Author's note

So this is a Final Fantasy made by some friends of mine on Discord and I. However, the story was all my work. Characters was thanks to them. As it's obvious, I don't own anything involving Final Fantasy. It all belongs to Square Enix.

Anyway, let me know what you think of the story.

Chapter 1

They aren't exactly the greatest people in the world, but frankly, I'm glad I met them. We've had our differences and arguments, but in the end, they're my friends. We all have a story that makes us who we are, so here's mine.

3rd person

Distracted by the cheering of the crowd around him, Bereit took a massive haymaker on the left side of his face, making him fly back and hit the hard ground, head first. He got back up and turned to look at his enemy, his deep green eyes locked on the woman. Stumbling, curling his fists back up and stood in his fighting stance.

1st person

This chick is stronger than she looks. Each punch she threw was like a cinder block to the face. But endurance surely helps take the pain. I'd hate to see what she's like in a relationship.

3rd person

He saw as another one came his way, and he ducked, his dark brown spiky yet flowy hair flowing with the movement of his head, and hit the fighter against the gut, and other right on her chest. She countered with a knee but Bereit blocked that one and jumped back to get some distance to catch his breath.

The woman then went for a round house kick, and dodged the first one by ducking and another came his way but Bereit caught her leg, and reached for the other, then swinging her around and throwing her to a metal post, breaking right through it, right into the crowd.

There was silence for a second, and then the crowd cheered, and a person walked to Bereit and lifted his arm. "Ladies and gentlemen! We have our winner!" The announcer said, as then the crowd roared in cheers, some getting mad.

1st person

Nothing feels better than a cheering crowd to really make you forget you took many punches all over the body. I can still feel it, but the good feeling of cheers certainly is the best pain killer.

3rd person

Getting the money for winning the fight, he made his way to the changing room to get his regular attire back on. He went past the crowd to get some pats on the back, Bereit smiling as he got them, although some hit some bruises he had.

He made it to the changing room and closed the door behind him to change, sliding on each piece of his attire.

After a few minutes, Bereit came out wearing his regular attire, since during that brawl, he was shirtless and in pants. Now, he wore a black coat with a hood all zipped up, along with some stitch marks, with a symbol that was a white heart that seemed to be frozen, with everything else black. Boots, fingerless gloves, cargo pants. And he also had a sword that was slightly curved with a serrated edge, like shark teeth.

He made his way out the place where the fight was held, to find himself in a pub where there were people all laughing and lots of chatter. He walked to the exit, before he was stopped with a hand to his shoulder, to turn and see the girl he fought.

1st person

Aww crap. I guess she wants a rematch.

3rd person

The woman's blue eyes starring at him, seemed to have an impressed look to them, as then he got a punch to the shoulder, although soft. "Good hustle. Glad to see you aren't afraid to hit a pretty face." She said, as she then walked past him, with a grin.

Bereit watched as she walked by, sighing in relief.

1st person

Thank god she didn't ask for a rematch. I'd be toast if I had to fight her again.

3rd person

He then walked out the pub, to see the city, and the bright sun, covering his eyes for a second, for his eyes to adjust to it, to see the metal all over the place. The buildings, the street lamps, the carriages, all made of metal.

1st person

This is one of the least populated places in the world. I can see why. Every building being made of metal makes the place incredibly hot and it's just really ugly. But hey, the girls aren't. So there's that.

3rd person

Bereit looked to the left for a second, to see this one pretty looking girl, looking through a window, to see what was in the shop. He smiled for a second, before continuing to get to the shores of this place.

He then walked across a newspaper boy, as he was calling out about the subject of the paper, that was about a crew known as "Forzen Hearts." That was his crew. They were known for taking on honest jobs. Bandit hunting, animal or monster hunting, or small jobs here and there. Sell swords you could call them, but that wasn't how they liked to look at themselves.

With the distance walked, he made it to the docks of the city, to find his airship, that was known as "Titan" for being huge and heavily armoured, however slow. He smiled again, seeing the metal glimmer with the light of the sun, giving it a cool look.

1st person

Now that, is what you call an airship. Carries more than we have for a crew, and it's just a dang beauty to look at. I just wished we named it after something cooler than Titan.

3rd person

After observing the ship for a second, seeing it was made of wood, but had metal over it for armour, he got on it, to see his crew working. The cannons getting loaded, and seeing if all the armour was still on and put on properly, along with people checking on it in the lower deck. He then watched as The Captain of the ship, approached him, a burly man that looked to be around his 30s, having a shaved beard and slick back hair. "So, how'd the fight go?" He asked, in his deep voice.

Bereit grinned and threw him a bag of money. "3,500 gil right in our pockets." He answered.

The Captain smiled, and looked at him, see a red mark across the left side of his face. "And it came with a reminder." He said, poking his mark. "Got distracted by the pretty face?"

"What can I say? I underestimated that chick. Each punch felt like a cinder block to the face." Bereit said, laughing, as The Captain did too.

"In a city like this, every girl is stronger than they look. It sounds wrong, but frankly, you got the first taste." The Captain said, crossing his arms. "It's where I found the inspiration to muscle up."

"I can see that." Bereit said, placing a hand on his hip.

The Captain chuckled and then looked at all the crew members. "Alright! Let's head out!" He shouted, letting everybody know that it was time to go.

He then turned to Bereit and grinned. "Also, we've got a bounty for a big monster. You and I will handle it." The captain said, with a smile.

"Not anybody else?" Bereit asked.

"None of these guys can fight. I do have one new guy with us, but he's not with us for this mission. So it's another mission, just you and me." The captain said, with a grin.

1st person

The captain always had this strange friendship with me. He seemed to like me more than the others. I guess it's because we both fight with our bare hands, or at least we both can if we choose to.

3rd person

"Alright, so when are we reaching our destination?" Bereit asked.

"It isn't that far, so you can take a nap if you want, or warm yourself up." The captain said, suggesting pastimes.

Bereit nodded. "Alright, until then."

To pass the time, Bereit helped around the ship and talked to some of the crew members.

He talked to one that was leaning over to the side, throwing up over the side. He kneeled next to him, and patted his back. "Hey, you alright?"

"Do I look okay?" The guy asked, turning his head to him, but then turning it back to the side and threw up again.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Bereit asked, really wanting to help.

"That's what I was hoping you could tell me. What should I do?" The guy asked, holding his throw up back.

"Hmm..." Bereit said, trying to think on what to give for advice.

Read a book.

Distract yourself. ===

Talk to people.

"Try looking at your surroundings and looking at the details of them. Like your clothes or something. It'll keep your mind busy and it'll make you forget you're sick." Bereit answered.

"For real? That works?" The guy asked.

"It helps me when I feel sick, or when something's bothering me." Bereit said, with a smile.

"Alright, I'll give it a shot. Thanks." The guy said, as he then looked up to the sky. "Huh, that cloud looks like a... uhh..."

Bereit couldn't help but laugh, then got up and continued to go around, helping with what he could around the ship, occasionally talking to others. After some time passed, Bereit was eventually called up for the bounty him and The Captain were going to take.

They landed in the shore of a small island, as him and the captain walked onto the island, stepping on the warm sand. Bereit turned to look at the captain, seeing he was wearing something different this time, and carrying a massive warhammer.

1st person

Despite that giant warhammer, The Captain always fought with his bare hands. My guess is he used that thing if things get serious. We kinda work the same way, with my serrated sword.

3rd person

"Alright, our mark is an Ochu, a giant plant looking thing with long arms." The Captain explained, looking at Bereit.

Bereit nodded. "Alright, let's go take it down."

The Captain patted his back. "That's the spirit. And there's a Pilgrim Church here too, so we can check it out while we're here." He began to walk forward, as Bereit followed.

"Pilgrim Church?" Bereit asked.

"A place where people pay their tributes to the divines. You know, Shiva, Ifrit, Ramuh, those guys. I've always wanted to see what they were like, so now's a good time. You know, after we take care of the Ochu." The Captain explained.

"Hmm, that does sound interesting." Bereit said.

"They are. Although the people there aren't much for conversation. They've been cooped up in those places for so long, all they know is the divines. I remember the last time I tried to flirt with a chick, they just kept changing the subject." The Captain said.

1st person

The Captain always had a story to tell, despite the situation. Not a lot involved him meeting girls, but when it did, something always went wrong. I guess he just had bad luck when it comes to romance. I hope none of that rubs off on me.

3rd person
A roar could be heard, as The Captain stopped Bereit, placing his hand in front of him, to listen if another would happen. They remained silent, then hearing a more silent roar. "We're close to it. Stay behind me." The Captain instructed, as he started to walk more quietly. They peaked from behind the tall bushes, seeing the creature.

1st person

Probably the ugliest thing I've seen. Those long thin arms, that giant mouth, and it just smelled horrible. Well, as long as I didn't have to face it alone.

3rd person

The Ochu, having being revealed, having long, thin arms, a big gaping mouth with teeth, and a horrible odor, with a funny round shape to it's body.

The Captain looked at Bereit. "I'm gonna draw it's attention. When I do, you go for it's back."

Bereit drew his sword and nodded. "Got it." He said, as he then took a second look at Ochu, before The Captain jumped in and surrounded his fist in fire, punching it at the top of the head, and landed behind it, to have it turn around. "Now!"

Bereit jumped out and ran at it, sword in hand, as he his sword cut right through it's back.

The Ochu roared and flailed it's arms everywhere, hitting The Captain, but he endured the hit, not being knocked back by the blow.

Bereit evaded the frantic swings of the arms, and continued to swing at it's back, The Ochu trying to grab him from behind, but failing.

The Captain then charged up a fiery punch, brought his fist back. "Bereit! Get out of the way!" He called out. He then brought his fist forward, and left a burning red mark on it's body, knocking it back into the trees, breaking a bunch of them as it's body dragged against the ground.

Bereit grinned, seeing that they were doing a great amount of damage to it. He ran at it, but the Ochu got up immediately and shot out some gas out of it's mouth, Bereit feeling his collar being pulled by The Captain. "Careful. That stuff will put you to sleep." He warned.

Bereit nodded. "Thanks." he then looked at the Ochu, as the gas it shot out disappeared, and it ran at them, swinging it's arms at them. The Captain caught both of the arms, and held them down, seeming to struggle, but holding tight. "Go! Finish it!"

Bereit nodded and then coated his sword in fire, as he ran at it, jumped on the arm to jump higher, and slashed down it's head, leaving a burning cut down it's body.

The Ochu roared, and then it's arms fell to the ground, going limp.

Bereit smiled and then put the fire away from his sword, and sheathed it. "Mission accomplished."

The Captain nodded. "That's right." Bereit was about to walk away, before he was patted on the back, and turned to look at The Captain. He then saw that The Captain was looking behind him, to see there was a small part of a building he could see. But from the symbol, it being a circle with two lines that circulated around the middle, he had a surprised look. "Hey, that's the pilgrim shrine."

Bereit turned his head to him. "Oh, the one you were talking about?"

"I'll show you. Come on." The Captain said, not giving an explanation, at least until later.

1st person

The Captain always had this strange interest in pilgrim shrines. It was because of the great beings that they could summon. It was something I never cared about... until I met her.

3rd person

They walked through the trees and tall grass, as they would come across The Pilgrim Shrine. A girl ran out, rather short, holding a staff with a green orb, while she wore a top that seemed like white robes, but showed her shoulders and elbows, while her bottom half of her clothing was like a dress, but a bit see through, seeing she was wearing shorts underneath. Her purple shiny flew with the wind. She stopped in her tracks, her blue eyes starring at the two.

1st person

And that's where everything changed. Those eyes of her's that were easy to get lost in.

3rd person

"You two must leave immediately. There is a monster roaming, a big one. I must eliminate it." The girl said.

"The Ochu? Long arms, big mouth? Don't worry, we took care of it." The Captain informed, smiling.

The girl sighed in relief. "Oh thank goodness. I thank you for your trouble. Please, come inside to rest." She offered, bowing.

"Well, we were wondering if we could take a look inside. If we have permission, of course." The Captain asked.

The girl nodded. "Of course. You are most welcome." She said, as she then held the door open for them.

The Captain smiled, as he then looked at Bereit. "Come on." He said, as they then walked in. Bereit looked at the girl, and smiled. "Thank you."

They would see the interior of the shrine, seeing that there were statues of this woman, that wore barely anything, just some sort of chain mail bra and underwear, while her hair had many long ponytails, showing she had a lot of hair.

There were more people inside, 3 children, and an elderly lady.

"Welcome, to the shrine of Shiva." The Elderly lady said. "My name is Shanan. You are welcome here for as long as you like." She said, with a smile.

Bereit looked at her and nodded. "Thank you, Miss Shanan." He said, then seeing the three kids, as they were hiding from them, having nervous looks on their faces.

The Captain looked around with an interested look on his face. "Ah, Shiva." He said, looking at one of the statues.

Bereit looked around, as he would then stand in the middle of the room, where the spot he stood began to glow, and made him begin to descend. "Uhh, guys?" He asked, looking around.

The girl gasped as she then ran to him and reached for his hand, but they couldn't reach each other.

He kept going deeper and deeper, Bereit getting nervous on how deep this thing went. A few more seconds passed, as he then stopped, and looked up, seeing only a small circle of light, from where he came from. He then stopped on the floor. "Come on! Go back! Go back!" He said. He sighed. "Ugh, just wonderful."

He then turned around. "I guess I'll just have to wait until they come down." he then looked to the long hallway, to see there was a fancy looking door, all the way down there. He shrugged. "Well, it shouldn't hurt to take a look." He said, then walking down the hallway, seeing that there were carvings all over the walls, all of them being a person looking at Shiva, while holding a staff up in the air.

1st person

Sheesh, if this isn't nerve-wracking I don't know what is.

3rd person

Bereit eventually made it to the door, and looked at it, raising an eyebrow. The door had some strange symbol on it, the one like at the top of the building. He figured it was the symbol of Shiva. He reached out for the door, to open it.

"Stop!"

He jumped, hearing the girl's voice, turning to look at her with an angered look.

"You are coming back immediately! That area is for summoners only!" She said, walking to him.

"And why is that?" Bereit asked, crossing his arms.

"I don't have to explain it to you! You're leaving. Now." The girl said.

"Well, I ain't moving until you answer me." He said, clearly wanting an answer.

The girl remained silent, giving him a threatening look then groaned in an annoyed tone of voice. "If I tell you, will you leave?"

"You have my word." Bereit vowed.

She sighed, loosening the grip on her staff. "It's the trial of Shiva. It is the trial I must undertake to have Shiva as one of my summons." She answered. Although there was a lot of details left out, she kept the more important ones a secret.

Bereit raised an eyebrow. "So why haven't you done it yet?"

The looked at him, with an annoyed face. "That's none of your concern. It's my business, not yours."

"What's with you? What danger do I pose if I know this?" Bereit asked.

"You've broken one of the most important rules of the trials. No normal person is allowed in. Only a Summoner and her guardians." The girl pointed out.

"It was an accident. I didn't mean to do it." Bereit pointed out as well.

The girl looked down, gritting her teeth. "Well... I guess you really didn't mean to. And I guess you're not familiar with this stuff, so it isn't entirely your fault." She said, looking at him.

Bereit nodded, but then looked at the door. "So... since we're here, why don't you do the trial now?"

She shook her head. "No... I am not ready."

"What do you mean you're not ready? We're right here. What do you need some offerings or something?" Bereit asked, completely confused.

"No." The girl said, getting annoyed.

"Then what?" Bereit asked.

"I'm scared, alright!? I'm scared of failing! Failing everybody! I've been here for weeks hesitating! And you yelling at me doesn't help!" The girl snapped.

"Well, if you want to be a great summoner, or whatever the hell it is you want, then you gotta do the trials." Bereit said, trying to encourage her.

"You just don't understand." She said, looking away. "We're leaving, and that's final."

Bereit scoffed and then sat down, as he pulled out a book from his back, and began to read it.

She turned to look at him. "I said we're leaving."

Bereit shrugged, not looking at her.

"Why are you sitting there?" She asked, stomping her foot.

"Well, I want to see you complete the trial, so I'm gonna have to wait a long time then. And don't try and drag me out, because I bite." He said, looking at her, with a taunting grin.

"Argh!" She said, stomping her foot again. "Alright! You annoying little brat!" She yelled.

Bereit was actually scared a bit from that sudden uproar. "I can see that fancy talk was just for show then."

She sighed in an annoyed tone. She walked past him, as she placed her staff in front of the door, as it began to glow. "Cover your ears. You aren't allowed to hear this." The girl warned.

Bereit rolled his eyes and covered his ears, but he watched her do what she did. From his perspective, she was chanting something, but he couldn't understand it. He then watched as the door slowly opened, seeing a turquoise light coming from the door.

Bereit put his book away, as he watched her work her magic. "Hey... good luck." He said, with a smile, to at least give her something encouraging.

The girl looked at him for a second, and then looked forward, entering the room.

The doors slammed behind her, and not another sound was heard from that door.

Bereit nervously waited, hoping that she would come back out. He believed in her, but there was always that chance. He waited for a while, and the door opened, as he stood up, to see her stumble out. She walked forward a few steps, and then fell to the ground.

Bereit walked to her, and then picked her up, placing one hand under her back, and the other under her legs. He carried her out, hoping the others could help.

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