Final Fantasy XIV is the property of Square Enix

"Ki-!"

It wasn't easy to make out what was being heard, bleary eyes slowly trying to regain focus of their surroundings. Despite not being aware of what was going on...it could be felt, the harsh cries of men and woman, the clattering of steel against steel, the blinding flash of magic as it whistled past, it was a battle clearly.

"Kidd-!"

Once more another cry, despite the clarity of everything else, this voice seemed...hard to pin as if the person calling out was countless malms away it hurt to focus on it. However eyes cleared and snapped to attention as a thunderous cry bellowed in the forefront, in his hand a saber its body curved and thick, and while hard to spot across its edge a thin sheen of caked blood that splattered droplets as the soldier ran toward him. On instinct a hand reached out quickly, nails digging into the dirt and earth to find a tool to defend oneself, a shaft...heavy and long clearly meant to be wielded with two hands. There had been an attempt to stand but it had been pointless, an explosion of agony up the right side that was altogether blinding...all the young man's strength vanished immediately, it seemed natural that this would be the end.

"KIDDO!"

The voice was clear this time, like a draught of cold water to the countenance it had snapped the youth's attention. The young child could only watch as an elder warrior pushed herself betwixt him at speed, placing herself in the fore of the blow aimed at the child. Her left arm raised sharply bringing her shield to bear against the attack from the soldier, with swelling strength the Paladin pushed up hard, batting the sword away with pitiful ease. Her sword arm tensed then hurtling upward from hip to shoulder cutting deep into the armour of the other man and sending his body hurtling off, crashing into more of his legion.

With a brief moment of respite, attention turned to the downed child. More like the Paladin encircling the youngest of their bunch in an effort to protect the young lad while he was attended to. The boy seemed mildly delirious, his eyes flickering on the fringes of unconsciousness, though through the pain the spratling was able to make out the form of a crouched woman by his side, an Elezen. Part of her face was shielded by the large brimmed hat adorned on her head, however, she pressed her hand against the youth side gently infusing her aether and bestowing her healing magics, The youth squealed in agonisimg pain, you'd be hard pressed to believe that is was healing magics with the way it sounded, however the child couldn't be blamed.

His stomach had been torn open by a bolt of fractured magic, the bolt had refracted from somewhere afield finding purchase on the boy as opposed to the Garlean's leaving crippled and at mercy. His flesh knit itself back together quickly, but it felt like an age, trembled gasp and spasm of pain wrecking him form.

"Kiddo?! Hold it together, just bear with it!"

He didn't speak, not trusting his voice to carry, instead biting down on his lip. It hadn't taken long but each moment felt like hell, regardless his strength returned somewhat, swiftly renewed by his allies ministrations, casting a look to his side he winced at the scar that had settled against his skin. However, his attention was stolen back by the fervent cries of battle that surrounded them all

"Hey, can you carry on?"

Came a call off to his left, It was a Miqo'te Monk, her formerly pristine temple attire now caked in blood, grime and filth. he could see the tears and wounds that had breached her gaskin and cyclas no doubt fatigued and injured in her own right. In truth all five of his companions looked at their edge just as he, tired and worn down by this twelve forsaken war. Yet despite that, her voice dripped with concern and worry for him.

"Ha, It'll take more than one bolt of lightning to put me down. Have some faith, I am a lancer extraordinaire."

He called back hoping to ease her worry as he'd pushed to his feet, the words were hollow as he ignored the tremble that shot through his legs. His hand clasped firmly against his spear as the group's formation adjusted once more, no longer down a man they had to return to re-engage their enemy. The child allowed his eyes to wander a moment taking in the scene before him, he wondered to himself why he'd been so foolish as to join this war campaign. He was barely 14 moons old and yet here he was embroiled in the fire of war, of course, he knew why'd he been so suicidally foolish...he and others like him. Warriors, Mercenaries, all standing against the Garlean Empire for reasons all their own.

Alas the child didn't have time to think anymore as he and his allies had charged together as a unit, it had all been a blur in the moments leading up to that…"Calamity". They'd cleared their way through the Garlean Army as best they could, he recalled the array of magic that Aisbryda had rained upon them with lethal brutality the Roegadyn had always been a cut above the rest as a Black Mage. Likewise, he recalled watching the staggering efficiency at which Nararu and S'ejuani worked, they acted in unison like a well-oiled machine, despite being a lalafell Nararu was an aggressive warrior, his size belaying his incredible agility and dexterity with how he moved, alongside the staggering strength he could unleash with his heavy blows, and no matter how much it seemed like he'd overextend S'ejuani shield was always there to whether a blow, her wealth of experience clear to the entire party with how she led them.

It was soon after then however...that things changed entirely.

Lillinette's piercing cry to run had rung in the Viera's ears but even without her call he'd felt a shift in the air, his eyes had cast upward after his spear had shirked the throat of a charging Garlean Legionnaire...the child had found himself slack-jawed as one of the grand spires that held the formation of the Red Moon Dalamud fell. He'd turned on his heel sharply, moving as swiftly as he could in order to hoist up Nararu and flee. When the shard had finally made landfall he'd been sent hurtling by the impact, everyone had, that wasn't crushed to paste. All eyes turned upward toward Dalamud in mounting trepidation.

"B-by the twelve."

"Halone's breath…"

He had heard Aisbryda and Lillinette exclamations, unable to speak for himself as he watched Dalamud shatter and crumble, its entire structure breaking from the inside and it was then that the wings had burst forth from its core. The Viera's legs out of instinctual fear back stepped and his breath hitched. It was as if the entire world had become but a meaningly trife in the scope of Dalamud. And with a roar that could tear open the heaven, it burst forth.

Strongest of The First Brood. Elder Primal. Bahamut.

The sheer devastation was instant, utterly unstoppable. The primals fury after eons of imprisonment was rent upon the earth and soil indiscriminately, he'd watched as by its power it had controlled the shards of Dalamud sending them across the nations of Eorzea. In mere moments he had cleaved the world asunder, as if it were nary but a child's toy, and for those that still remained on the bloodstained fields of Carteneau they could do little but watch.

Even as he swept across Eorzea razing it apart he returned back to the fields in what felt like moments, the sweeping shards of Dalamud hurtling toward the many souls who remained frozen in place, seconds turned to minutes and minutes turned to days as lives flashed before eyes. And when it seemed as if Death was finally arrived there to grace them all, the barrier of magnificent blue appeared before them all.

Multitudes of eyes looked amongst each other all wondering who had spared their lives, only for them to notice the gleam of blue on the cliff-face above them. Louisoix...it was he who had saved them, his expression fixed into a firm grimace as he focused hard to maintain his Aether. But even a man as great as he couldn't hope to contend with the unbridled strength of the elder primal, his barrier cracking at the fore under Bahamat's strength, yet even in the face of the beast Louisoix didn't falter trying his hardest to repair the barrier with all his might, other offering their assistance in a vain attempt to aid him, dozens of staves offering their meager aether to aid his efforts.

But with yet another cry Bahamut's strength won over, shattering the barrier of aether...the flecks of their power disintegrating to the winds. The air thickened as Bahamut's strength bore down upon one and all, the weight of his aether sucking the breath away from them. Yet it seemed not all hope had been lost this day, all who watched witnessed the beams of light pierce the skies stemming from Gridania, Thanalan and La Noscea alike, while none knew who, it was clear it was done with calculated intention, Louisoix emboldened by this stood tall as one last beam of pure either broke forth behind him.

"Is this?!"

Aisbryda had called out to his left, seemingly aware of what was being attempted. They witnessed as 12 spikes made entirely of condensed aether surrounded the Primal, Bahamut's head shifted to regard them before rearing back to unleash a defiant roar, seemingly well aware of what was happening. His wings curled around him like a barrier as he made to defend himself from the attack, but to the amazement of all who watched, it seemed as if he was flattering, blocks of aether took root around him, taking the shape of Dalamud. Despite the fear that threatened to overtake their hearts many felt their resolve rise at the fleeting hope that Bahamut might be stopped.

As the sigils of the 12 formed around this "New Dalamud" those around waited with bated breath as with each passing second Bahamut was being quelled, his fury suppressed and restrained.

But just as those hopes had come. They had been dashed to the wind.

Bahamut exploded from what would have been his new prison and Louisoix could only staggered as his stave Tutsumati shattered in it's attempt. Bahamut's rage swelling even higher, his maw wreathed with hellish flames as he brought his power to bear, it felt as if the very world was coming to an end. At the very least the lives of those that remained were destined to be burned away before the radiant power of Teraflare.

S'ejuani despite her fears, despite her trepidation, felt the need to move, shifting toward S'Nala her dearest daughter, letting her shield and blade clatter to the ground the elder wouldn't allow her child to watch even if their fate couldn't be avoided. Pressing her child's head to her breast she kissed her forehead tenderly. A gentle affirmation of her compassion as her mother.

"I love you, my little monk"

S'Nala didn't have a response, but she didn't reject her mother's kindness. The girl of little more than 18 moons felt her breath hitch in her throat, but refused to let any tears escape her, instead she held onto her mothers hand tenderly squeezing down to distract herself.

"What a...way to die."

Aisbryda had called out, her voice stained in anger and equal part sadness. To think they'd die like this, it made her heart burn in sorrow, she cast her eyes toward her party and it only made her yearn more. She was the eldest of them and she'd swore that she'd look after them all...for them to die, for the youngest of them to burn away, it made her chest tighten in a manner she couldn't quite describe. The Roegadyn bit her lip in barely contained fury only for it to subside when she'd felt a hand interlock with her own.

"We'll see each other again in the lands beyond"

Lillinette's voice had rung out. The Elezen didn't allow her face to be seen not wanting Aisbryda to worry of her either, but the strain in her tone made it clear as day despite it, the other mage of the group took in a shaky breath before standing next to the older woman looking up to the swelling weight of the teraflare. Aisbryda looked toward the ground angry at herself even if she had no right to be, nonetheless she resolved to remain defiant in the face of their impending death.

The youth's legs had given out at some point however he couldn't recall as to when, a shaky smile etched onto his face as he looked upon Bahamut. In a strange way he wasn't scared, he'd cheated death twice to get this point...he supposed it was only fair his luck would run out on the third run in. His head eventually hung as he looked toward the ground, the sadness suddenly settling in for him at the scope of it all.

"Chin up. It'll be over in a flash"

His head had snapped up sharply as he looked toward the smiling face of Nararu, the little lalafell with the biggest heart. Nararu like S'nala was 18 moons making him 4 moons the child's senior and for the time he'd known him he'd been a big brother to the young Viera, even now in the wake of what was happening he still took the time to console the boy.

"Nararu I-"

"Scared? I know, I am too. But it's alright"

"How do you know?"

"I don't but I...but I believe"

He didn't know what to say in response. He'd bite his lip feeling the tears break the corner of his eyes, Nararu had seen and shifted, raising his hands to wipe them off with his palms, before placing his hand on the back of the younger's head gently, pulling them closer together and pressing his forehead against the Viera's own. Nararu's face was etched with his normal big face smile.

"Hey now, remember what you said. On your honor as a Wood-Warder no tears right, it'll be alright Raenn. Like I always say, have a little faith."

The child nodded, while his expression was still heavy with emotion he refused to let another tear fall, matching Nararu he let the biggest smile he could muster swell across his face using one of his hands to clasp Nararu's remaining one.

It was tense seconds as the group of 6 along with the many others with them awaited Teraflare. Yet it never came; instead, they found themselves bathed in the gentle glow of blue light garnering their attention over Bahamut, one by one individual after individual vanishing from sight carried by Althyk's strength as channeled by Louisoix. S'ejunai and S'Nala being the first to go, the mother and daughter cast their eyes on their party calling back in concern before they vanished suddenly.

This brought shock to the remaining four. Lillinette looking toward her hands in concern before finally running her eyes toward Aisbryda her hat no longer covering her face, her normally clear sightless eyes, clouded with concern as she moved to grasp the eldest of them only for her to vanish too as she did.

"Lillinette?!"

Came Aisbryda's voice, her concern swelling higher as she turned to the only males of their little band and the youngest too at that. The Black Mage had attempted to move her heels but just as with Lillinette she'd vanished outright taken by Althyk's power.

Despite the abundance of fear shown by everyone else, Nararu remained rather calm, his shock clear on his face but he didn't move once he'd seen S'ejuani and S'nala vanish, he kept his attention on the kid he considered his little brother making sure to quell his panic before anything else. Nararu's smile had shifted too, instead of the large strained smile meant to mask his own worries and reassure the child it had become something much more sincere, little more than the corner of his lips rising, as his eyes softened with em.

"See what I say. A little faith"

In truth, he didn't know if this was a good thing or not, but he didn't care so long as it meant away from the Teraflare, it meant that the little family that Nararu had somehow found wasn't quite out of the game yet.

"See ya later"

He called out before he vanished too, leaving the fearful boy alone before the Teraflare, the lad had raised to his feet unconsciously as he looked himself over, the glow of the magic surged to whisk him away, yet he couldn't help but worry as he cast an eye back to Bahamut in fear of what Teraflare would do. It was then he recalled...turning on his heel his eyes finding what they were looking for atop the cliff-face, the glow of Althyk's arcane symbol swelling around him, he barely had a moment to look at Louisoix and then back at the swelling Teraflare before he too was gone.

Things grew quiet then as they always did, whenever he recalled, whenever the nightmares crept back up, whenever his fears made themselves manifest. He didn't dream often, that was something the boy had learned earlier but every now and then it was different...today was one of those days so it seemed.

He didn't know how he'd gotten here, he didn't rightfully know where he was or what it was meant to mean but he recognised it to some measure, every now and then he'd come back here and every time…

"Hear"

He'd hear that voice...it permeated his very being, resonated through his soul, it was everywhere yet nowhere all the same. It'd always be fleeting, he'd be here for nary a moment, he'd hear the voice that sounded like the sweetest lullaby, and just as fast be whisked away without so much moment to take it all in.

This time was oddly different. His eyes were allowed sight and he was able to bask upon the vision before him, it was as if he was a streak that could travel across the stars, the sight brought a sense of ease to his chest he hadn't expected and soon enough his feet found purchase on the ground despite their being naught underneath.

"Hear...Feel"

Once more that voice, this time the voice sounded louder, more full. It's presence soothing and dispelled the sense of unease that seemed to plague him, however despite that he didn't "trust" the voice completely while it was disarming in ways that made him feel safe, something else that laid in the core of his being was untrustworthy but he buried that...allowing this comfort to flood him.

"Hear…Feel...Think"

The final time, this time he felt a pull at the back of his skull...like a headache but not so, it was if he was fighting to remember something, but he couldn't tell as to what, it wss oddly vexing but otherwise dimssable. He soon noticed a bundle of light before him, it wasn't merely something that existed within this space it...moved, acted of its own accord. Was it this that had called to him, that always seemed to call to him?

He was not given time to ponder as this serene world of blue and comfort was soon invaded, as his eyes watched the ball of light behind it darkness erupted forth, his body seemed to respond instinctively at first seemingly recoiling back, yet that pang that he'd felt before returned only now intensified. It made the young man grasp at his chest in pain almost, the two conflicting essences felt like they were tearing him apart...he hated it. He watched as the being revealed itself from this eldritch darkness, it was clad in garbs of midnight black with jagged adornments, and lastly the head...covered in a hood of darkest night and a blood red mask, the longer this being stayed the more the pain pushed out his breast leaving the child to wince and writhe.

Yet it vanished as he was bathed in light, it swelled around his being and protected him, bathing him in its essence in such a way that the burning he'd felt moments prior were long forgotten, suddenly his clothes changed, no longer was he garbed in garments befitting of a Vieran Wood Warder instead...he was clad a raiment he'd never seen before, the glossed black armour settling against his skin, his head clad over in a helm he'd never seen before yet all the same familiar...natural even. Suddenly light swelled within his hand, raising his arm up as he watched as it took form and shape, it settled into an almost ornate spear. Its formation even if made up only of light seemed beautiful..and powerful.

The creature that had invaded this place alongside this darkness seemed displeased with this turn of events, it let out a bellowing cry before moving swiftly toward the youth, the boy in response sneered under his helm. Hefting his spear downward he remained poised as the beast approached, once it came within striking distance he thrust outward sharply as light blinded him...and within that moment another voice rang out clear as day, it wasn't the gentle voice that felt like a mothers tender grace...it was different. It sounded tired and worn, as if having come to the conclusion to it's journey. To the boy the voice felt as if he'd known it his entire life..and yet he couldn't recall why.

"Remember"

"Oi, you alright there lad?"

A body twitched and soon purple eyes strained a little as they adjusted to the light.

He didn't speak, instead casting an eye toward the voice, the first thing that came to sight was his red bandana alongside the blond hair that peered out underneath. His clothes came next, a coat of sorts equally red, possibly a jerkin of some kind, but after that he paid little attention to his attire, losing interest if he was blatantly honest, regardless the grizzled looking man spoke once more.

"You were moanin, in ya sleep an' sweatin bucket besides. Rollin' on the ship got your stomach churnin' as it? Hmm...thinkin on it, don't look like seasickness, now that I look at ya, it'll be the aether, then I reckon."

Maybe it was the fatigue of his dream still playing havoc with his head but he didn't have the will to speak, and after that "Dream" he wasn't sure if he trusted his voice to do as it was told, he could feel the tension trapped in his throat even without a word. However he wondered why'd he suggest Aether a brow raising a little as he looked toward the man for clarity.

"Some are more sensitive to the stuff than others, see, an' we ain't too far from Vylbrand now, which is chock full of aetherytes, no need to fret you'll get used to it soon."

Surprised by the somewhat random concern the fellow seemed to show the youth's lips upturned a little as he appraised himself before speaking out.

"Concerned? For me? Well...I always knew I was a handsome devil.

To the youth's pleasure it seemed the elder male took to his humour, letting out a hearty chuckle before smiling at the young man he'd recently awoken, likely finding it amusing that he can joke despite still looking half shaken.

"Well, if you can joke like that, it seems my concern was misplaced"

The youth returned his smile, the corner of his lips unturning as he looked upon the fellow, he'd travelled much over the last 5 years of his life, it was rare for him to find personable travel companions, so it was nice to find a semblance of that for the short moment.

"Heh, however to allay your concerns, I am quite alright, twas a dream...nothing more

He called back to the other male, however he couldn't help the way his voice had trailed off and internally he clicked his tongue, he supposed that second vision had left him feeling a little more shaken then he'd expected. It seemed the gruff man had been about to comment but when the ship swayed sharply his mood seemed to sour for a moment as he looked up in annoyance. The youth noticing his expression change felt his mood raise a little, his lips curling again finding it amusing.

"Eugh. Might as well be bleedin seasickness. What with how the ship leaping around like a demented chocobo"

The youth could only snort aloud in response, garnering his conversation partner's attention, the boy raised his hands up as a sort of mock apology even if his ears twitched under the hood he wore...the hood intent on keeping his ears down. While the man surely noticed he didn't raise a comment on it

"I reckon I might head out on deck - get meself a breath of fresh air."

"Limsa Lominsa's still a fair ways off, in case you were wonderin' Seeing as you're awake an' all, how's about you keep me company till we get there?

The boy's brow raised incredulously, considering he'd been awoken unwilling he found it a little annoying that the man wanted him to then head to the top deck. In truth the water was never truly something he enjoyed, he liked the ground...but his constant need for travel lately certainly made him develop a solid pair of sea legs.

"Them young'uns don't much care for conversation, see"

"And yet you awoke me hmm. Only fueling my narcissism I hope you know"

The young man had called out with a snarky smile resting across his lips, he had always been one to enjoy jabbing and poking at others. However his eyes did indeed cast toward the sleeping pair, clearly of Elezen descent if the ears said anything. His eyes scanned their features carefully...if he was to guess they were twins too, the shared attire and identical braids save the colour of ribbon hinting as such, his eyes seemed to linger a little more than he expected, seemingly drawn to the pair for whatever reason. There wasn't much else to note if he was honest though he did note the lipstick on the right one, either a female or a male who enjoyed some glamour

The boy felt a memory tug at the back of his head as he was reminded of his own twin...it brought a sense of warmth to his chest he'd not expected before it had vanished away when he'd heard the gruff male clear his throat, possibly misreading his smile. He couldn't stop the slight flush that rose up his cheeks as he tried to find his voice.

"That wasn't- I didn't…"

"Worry not lad, I saw naught a thing"

The youth's flush deepened as he turned away only to recall what had been asked of him beforehand.

"The deck you said?

"Aye lad"

"Arryroad. Brennan's the name n' peddlin's me game"

With that the Viera rose up tall shaking off the last remaining dregs of sleep that remained ever persistent, he stood a respectable height while smaller then what female Viera could reach he was still comfortably within the upper ranges of his racial sphere. It seemed he superseded the sailor he was with by a fair margin.

It hadn't taken long for the pair of them to reach the deck Brennan stretching as he walked clearly enjoying the sea air more then the youth himself, while he didn't voice his complaints it wasn't as if it took much to see his mild displeasure. Regardless Brennan ignored that, he was perceptive enough to see why the lad wasn't as keen but didn't voice it seeing as he'd not mentioned it of his own regard, instead sparking up new conversation.

"Ah smell that salty sea breeze"

"Now then, lad, i'm betting from them unique garments of yours, I'd say you were one of them new adventurers. Am I wrong"

The young lancer for what it's worth didn't voice what was going through his head but his expression spoke volumes as his head tilted to the side, I mean he had boarded the vessel with a spear so it wasn't too hard to make a guess even if it was wrapped up somewhat. Though as he looked himself over it wasn't as if his attire didn't also hint at it even without a weapon as he regarded the medicine pouches, weathered equipment and frayed clothes. But given his status as a Wood Warder or...former Wood Warder that was redundant.

"Oh my, I wonder what gave me away~"

Brennan's expression faltered a little reading a silent plea of "Humor me" to which the child ever so graciously did, responding to him genuinely this time.

"Something...of the sort aye"

He responded back, this time somewhat unsure of himself, he hadn't lied but at the same time the answer wasn't true he supposed...

"What was it that first attracted you to it"

"I- can't rightly explain...kinda all I had left

Brennan paused as if coming to a decision or figured out his response.

"Well, there is little I can really say on the matter then is there? But I've a feeling you'll be alright, if you ever get bored of swinging that spear of yours aloft just remember. Limsa Lominsa's renowned for its smitties an' armourers, not to mention it's fisherfolk. An' there's its cooks, of course."

The youth listened carefully clearly, while he'd been to Limsa Lominsa once or twice he'd not lived in it, he didn't truly know it so any words on what it was like would prove invaluable

"Adventurin' ain't all about killin' things. A peaceful pastime may well help you get a fortune"

Brennan called out with a smile, but as he looked at the young man's expression he was a little surprised, the youth's head had turned off to the side and he'd muttered something to the wind, it left him with questions as seemed to be the trend with this young lad, but he nonetheless kept his mouth quiet and pushed on despite

He'd made ready to speak again only for the sound of a bell to garner their collective attention, both looking around somewhat perplexed.

The youth however came to realise the danger sooner than Brenndan seeing as he could see out toward the water, moving his arm quickly he'd grasped the other man by his arm out of instinct before pulling him toward and behind him. It had been a natural motion he'd always trained himself to protect; it was what he was bred for as a Wood-Warder. He'd pulled his arm up to protect shield his face from the salty spume of water before casting an eye to Brennen checking to see if he was alright as the pair crouched behind the decking of the vessel

"Ships on the starboard bow! Pirate colours!"

Came the call of a sailor from the front of the deck who'd looked out upon the waves

"Pirates? Bloody Hell…"

The white haired lancer couldn't help the smile that broke across his face despite the situation, his hands moving up to clasp Brennan's shoulder firmly, the man had turned to regard him and looked upon his somewhat goofy smile,

"What's the matter, afraid of a little water Brennan?"

"Aye when that water getting kicked up by a cannonball"

The child snorted once more before letting out a small laugh in response.

"Relax Brennan, you'll live a little longer."

The boy had called out but their attention was snared by the arrival of the same sailor who'd warned of the pirates in the first place.

"Have you no sense? Get below!"

The youth's eyes shifted, noticing that one of the pirate vessels had managed to come in close, while it wasn't as fast to their own it didn't change the anchors that had latched to the wood of the vessel slowing it's progress. The deckhands clearly feeling the beginnings of a possible bloody battle readied themselves, however for the child the trepidation was clear.

"I can give you a hand with the rabble. Trust me, I'm good with a weapon."

The sea dog had been ready to protest sharply, he couldn't allow a civilian to help, but he wasn't given much choice when all 3 men felt the vessel lurch sharply courtesy of the tailing pirate vessel slamming into the ship, while it meant no-more cannonballs seeing as the other pirate ships wouldn't shoot with one of their own in such close proximity, it did however mean they would need to deal with the current problem that lied with their new pirates invaders as it were.

The sea hand was about to restress his point but didn't have a chance to, seeing as a pirate had managed to get aboard the vessel and was charging the sea hand quickly, with his back to him he'd have no chance and so the boy had naturally moved. His hand had reached quickly to clasp around his lance pulling it from behind his back easily, he'd pushed upward to full height quickly before thrusting forward. The sea hand had frozen in a moment of shock and horror unsure of what to make of what he'd initially assumed was an attempt on life or something of the other, that notion had flown out the window when he'd heard the anguished scream of a man behind him.

Leaving behind him the sea hand looked upon the pirate who had snuck upon him. The man was trembling as he tried to do something about the spear that had found itself lodged into his chest, blood leaking from not just the wound but between the gaps of his teeth. The young man however didn't feel inclined to waste time with the swine and had gripped his spear tighter before stepping forward pushing the weapon deeper into his chest and out the back, bone and muscle and tearing open with the man's final death gasp.

Brennan wasn't sure what to make of the picture before him, while he was no greenhorn sailor it was still a shock to see the pirate slain so easily, it had been a little hard to even see the boy move. His previous statement of being "Good with a weapon" ringing a little more true.

"Brennan, head on down to the lower decks, I'll help the crew out yeah"

He called out turning toward the man and offering an almost coy smile with how he'd handled the pirate who let it be known was still hooked onto his spear. Brennan sighed but didn't protest smiling back at the kid and offering him a pat on the back, he didn't need to be told twice and while he'd have loved to be able to help out some, he was getting old and his sword hand wasn't what it used to be.

Once Brennan had left the viera turned to the sea hand who now seemingly reassured of the young man's abilities felt somewhat confident about letting him fight with the crew as he clasped his axe in both hands. As he did the Seahand noted a second ship pulling up to the other side of the carter vessel making him curse aloud.

"Llymlaen's Tits, we ain't equipped to handle this sorta shiet"

"Relax sunshine. I'll play with you, you and yours handle the others."

"Wha- That's an entire crew! You can't just take that on- Hold on! WAIT!"

Swelling with confidence he didn't feel concerned, with a casual shift of his spear he threw the long dead body of the pirate into the briney blue below before turning attention to the ship that was on course to lock in the charter vessel. Twirling his spear he flicked the blood off the bronze weapon before resting it across his shoulders, his eyes narrowing as he measured out the distance he needed to jump. As his lips curled into a small smile the young man leaned on his trailing foot a moment before hurtling forward at speed ignoring the calls of the sea hand, once he hit the railing the young Viera soared across the open ocean with little care in the world before landing with a dull thud against the vessel seemingly startling those on board.

Extending back to his full height he did a slow 360 getting a rough idea of how many brigades were on the ship before rounding to nice even total of 15, it was a rather small ship if he was honest but what was more important and what left him feeling more confident was that none of the ships were very unique, nothing to suggest anyone worthwhile was on board to make him worry a little. Naturally as he looked around the men surrounding had broken out their stupor and had drawn their weapons now no longer shaken by his dramatic entrance.

"Let's see who's left standing eh?"

The young man had called out as he'd hoisted his spear off of his shoulder clasping it around the middle, the chain connected to it rattling a little before he broke off into a sprint. First order of business were the archers who'd no doubt be an issue if he wasn't careful. It seemed the pirates weren't prepared for his speed as they all seemed rather intimidated by the breakneck movement. That would cost em however, he felt his Aether swell within his body empowering his body beyond its natural reaches before collecting in his legs, with a grunt of effort the viera leapt skyward with unnatural speed, reaching the apex of his leap he let gravity do its job carrying him down as he infused his spear in Aether.

The reaction was immediate, when he'd struck down to the ship the force alone had sent the ship shaking, it damn well nearly capsized the vessel with how hard the boat had been struck a few of the men previously on the vessel were cast of into the ocean pitifully unable to keep their balance as their vessel was tossed around the impact. He himself had landed inside the hull of the ship having crushed the deck it under the weight of the attack, his target had seen better days to be sure, his chest had been utterly rent asunder, his organs having exploded outward from his back as it failed to contain the force dealt to it, his eyes had sunken into his head with blood seeping from any gap they could find and one of his arms had been snapped backward at the joint of the elbow, bone and sinew of fresh display to any who saw of which at this moment remained as the one who'd caused itl.

He himself didn't bat an eye at the mangled corpse, pulling it from the chest of the male easily before turning his attention to that of those on the top deck, straining his ears a little the viera listened carefully for the sound of footsteps above after the sloshing of waves had calmed down, finding a target, he had been ready to unleashed another leaping attack only to wince in pain...it seemed he'd put even more into that attack then he'd realised, he could normally pull off two before the recoil struck him. Oh well he hadn't mastered that attack, he wasn't sure what to call it exactly but regardless he couldn't do it as he just had.

Cutting down on the force he applied, Once more the white haired veira leapt upward hurtling up and breaking the decking of the vessel directly under another grunt. His aim had been a little off as when he'd breached the floor he'd aimed to split them down the middle, however he'd missed a little instead only cutting into the fat of the woman's back electing a cry of pain. Not one to skip a beat however he'd shifted his placement on his spear spinning it in hand to bring it down in a wide arc to cleave into the woman's shoulder landing true and cutting her open and leaving her to bleed across the deck.

"Come on then"

He'd had called out as he'd landed against the wood, his eyes having hardened as looked across what remained of the initial 15, now dropped down to a meager 5 if you didn't include the one he'd just cut open, the woman clearly fading in and out of consciousness as she squirmed to get to "Something". Not sparing her pity he drove his spear down sharply into her back without so much as a blink, he'd always been taught to ask questions later so he wasn't going to start holding back now.

"A- A Viera here?!

"A Male?!The fuck? That's possible ?!

"You think word got out?

"How should I bloody know you cunt?!

The lad's expression narrowed a little at that, now a little interested in what had them so worked up, but he wasn't interested to let them keep talking. Shifting forward the now revealed Viera surged forward, Aether swelling into his hand he channeled through the length of his arm and spear. With a firm toss he launched the weapon aiming squarely for the male with the need for profanity. Having regarded his friend in order to shout he'd missed the speeding weapon, so when he'd turned back to regard the Viera he'd have seconds to register the weapon on a collision course for his skull. The resulting crunch hadn't been a nice one as blood, bone and other giblets splattered against his allies.

He had moved into a sprint at the cry of panic for the last remaining pirates, striking down the first had been easy. In his panic he'd swung wide aiming for the Veira's shoulder, stepping into him quickly he'd raised his arms to catch the swinging hand before shifting his grasp to hold the blade instead. Tearing the sword from his grasp the Wood Warder had launched a foot out kicking the sod off the vessel, with a smirk resting on his face, However his sense of danger surged in the back of his head, the lancer narrowly evaded a sword to his face catching a cut to his cheek instead that made his eye wince a little out of reaction. The follow up attempt was countered swiftly.

As the male had stepped in for an offensive the boy had raised the stolen sword horizontally to take the brunt of its weight. Once it made contact the white haired youth had pivoted on his feet letting the blade slide off his own before shifting his blade to stab the offending pirate in his chest, meeting little resistance the blade burst through the male's chest with little issue. He'd had aimed to pull away but found himself held in place by the pesky pirate even as blood drained from his lips and back.

Recalling the last pirate, grit his teeth and had put more strength into pulling away by using the sword to cut deeper and push him backward. Seemingly going into shock as the sword split his chest open further the pirate's strength waned freeing the boy of his grasp but not sparing him from the blade of the last offending pirate. Her blade clashed against the young man's armour which weathered much of it's force, but completely, however he let out a gasp of pain when steel met his skin, the exposed portion of his back that his armour didn't defend was cut open rather cleanly.

Stumbling for a moment the lancer felt his irritation spike a little, seems he'd gotten a little cocky with that one he had suspected that last pirate would have held him like that, regardless he heard the renewed steps of the final pirate, it was clear she was saddened by the loss of her "friends" but that didn't mean anything to the Viera as he'd reached for his priorly discarded spear his hand clasping the center of the shaft before pulling it back and thrust behind him, the somewhat blunted edge of the weapon thundering into the woman's stomach and digging deep.

She gasped a moment, before doubling in pain. It was clear she hadn't expected that one but she wasn't given an inch, grasping the shaft with his other hand he'd sent the send of the weapon upward the blunted edge connecting with her chin. She staggered back dropping her weapon in favour of tending to her bruised chin and broken nose letting out a shout of muffled pain before it turned into a muted gargle. Spinning on his feet the spearman had twirled with his weapon sending its bladed edge directly into the woman's throat cutting it open and letting forth a deluge of blood as she struggled vainly to hold herself together scrambling for a potion to restore the broken tissue.

"Down you go"

He'd intoned outwardly before skewering the woman, ending her suffering immediately. Looking across the now derelict craft his attention turned to the carrier vessel, while still under attack from what seemed like a larger crowd then his own they had beaten 'em back with seemingly little issue. The sea hand having just finished off what seemed to be the last of the invading party having cleaved open the man's chest sending him staggering off into the war, the pain clearly denying any clarity in motion.

With his part done he'd leapt back of the charter boat with a slight rock of force. This had brought attention to the other sea-hands likely having assumed him to be a pirate himself considering bloody spear and all.

"Calm yourselves you shabby lot. That one there isn't our enemy"

"Well well, I appreciate the call-out. I was scared I'd end up fish food next.

"Ha! That's a lie if I'd ever heard it. After what you just did I'd rightly be more worried for them, didn't expect to see one of your kind though, and here I figured all of ya were women."

The viera had given a sidelong glance to the buccaneer before he'd realised what the man had meant, he'd not pulled his hood up! Reaching behind his back he moved to pull it up only to realise the slash to his body had severed his cloak as it had equally gashed his back. The sigh of disappointment he'd let out garnering another hearted laugh from the sea dog.

"Come lad. Below deck now, we can handle the rest up here, we still have one ship on our tail, someone will patch you up"

The warrior grumbled a little but didn't reject the offer nonetheless, As he descended back down he'd been reunited with Brennan who'd offered a smile to the lad before noting the injuries he'd sustained, namely fretting over the weeping gash across his back. Yet the young warrior waved him off not wanting to draw attention to it or himself, an endeavour that failed horribly when he again recalled his lack of hood and bloodied stature of dress.

"What is the world comin' to…? Pirates attacking a ship flyin' Lominsan colours! Bastards either have a boatload of balls, or bugger all for brains"

Brennan had called out harshly, his voice laced with repressed anger as if not not cause more of a scene then what had already happened...not that he could. The young man smiled at the male, he was a passionate fellow to be sure and a good one at that, his mind wondered what he must have been like in his youth before speaking in response to him.

"I can safely say the latter...But...I suppose desperation makes you do stupid things…"

He'd called out at first with an initial laugh, but his attitude hit an immediate flip with the second. Brennan whipped around at that to look at the purple eyed Viera who was currently wincing as bandages were applied to his wounds. What would have made a child who he guessed at best was around 18-19 moons old to act like he did, and while that was no child age, in the grand scope of his race it was pitifully short. It brought a second-hand sense of worry to the man.

He didn't voice his concern though leaving the youngster to himself for the moment. Which was ironic since this was the only moment the child had hoped that Brennan broke out with a conversation starter. It'd force him out this mild rut of his.

His prayers were answered at least when the Spirited Sailor from before had returned prompting him to cast an eye behind him as the woman who'd tended to his wounds had just finished.

"Ye can rest easy, friends! We've made it out o' cannon range. an' no buccaneers's bark'll catch this flighty temptress once the wind's in her sails. I must thank ya again lad."

He called out nodding toward the youth who once more as he had with Brennan waved off his thanks, but his smile had returned once more shining in reassurance for the sailor that all was well.

"That was too bleedin' close - Glad one of us kept his head on his shoulders - I reckon I'd have lost mine, otherwise.

"Tis my job to be stunning I know"

"Cheeky ain't ya"

"Style and Sass go hand in hand my friend"

The duo sharing a small bout a laughter before Brennan posed another thought

"If them pirates gave up the chase, we must be close to port. Let's head up to deck an' have a look, shall we."

Once more the youth could only look staggered that Brennan would even suggest, his hands motioning to the wounds on his back but Brennan wouldn't have any of it his own face upturned into a smirk as the young lad followed the wizened man to the deck. Eventually they'd found a spot at the front of the vessel prompting Brennan to speak.

"By the way is this your first tri-"

"No. I came here once or twice when I was younger, never truly took the time to explore"

"Goodness if you didn't wanna talk to me lad you could have just said so"

Brennan chuckled out poking at the younger boy successful, his cheeks heating up at the slanderous accusation while his ears dropped a little seemingly in response, yet once more their attention was taken by the dull thud of a bell, this time however it wasn't to herald pirates.

"Ah at long last. Land Ho!"

"Behold Limsa Lominsa. A nation blessed by the ocean's bounty an' beloved of Llymlaen, goddess of navigation."

The youth knew what to expect but he'd turned toward it all the same, allowing himself to drink deep of Limsa Lominsa's beauty, something he'd squandered the last time he'd been here all those years ago. The birds were the first thing that had surged into view the white feather coat of Seagulls as they flew across the sky accompanied by Kittiwake and more. Then came the stunning stone cliff faces and islands that Lominsa had been crafted so carefully around, from the platforms that encircled around the white structures, to the guilds, structures and buildings that had been made into them, depressions and reliefs that had been filled and used to create the City-State, and all of it interconnected by a web of bridges that danced from the ground all the way up into the cloud line.

When the charter ship had pulled into the dock the youth had been there, ready at the gate...ready to leave and make his mark, however as it did and he took his first steps out Limsa Lominsa the Viera stopped a moment, almost as if hesitating..in truth he was merely waiting for the man walking behind him to stand next to him. Casting an eye toward Brennan he offered a smile to the male

"An' here's where we part ways lad"

"What heartbreak it can't be true~"

The youth had called back his barbs and jabs having not diminished in the slightest, but Brennen full well knew it was merely in jest. He figured it quite the same if he was honest, the kid was one of the good ones and it would be nice to make idle chatter with the boy until the sun fell and rose again, but alas the fates were cruel and he was on a schedule.

"I'm off to the market to deliver me wares, then it's to the highroad with me"

He called out to the young lad before reaching behind his back to hand something to the young lad

"Here I want you to have this-by way of thanks for saving me arse earlier"

"I told you before that we are square Brennen"

"Keep the present lad, think of it as easing my weary soul, hmm?"

He'd palmed the ring he'd been given and sighed to himself..it was nice if he was to be honest, rather minimal and plain but very nice. He'd been ready to protest the man again but Brennen's expression shifted, reading the boy before he even uttered a word.

"Hey-you never did tell me your name, did you? Well, here's an idea...become the sort of storied personage I can brag about havin met, an i'll consider us square."

The young man could only chuckle at the roundabout ask, it seemed like the man was forcing him to become a household name, didn't he realise how much work that was, but he didn't dare refute the male simply smirk at the implication.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm of the mind you simply can't stop thinking about me, don't get too lost yeah?...Hazel...by the way, it's Hazel, my name I mean."

Brennen nodded to the now named Hazel, he was able to put a name to the now unknown Viera, delivering a courteous bow to the young lad Brennen he took his first steps down the beaten path to Limsa Lominsa, however just before he got to small for Hazel to see he'd offered out a wave. He'd raised his right arm and delivered 3 flicks of his wrist before heading off into the setting sun without a word.

Author's Notes: This wasn't meant to be this long...like...at all I kinda just had more ideas pop into my head which spiralled into 9'000 words for the first chapter so that's a thing. Regardless while writing I didn't want to make it feel like annoying is looking at what would be imagined as my playthrough which is why I "attempted" to add as much verbal spice as possible. At times this is gonna follow what the games lays out but at other times I've got wildy different ideas or situations I want to try since...why not when it's my own story. I don't intend to follow XIV to the letter as demonstrated by shift of the Intro, likewise I don't intend to make Hazel a greenhorn seeing as it doesn't fit the history I've made for him.

For the most as you'd expect I intend to establish a much about Hazel without revealing much of the good shit which is kind what I aimed to do beside kinda slapping him into Cartenaeu at the age of 14, which will have it's own justification if I keep consistent enough to get that point. Regardless I do hope you enjoyed the read dueces~