Author Note:
Well, this is perhaps my first foray into this site, though this is not the first fanfic I've done. Mind you, at the time of writing, this prologue is made based on PURE SPECULATION on what might be the final battle in the next Expansion of FFXIV, Endwalker, since it's not out yet. It will change into something completely different once it comes out, and I plan to make those changes once I played through the whole thing.
And in case you're wondering how he looks like physically, here's the URL: get/20255521 (Will be updated once the Lodestones updates the apperance, and later on when Endwalker comes out).
EDIT: Added details from the full trailer of Endwalker.
Enjoy. Rating's set to Mature just for precautions (don't plan to change it, in case things do get spicy or less-than-safe).
Prologue: Endwalker
Heart of amber, wrought in time
Culling swiftly, bleeding light
Smoldering softly, biding time
Marching forward, and left behind
The final hour, shadows clash
Forgotten footfalls engraved in ash
Fire will be repaid
'fore our echoes begin to fade
Fade away
Fade away
Heart of amber, wrought in time
Burning brightly, all in white
Kindred souls will never wear
Sorrow's silence will lead in prayer
Strum a song along the way
Tales of loss, and fire, and fate
Dys Ahn Sohm In
Rohs An Kyn Ala Na
Eel Ahn Sohm In
Sahl Djahs Afah An
Storm of blood, born from blood
of our fallen brothers
Time stands still, all's fulfilled
Now we go for freedom!
Born in blood (Still we forge ahead)
Stained in red (until tomorrow)
Bound by blood (still we forge ahead)
Cut this thread (until tomorrow)
Cull these thieves (ever forge ahead)
Hand in hand (until tomorrow)
Souls aligned (ever forge ahead)
Forge ahead (still we forge ahead)
Forward! (still we forge ahead!)
Our song of hope, she dances on the wind
Higher, oh, higher!
Ere our foes endure
Everything's the will of the strong
Standing tall in the dark, till we carry on
On wings of hope, you rise up through the night
Higher, oh, higher!
Carrying a song
Raise up everything in our hearts
that its chorus might ring for all!
One brings shadow, one brings light
Two-toned echoes tumbling through time
Tumbling down!
Tum-bl-ing down!
Every step we take
Echoes in our wake
for tomorrow's forfeit
Forge ahead!
Should we lose our way
Tire of all of this pain
We won't be afraid
To forge ahead!
Finish off the fight
From the dark to light
If it's not too late
To forge ahead!
As we ride again
To another end
Where it all begins
Forge ahead!
(Excerpt from the Orchestrion "Forge Ahead", discovered near the site of the final battle between the Warrior of Light and Zenos yae Galvus)
Clang! Shiing! Clang! Clang!
The sound of steel, grating against one another, echoes through the silent darkness of space. Two beings were clashing on the surface of the moon, overlooking the burning planet that is known as Hydaelyn.
One, he who is known as the Warrior of Light, Hero of Eorzea, Eikon Slayer, Slayer of Gods, Khagan of the Azim Steppe, Bringer of Light, Liberator, the Warrior of Darkness, Embodiment of Hydaelyn, and in the long-forgotten past that has since faded into obscurity before the present, the holder of the forgotten office of the 14th Seat of Amaurot's Convocation of Fourteen, Azem, for he was the Shepherd to the Stars in the Dark, the one who wanders the world as the sole representative of the Convocation of Fourteen in the ages of yore.
The other, he who was the Crown Prince of the Garlemald Empire, the Destroyer of the Garlemald Empire, one of the Harbingers of the End, Viceroy of Doma and Ala Mhigo, Commander of the XIIth Imperial Legion, Resonant Bearer, and the Embodiment of Zodiark.
The two clashes as the world around them continued to shatter and break under their pressure. The year was 1587 of the Garlean Calendar. The planet the world they're on was orbiting burned, rent in tooth and claw, as the End of Times that once ravaged the world emerged once more, and threatened to destroy the very fabric of reality itself. The many nation-states of the world rallied together in a desperate attempt to stall and even stop the madness, yet even with the help of the mighty Warrior of Light and his companions, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, they were barely hanging on. Even the vaunted Bastion of Knowledge, Sharlayan, for all their knowledge and principle of non-interference, they too were not immune to the End Days.
Even after vanquishing the ascian Fandaniel and his group that was responsible for triggering the second End of Times, aside from the Crown Prince Zenos yae Galvus, who is currently battling against the Warrior of Light, the damage was already done. Now, only the Warrior of Light, Josua Kurenai, formerly Kurenai Shugo, can stop the insanity of the End of Times, by destroying Zenos, and Zodiark by extension.
"THIS, my friend… THIS IS WHAT I YEARN FOR!" Zenos exclaimed.
Shugo clenched his teeth in anger as he brings forth his blade to clash against Zenos' Scythe once more.
CLANGGGGGGG!
"Only a madman like you can enjoy this moment, while the world burns behind us, and the moon shatters around us." Shugo retorted with anger and sorrow.
Far too many had died in the moments leading up to this point. His first love perished in front of himself. His second love gave her vestiges of power to his essentially goddaughter to save the First. His best friends from the ages of yore, perishing under the steel of his blade, for they remember not of his true, whole self from that forgotten past.
"I will NOT let the world end again. NOT under MY WATCH!" He shouted.
In the visage of his 'friend' burning with anger and sorrow, hell-bent on vanquishing him, Zenos relished in the violence and insanity of the apocalypse.
"Yes… My friend… BURN WITH ANGER… DROWN YOURSELF IN THIS MADNESS! THIS IS THE TRANSCENDENT MOMENT THAT I'VE YEARNED FOR! IT'S BEEN FAR TOO LONG!" Zenos reveled in ecstasy as he brings down his mighty blade.
SHIIIINGG! CLANGGG!
The surface of the moon surrounding them continued to be rent with every clash of their blades. A testament to the sheer power they possess, being the embodiments of the two most ancient and powerful Primals.
Seconds passed, and seconds became minutes. Minutes passed, with every clash of steel comes the scar of the surface around them. And not long after, the time nearing the end of the battle, is about to pass.
Whether the two realized it together or not, they instinctively knew, that the next one will be their last clash. Their blades were already worn down, to the point it will only last one more strike. The victor will either bring about the salvation of Hydaelyn, or its destruction, and the loser shall be vanquished.
The two readied themselves, getting into their own stances for their final strike against one another. Everything that has happened up to this point, every moment of joy, sorrow, anger, and affection… Everything has culminated to this singular moment.
One fights for the sake of his loved ones, and for the people. For those he lost, and those he could still save. He fights for them.
The other fights for the reverie in destruction, carnage, and the very primal essence of mankind: violence. He cares not for anything else but that.
Shugo lifts his sword, as light gathered around and bathed him in light.
'Yotsuyu… Minfilia… Hades… Elidibus…' He remembered, their faces flashing in front of him.
Even with his armor that resembles a Hingashi nobility clothing, soaked in his blood and in tatters, he held on. His eyes sharp, his teeth grit, his sword clenched by his fist. Steady breathing… Calm, serene within the mind, yet rage within the heart. His soul, connected to another existence on somewhere known as Earth, was steady, in knowledge of what is to come.
This… Was to be his last battle. This would be the final mark on the world as the Warrior of Light before he would live in relative peace. Things would still happen, but in comparison to the ongoing Apocalypse, are trivial. He would be fulfilling his promise to his dear friend, Hades, and to his second love, Minfilia, and by extension, Venat.
'You fool…' He sighed in sadness at the thought of Venat.
He would miss some things after this chapter in his life is closed. But that is for another time. Right now, though…
"HYEAAAARRRRGHHHH!" He shouted as he went forward.
Zenos, his opponent, had the same thought and charged as well. The two met in the middle of the battlefield and clashed for one final time. Each would bring forth their final, strongest attack. And this would determine the fate of all life on Hydaelyn.
"DOOM OF THE LIVING!" Shugo shouted as he unleashed his Limit Break.
The light that bathed him and his sword extended his sword's range, empowering it to the point his slashes could rend space and time. For it was his most powerful attack, even beyond any of the Limit Break he ever unleashed prior. He risked his everything for this one, single attack of multiple slashes.
CRANGGGGG!
Whether he realized it or not, his sword, upon contact with Zenos' Scythe, broke. But the attack… It still went through. A blade made of pure aether replaced his broken katana in his hand.
SLASH! SLASH SLASH SLASH SLASH!
Four distinctive, audible slashes roared the air. Light marks appeared on Zenos' body upon receiving the slashes. Zenos coughed up blood, but he smiled. He enjoyed it. This battle… Was everything to him. Fighting against his 'friend'… This was everything he could ask for. He would reciprocate this feeling with his own attack. He too, formed a Scythe made of pure aether, albeit being dark in color.
"Thank you, my friend. This transcendent feeling… I shall give it to you as well." He said with a smile, as he unleashed his attack.
"HYEARRRGHHHHHHHH!" Shugo, not noticing Zenos' words, unleashed the final slash.
The two bladed weapons, one of pure light, and one of pure darkness, clashed. Signifying the final clash of the Light and Dark, the final battle between the last remnants of the old world. And now, it has come full circle.
SHIIINNGGG!
A massive burst of light consumed them as the two blades meet one another. Shugo's eyes squinted because of the light. And before long, the light subsided, and he could open his eyes in full again.
There he was. In a space of white. Standing in front of him were four people. Four whom he recognized.
Yotsuyu.
Minfilia.
Hades.
And lastly, Venat.
For appearances, Yotsuyu had a white long hair, and her kimono being white, just like how she looks prior to her death. Minfilia looked like when she was still the "Word of the Mother". Hades had his ascian outfit, though he did not have his hood up, looked more upright, and no mask covering his face. Venat… She had her hood on, though Shugo could see some face underneath it. Something about it felt more familiar.
Shugo turned back, to see a shadow.
'Is it…' He thought for a moment, recognizing the possible identity of the shadow behind him before turning to look at the four in front of him.
He wanted to say something, before Venat spoke first.
"Thank you, Azem." She thanked him, calling him by his title.
"You've done much and more for the realm. For all who lives within the realm… And beyond." She continued.
"But…" He was, for the lack of better word, speechless.
"I told you, he's always like this. Sheesh, one would think that after remembering everything it would change things. But nooo, he is pretty much the same as he was twelve eons ago." Hades scoffed at Venat, but with a cheeky smile.
"He IS the Warrior of Light, after all. Was it not the reason you chose him to be your champion, Venat?" Minfilia chuckled.
"That, and he is a sucker for helping others." Venat chuckled, somewhat shedding her usual rather formal way of speaking.
Shugo's face was beet red at that remark. It was not as if he wanted to help people for the sake of helping others. He simply felt it was better to get things out of the way first before it starts to bug him later during important moments.
'Even after all these years, even after I changed… You never changed. That was why I could live on, even after I forgot about you.' Yotsuyu thought.
She only watched, while smiling softly at her childhood's first love, whose face was beet red as Venat and Minfilia somewhat bully the young man.
Hades then claps his hands. He looked a bit sad while doing so.
"Yes, yes. I know this is great and all, and I really hate to be the wrecker here, but… We don't have much time here." He sighed.
There was a moment of silence between the four, while Shugo looked confused, before the rest of the four sighed.
"What do you mean… By not much time?" Shugo asked.
The four looked at each other, before Yotsuyu stepped up. Venat nodded in non-verbal permission at Yotsuyu, while Yotsuyu nods in confirmation.
"Shugo… As Venat said, you have done much and more for the realm, more than one person should have ever bear. All of us here are thankful for that. Therefore… We ask if you… Would want to return, or if you wish to travel to another realm." Yotsuyu asked.
"Another… Realm?" Shugo tilted his head.
Minfilia was about to explain on the subject, before Hades gave his hand, shaking his head and stepped up, instead of her explaining.
"Basically, my friend, we are asking if you would go back to your comrades and continue on with your life with the people on Hydaelyn OR leave for another realm that is far from here and live your own life." He succinctly summarized the explanation for the question.
"I…" Shugo was taken aback.
"Josua, we know we have asked too much of you, to bore the burden of the world's salvation. Now… We feel like this mayhap be the one chance you can… Have your own life." Minfilia said, feeling guilt scowling within her stomach.
Sometimes, things like this were not conveyed by people. But those who are aware would know of how much the Warrior of Light had sacrificed for the sake of the world's salvation. The loss of those closest to him was but one of the few things that stood out the most in his journey. This was not even mentioning the damages sustained to him in physical and mental sense.
Shortly after Minfilia spoke, the shadow behind him then went to his front. He could then see clearly what the shadow looks like. It was basically his reflection, yet with much more dead look on its face.
"Your journey, should you choose to return to your comrades, shall continue on. Things will be different, and many unexpected events might occur. My other self, know that now there is an option for you to… Leave." It said as it grabbed his shoulder.
"You've done your part for this world. It no longer needs your guardianship. While it may still be helpful, however, it's not the broken world you've started your journey at anymore." It continued.
"And in case you think I am Zodiark, no, I am not. For I am the soul linked to you since birth, the one that came from the place known as Earth. Know that I've seen what lies beyond the Apocalypse, and trust me, that the choice that you shall make here will determine the path you will take." It ended before returning to his back at a distance away, its eyes closed.
Venat then stepped up yet again, before Shugo could speak.
"It spoke the truth, Azem, for I have sensed its intentions while it spoke. I have peered into its memories, and I say with confidence that it spoke of no lies." She exclaimed.
It should be known at this point that the Ancients (or Amaurotines, as they were originally known as) possess what people at the present time call as the Echo. While it varies between individuals, its most known (and profound) ability is to peer into someone's past, but without the ability to interfere, only viewing them.
Shugo could not help but sigh, since he knows himself that the shadow was not lying in the slightest. Even though he does not consider his "other" self's memories as his own, he does view it from time to time.
"I know, Venat. I also had the chance to see it with my own eyes." He waved his hand in understanding.
"Then you know that you have to make a choice now. I would rather have you deliberate it over time, but circumstances would not allow for such a thing." Venat sighed helplessly.
This whole thing, the conversation they had, the supposed white space… It was all created within the span of the explosion consuming Josua and Zenos after both landed their final strike at each other, though it was all but confirmed that Josua won and Zenos lost, just by implying from his conversation with them earlier.
"Clock's ticking…" Hades snickered, but with a bit of sadness.
Shugo groaned. He was being asked to make such an important decision within such a short span of time. Granted, it was because of the circumstance not allowing for the time he needed, but still…
"Sigh… Then I have but one request." Shugo exasperated.
"Hmm? What is that you wish to request of me?" Venat raised a brow.
"Let me say my final goodbye… With my father, and the Scions. This is also including Ryne." Shugo elaborated.
"… May I assume that you chose the latter of the option, not the former?" Venat asked for confirmation.
"Yes." Shugo nodded with a heavy sigh.
"Very well… I shall bring them here." Venat nodded before disappearing for a moment.
Shugo looked at the remaining three in front of him. He went over to Yotsuyu and hugged her. She was taken aback for an instant, before hugging him back.
"We've just been reunited, yet now we must part ways… Perhaps forever... Must the kami give both of us such cruel fates?" He said, somber and sorrow were radiated from his words.
"I know, love. Mayhap one day… The kami will grant it to us, and we shall be reunited once again, and never be separated evermore." She affirmed, tears streaking down her face.
He released her from his embrace, and the two intertwined their lips for the second, and maybe, their final time. After several seconds, they separated as he wiped the tears from her face. He turned and went towards his second love.
"Minfilia…" He sighed heavily.
"I know. Perhaps the Twelve never meant for us to be together. But know that you will always be in our hearts and prayers." She smiled softly, as she caressed his face.
"I'm… Truly sorry." He nodded with sadness.
"I know. Go forth and live your life." She nodded, smiling.
He hugged her for a moment, before releasing her from his embrace, and went towards Hades. One of his oldest, and perhaps, most dedicated friend.
"Hades…" He greeted somberly.
"Hermes…" Hades greeted back.
"Just… One final request." Shugo asked.
"Ask, and I shall fulfil it to the best of my abilities with every fiber of my being." Hades nodded.
"Please… Look after my father, my retainers, and the Scions." Shugo requested.
"While I may not see eye to eye with their… Naivete, I respect the Scions well enough. Very well, I shall mind your father and retainers, alongside the Scions." Hades nodded somberly.
"Thank you, my friend." Shugo offered his hand.
"T'was the least that I can do, my dearest friend. May the fates bless you in your new path, Azem." Hades shook Shugo's hand, before giving a slight hug.
Just as he was done saying his farewells with the three, Venat had returned, bringing his fellow Scions along with her.
"As you've requested, my friend, your fellow Scions." Venat bowed slightly.
"Thank you, Venat." Shugo bowed slightly in return.
The Scions, namely Ryne, Alphinaud and Alisae looked confused, as to why they were brought upon such an empty space, aside from the few within it.
"Scions. My comrades. May I have your attention, please?" Shugo asked in a slightly loud voice.
"Josua, why did you have her bring us here?" Alphinaud asked.
"I…" Shugo opened his mouth for a moment, before he grits his teeth in conviction and said, "I wish to bid you all a final farewell."
This sent shockwaves amongst the Scions. Their strongest, unyielding member, wanted to bid farewell?
"Did… Did you s- "Alphinaud was about to ask before Alisae immediately went ballistic and ran towards Shugo.
"What do you mean you're saying goodbye? Did you lose? ANSWER ME!" Alisae grabbed Shugo's collars.
Shugo sighed, slowly gripping his hands onto hers, and gently removed her hands from his collars before he embraced her for a moment before releasing her.
"No, Alisae. Twelve forefend, we wouldn't be here if I actually lost." He chuckled.
"Then why would you want to say goodbye to all of us by bringing us here?" She tilted her head in confusion.
"I… Shall be leaving this realm. Forever." He declared.
That sent another shockwave amongst the Scions. His wording may still need to be worked with, though nonetheless it did convey his intent, albeit not very well. One person, however, did not take it very well.
"What do you mean, Warrior of Darkness? You are leaving the realm forever?" Ryne asked, her eyes slowly glistening with tears.
"As I have said, I am still alive and well. Though, I shall be leaving this realm for another one. Far beyond this one." He elaborated.
He went up towards Ryne and caressed her head.
"Although I may not be like Thancred, who is, for all intents and purposes, your Godfather… However, I still found myself seeing you as if you were my own child." He spoke.
"Like Thancred said, you deserve all the happiness in the world, and more. I believe however, you deserve even more for everything that is good that exists. You are the kindest, sweetest child I have ever known, and I pray that you have the brightest future: One with a fulfilling life that you will never regret, and may you find the love of your life." He ended, smiling fondly.
Ryne looked at the Warrior of Darkness' eyes, filled with kindness and prayer for her. Her eyes soon glistened with tears, and they dropped from her eyelids, down to her face and eventually, either the ground or to her clothes.
He then turned towards Y'shtola, lifting his hand from Ryne's head. He walked towards her and found himself towering over the Miqo'te.
"Mom." He jokingly called her.
"Yes dear?" She replied.
"I'm going." He spoke.
"Be well. Be a dear and do not forget to write home, would you?" She chuckled.
"I shall, mum." He chuckled as well.
He hugged her for a moment. "Thank you, for being such a worrywart of a mum." He said, before she replied, "You were always a worrying one. But… You're welcome." With a smile. He released her from his embrace, before turning towards the remaining people whom he had not addressed yet.
"Alphinaud. Learn to read people better, and maybe you'll be a better leader, yeah?" He spoke.
"Yes, well, I've learned my lesson already." Alphinaud chuckled.
He then turned towards Thancred, the white-haired paramour of a man. Jokingly, he would call him "Dadcred" for his rather fatherly attitude towards Ryne and the late Minfilia. That was perhaps one of the few things that one could learn from him, while his other, more "scandalous" behavior was to be...left behind.
"Thancred? Do visit Ryne from time to time, and be a good father, won't you?" He glanced.
"Pssht, I'll do it without having you to tell me that." Thancred chuckled.
Shaking his head, Shugo turned towards Lyse Hext, one of the leaders of the recently-liberated Ala Mhigo. He recalled his memories of the first time he met her, still using her sister's name for quite a while, before finally shedding it and becoming unto her own just before the Scions and the Eorzean Alliance began their operations to liberate Ala Mhigo. Of course, there was a certain something that did not escape him when she first met a certain someone from the continent of Yanxia.
"Lyse. Be a great leader and be obvious with your own feelings. If you do not, then Hien will be taken by Yugiri…" He teased.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?!" She blushed, before chuckling.
Shrugging, he turned towards the scholar of the Scions, and perhaps the most cryptically-spoken of the Scions: Urianger Augurelt. Aside from the aforementioned way of speaking, he's also infamously known for his actions that sometimes...clash with the Scions, due to the nature of said actions. Though, in the end, his actions were for the benefit of the Scions and the world overall. He's also known for another thing.
"Urianger. One piece of practical advice: Learn to swim properly. Please. For the love of the Twelve." He deadpanned said it.
"I… Shall endeavor to do so." Urianger said depressingly.
Grinning at the Elezen, he turned towards the lovable, little Lalafell that was the clerk and somewhat of an administrator of the Scions: Tataru Taru. Even with all her improvements, she still lacks in being capable of stopping enemies from taking her away, more often than not.
"And finally, last but not the least, Tataru. Try not to be a damsel in distress whenever you are in danger, would you?" Shugo said sarcastically.
"I-I-I shall try!" Tataru was fumbling.
On the side, a certain Miqo'te was looking all nervous and giddy. As he turned towards the young man, said young man spoke out first before he could.
"Wait, what about me?" G'raha Tia asked, pointing at himself.
"Really, G'raha? Just… Socialize." Shugo facepalmed.
G'raha Tia chuckled embarrassingly, while the others around him laughed.
"But, that aside... Allow me to bid you farewell with these parting words, my friend:" G'raha rubbed the back of his neck before he went on, "Yours is a long road, my friend, and it stretches on to places beyond imagining. With your every step, these grand adventures shall grow more distant and faint. And there may come a day when you forget the faces and voices of those you have met along the way. On that day, I bid you remember this... That no matter how far your journey may take you, you stand where you stand by virtue of the road you walked to get there. For in times of hardship, when you fear you cannot go on... The joy you have known, the pain you have felt, the prayers you have whispered and answered—they shall ever be your strength and your comfort. This I hope—I believe, here at memory's end." with a smile.
Shugo opened his mouth for a moment, before closing and smirked.
"You've certainly learnt something from me. Not bad, Tia. Not bad at all." He chuckled.
Having said his farewells to the Scions, he turned towards the final person: his father. While his father, Nobutada Kurenai, was not exactly present in most of his life, however, when he does, he was perhaps the best he could ever ask for, considering that the rest of his own family was less than friendly for him.
"Father…" Shugo greeted the aged man.
"My son…" Nobutada greeted back.
"Forgive me for being such an unfilial son. For leaving without saying any words to the family." Shugo kneeled and bowed for forgiveness.
"No, my child, it is I who should seek your forgiveness." Nobutada knelt and brought Shugo up again.
"But father…" Shugo was about to say something before Nobutada interrupted.
"Hush now, my son. I know of the treachery that your mother has plagued you with. I was supposed to be your example, but instead, I was drowned in my duty as an official and neglected you as a father. Please forgive me." Nobutada pleaded.
"Please, father, raise yourself. 'Tis not your fault, for you are simply fulfilling your duty to the Bakufu. And I have never doubted your love for me as your child. Thank you, father, for the small, but precious times you've spared for me when I was but a wee lad." Shugo bowed.
"Thank you, little one, for forgiving this old fool of a father. I pray to the kami for your safety and for any endeavor you shall partake in the path you choose." Nobutada's eyes glistened.
The father and son hugged each other. While the two never spent much time together, as implied in their conversation, however, they were never on a bad note. After several seconds, the two let themselves go from each other's embrace.
"Well, I'd say that's all the goodbye that needs to be said, Azem." Hades pointed out.
Shugo nodded in agreement.
"Very well. Then with my remaining power as Hydaelyn, I shall send you off this realm. Good luck, my friend." Venat said as she began to summon her powers.
"Venat." Shugo said.
"Yes?" Venat tilted her head.
"Take care of all of them for me, would you?" He asked.
"I will. I thank you for everything you have done for the realm, and for the people living in it. May the fates guide your path and bless you in your new journey in life." She smiled.
A circle then formed under Shugo, before it subsequently unleashed a pillar of light, consuming Shugo within it. He gave them all his best smile, just before he left. The light pillar propelled him through the boundaries of space-time, dimensions, and even reality itself. As to where it takes him… It remains unknown.
Meanwhile, on the surface of the moon, the tip of his broken sword's shattered blade remained, as a testament to his final conflict with Zenos and Zodiark, signifying the end of the Apocalypse. Beside it were his numerous effects, for he no longer required their services, aside from those that were soul-bound to him.
The Scions, upon returning to reality, found themselves on the moon. They found his effects and brought it back along with them to Hydaelyn. Then the news spread, of how the Warrior of Light engaged in the final battle against Zenos and Zodiark, of the fact he won against the ultimate being, but he perished not long after, with only his effects and broken weapon remained.
The world wallowed in sorrow, as many gathered upon his small estate in Shirogane. His retainers, having been told of his true fate, kept their vigil, in hopes that one day he may return. They would inherit his remaining money, in the sum of around 3 million gils, and the rights to his estate. However, they swore to not touch his money or estate, out of sheer respect and admiration for the late hero.
For his is the path of the Heroes, a long-trodden path riddled with hardships, tragedies, and many other things that would break a normal man. His path also touched so many others, for they mourned of his passing.
Monuments were built in his name, each housing his most powerful effects that remained. The most prominent one being in Yanxia, where it was placed near the supposed grave of the former acting Imperial Viceroy, Yotsuyu goe Brutus, formerly Yotsuyu Naeuri. The monument being of him and her, sitting together under a cherry blossom tree, her leaning onto his shoulders, while he leaned onto her.
The Scions, in the meantime, would house his broken sword (apart from the blade's grip, sheath, and guard) next to the broken Tupsimati, signifying his impact upon the Scions that were no less than that of Louisoix Leveilleur, the founder of the Circle of Knowing, one of the two organizations that formed the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. His journal was also housed by the Scions, though some of its contents, including his childhood story and many other controversial choices and events in his life, were eventually released as a story.
One of the most popular of the stories was the story of his romance with Yotsuyu. Predictably, many were confounded on how the Liberator of the realms were infatuated with perhaps one of the most ruthless viceroys of the Imperials. Many others, however, noted that his story shed some light on perhaps the dark parts of Doman society that was never brought to light to the point that it produced a person like Yotsuyu. Thanks to that, her name was no longer as stained, and many would often go to the monument in Yanxia as pilgrimage, which was built in memory for his undying love of her and their tragic romance.
However, aside from mere monuments, their love story was also introduced as a play by the Majestic Imperial Theater Company, under the direction of Jenomis cen Lexentale himself, with parts of it being played by his two children, Ramza and Alma bas Lexentale. When asked why they would turn such a story into a play, Jenomis simply said that it was out of gratitude and debt towards the Warrior of Light himself, since he was instrumental in uncovering much of the truth to the Zodiac Braves and Ivalice. Well, that and the fact the hero saved his two children.
Sometimes, people would swear that they saw a couple sitting under a cherry blossom tree that resembles the Warrior of Light and his lover. Others would claim it was simply a figment of their imagination. Whatever it was, though, people certainly hoped that the fates would be kind enough to reunite them in the afterlife.
Meanwhile, in the First, Ryne would speak of his passing, and the tale of his life. No matter the world, be it the Source or the First, they too mourn the passing of the hero. He was forever immortalized as the Warrior of Darkness, the one who brought salvation to the shard after its near annihilation from the Flood of Light, and brought back the night to that world.