Authors: Raylah and Napalm
(AngelicPikachu and Friend)
Chapter 0: Prologue
Time: Mid-Noon
Location: Aldenard Continent, en route to Gridania
"You may think I'm just an average Miqo'te... But let me tell you something, I've been through a lot. The pain and suffering I have witnessed has been something horrible." Spoke a young female voice, sitting in the back of a carriage being pulled by two Chocobo with a middle-aged Elezen at the reins, bound for the Black Shroud which would lead to Gridania. The Miqo'te child was between the age of 12-13, wearing a yellow vest with brown leggings and garments, bearing fiery red hair, tail, and ears for her age, and sharp green eyes that stared through tears at the serene sky and puffy clouds above. She appeared exhausted, scratched up, and hungry, but filled with determination. She had saved up every coin she could to begin a new life, one of special purpose and importance.
Her name is Luna, younger sister of a proud warrior named Lunara whom she had always fondly admired. However, before her very eyes she had witnessed her beloved elder sisters' betrayal in battle by a sworn comrade, and could still hear the death wail in her mind as her sister held the traitor at bay with what life she could muster long enough for Luna to make herself hidden. After the traitor had destroyed what she could in search of the younger sister, eventually leaving after finding it fruitless, Luna had emerged from her place of hiding to make her way to her sister, who lay barely conscious and drenched in the rain that washed her blood into the soil below. As the younger dropped to her knees beside her, Lunara gave her a soft smile realizing she was safe, and passed after spending what life remained in her to instill the words Luna swore she would never forget.
"My sweet Luna, do not weep. Though it is too late for me, I have naught but one sorrow, that I will not be here to witness you grow into a strong woman. Even now, after all that I have suffered, I have not lost sight of hope for the future of our world. Always remember, do not allow your grief or sorrow to become hatred, do not allow the idea of vengeance to consume you. Avenge me if you must, but do not do so with darkness in your heart. The strength within you is great, but alone there is little you can accomplish. Become stronger, retain your kind heart, and carry on in my stead. Make allies that you can believe in and rely upon, and who can treat and rely upon you in turn. And know that I will always love you sister, may Azeyma shine her favor upon you."
"Yes, sister..." Luna thought, wiping the tears from her eyes as the Black Shroud came into view over the horizon. "I will do as you have said. I will become stronger, I won't let you down. You protected me, you saved me, your death will not be in vain."
Within minutes, the carriage passed into the Black Shroud, every inch closer to Gridiana bringing with it more possibilities.