was upset at first, because he feared for her safety, but soon after he understands her decision to come with him and accepts it, then the two of them kiss before continuing on. I thought this scene really expressed what their relationship is like. Cecil's worst fear is something bad happening to Rosa. Rosa understands this and doesn't waste time arguing with him. Instead, she makes her own move and stands firm in her resolve to fight beside him, no matter what. Cecil eventually accepts this (he really could've taken her back down to Earth if he'd wanted) and welcomes her back into the party.

At the very end of the game, Cecil and Rosa get married, becoming the new King and Queen of Baron. I do believe they are the only main Final Fantasy couple to wed.

The relationship between Cecil and Rosa has a very special place in my heart. It is literally responsible for me becoming a Final Fantasy fan in the first place. At a young age, right after I got an SNES, a friend my dad worked with sent several SNES games to me that his son no longer wanted, telling me to pick out a couple. Among them was Final Fantasy II (remember that FFIV was originally released as FFII in the U.S.). I put the game in and started playing. I had no idea how to play it back then, and so I just wandered around Baron castle. I wasn't very interested and was about to turn it off and try another game, until I happened to wander to Cecil's bedroom. It was here that Rosa came in, and they share such a sweet, sad moment as Cecil tells her he'll be leaving again the next morning. The music playing in this scene, the whole atmosphere of it, really had a huge impact on me. Right then, I decided I was definitely keeping this game. I had no idea how to play it and my family (who were used to fast-paced games like Mario or fighting games) thought I was crazy and kept trying to talk me out of it, but I had made my choice, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.

Cecil and Rosa really speak to me as a couple. They're not bogged down with the angst and sexual frustration of other Final Fantasy couples. We don't have to go through circles wondering if they'll get together or not. They're already together, and they have a truly beautiful relationship.

One of the best things about them is how supportive Rosa is of Cecil. Even when he was a Dark Knight and doing terrible things under the king's orders, she doesn't judge him or condemn him. Instead, she gently encourages his kinder side, never critisizing him or demanding anything. Good or bad, she accepts Cecil for who he is. True, she always wanted him to turn out good, but the point is that she didn't attempt to force it on him. Perhaps she believed in him all along.

For his part, Cecil is a bit over-protective of Rosa, never wanting her to be in danger and giving up everything to save her when she's in trouble. But at the same time, he respects her abilities and values her help. I think he views Rosa as the light in his life, the one shining light that kept him from falling deeper and deeper into the darkness. It is said that those who become Dark Knights will eventually become corrupted, but Cecil did not. I think (and Cecil probably thought) that Rosa is one of the main reasons for this.

Cecil and Rosa love each other. This is made clear from the beginning of the game to the end. They are devoted to each other above all else, and as such, are one of the most powerful couples in Final Fantasy history.