A/N: Hello everyone! I am alive and not dead… Well, I was in the hospital during my long disappearance. I'm better now, just being more careful by not pushing myself too much. I do apologize for my long disappearance and lack of updates. I needed much needed rest from everything going on in life and work has been keeping me extremely busy (which led to me ending up in the hospital a few times as I just stated). For the sake of it (and as a serious matter), please bear with me on my story updates from here on as it will take time for me. Regarding this one, I want to publish this one before I finally resume the updates towards some of my other stories and revise some other stories I had to scrap.

Now regarding this, this story will be considered one of the longest projects I will be doing (longer than the Remnants of Desires story saga). Given the expansions, the long quests, storyline, etc. you know this will be one long story. With FFXIV Endwalker and its 6.1 update providing such an amazing conclusion, the game is far from over as stated by Yoshi-P and his team. I will be doing my best in putting a lot of effort regarding character development, progression, the emotions, the bonding, and the side stories FFXIV had into this, etc. That said, I would like to introduce you all to this story and don't forget to read an important note I have at the end of this chapter.

Now, let us begin with the prologue to the longest project of a story, The Reincarnated Journey.

NOTED: MINOR EDITS MADE ON APRIL 19th, 12:43pm EST

The alarm of a phone echoed within the room, ruining the sleeper's good slumber. A male groan escaped through the bed, occupied by a lone person. The phone continued to ring much to his growing irritation and reached for it while raising his head a bit. With the sheet moved aside, it revealed person was a young man in his mid 20s with short hair and dark colored eyes. However, portions of his hair were dyed blonde.

The young man looked at the phone and noticed the time. "Damn alarm..." He murmured tiredly, dismissing the notification. His arm drooped down and sighed heavily. Must the notification always be so annoying at times?

He moved himself off the bed and stretched slightly before relaxing.

The room was fairly plain but had some collections on the shelf. An average size TV and a couple of his game systems resting on the wooden dresser. He rubbed his eyes upon noticing he actually left the system and television on. "Great…" He used the television remote to turn off the TV, in turn causing the game system to go into rest mode. The perk of having a Smart TV but it still affects the electric bill.

There was not much to say about him. Just a good samaritan currently working every day. The job he worked at pays fairly well, the stress not much and the atmosphere was bustling on occasions.

His morning routine consists of exercises, eating, then showering as preparations for work. After completing his routine, he adjusted his clothes for his shift as he looked at the mirror. He paused when he noticed the photo taped to the corner of it.

His eyes dimmed at the memories as he stared at the photo. Having a mother who later divorced the biological father, and eventually remarried. His stepfather was a good person but the lifestyle was difficult to adjust at times over the years due to his stepfather being in the military. At least his stepfather cared about him more than his biological father did. The latter had barely been there for him much to his past frustration.

Moving from place to place and having to adjust to new environments, it was repetitive. Then it was the adjustment of being in different schools a few times wasn't easy either. At least he was able to keep in contact with the friends he made through the years.

There were some memories he didn't want to forget, the reason why… it was something that made him grieved but also a promise he was keeping since.

He inhaled then exhaled to calm himself at the bitter times growing up. At least he has made achievements since high school.

"Just gotta keep doing my best for you guys," He murmured and exited the apartment with a bag in hand.

Stepping down the steps, he turned to his left to start his trek to work. The city was somewhat busy in the mornings during the weekends.

As the young adult walked, he could hear music from a trumpet which tickled his mind with some joy. Another usual thing to hear but in a good way. Looking ahead, he saw the person in question who looked to be of African American descent wearing a pair of khakis to go alongside the suit. The said man had a fedora on his head and held a somewhat elderly appearance due to his facial features and graying of his hair.

"Hey, Mr. Jackson," The samaritan greeted.

The old man stopped his trumpet before he laughed upon seeing the familiar face. "It's good to see you again, my boy!" The old man gently patted the younger one's shoulder. "Off to work?"

"Yeah." He gestured to his shoulder bag. "But I still have an hour to spare."

"Always an early one. You shouldn't push yourself too much if you are always heading to work this early."

"I'm alright with it." The young man raised his shoulders. He wasn't one to complain, he made a promise.

"Think you got some time to talk?"

The employee pondered before he shrugged. "Sure, I don't mind." He leaned against the wall, standing beside Jackson who began to wipe his instrument clean.

"How have things been for you?"

"The usual." The black and blonde haired man answered. "What about you?"

"Still breathing thanks to you." The older man gently patted his own chest. "If it weren't for your help, I would have been in the grave by now."

"I'm just glad you are alright. It really didn't feel right to see yourself in such a condition."

The musician gave a small hearty laugh but it made him recall a sense of understanding to the young man's doings. Setting the rag back into the case, Jackson sighed. "You know. God knows there is more out there for someone like you with everything you have been doing." Jackson stated wisely, looking up at the clear sky. "A selfless soul is one who has a place."

The samaritan perked up slightly. "…You really think so?"

"I've met a lot of people through the years. Those like you who do good deeds and help others; I say you're one of the good few."

There was often something people wanted in return for their assistance. Be it favors or other things. The young man before him never asked for any of it. He knew the young man better than most due to the Samaritan helping him to the hospital and his recovery. Even the occasional visits over tea or music. It just showed how selfless and dedicated the worker was to help others.

"I made a promise, Mr. Jackson." His dark eyes looked up at the air, seeing a cloud slowly hover in the morning sky. "That's all I ever wanted to do since. Not for my sake, but to help others. If they're okay, then I'm okay."

The old man chuckled nonetheless. "Ever thought of traveling again?" He caught the look in the younger man's eyes - the sense of wanderlust. "You used to talk about going around the world more whenever we talked. Hell my boy, you always enjoyed mentioning the places you've been to such as London."

The raven-haired samaritan closed his eyes for a moment. "Well, I already have it planned to see more of the world. I just have to continue saving up again before I can start it all once more." The corner of his lips curled and opened his eyes. He had been making plans to go places. Not just for a vacation but deep down there was that small part of him that wanted to see the wonders, the sites, and places that he will forever remember. It wasn't that it caught his interest, it oddly felt like he wanted to see the world - like it was second nature for him. "Though, hopefully, once things settle down of course."

"Amen to that."

Looking at his phone, he noticed the time. The young man pushed himself from the wall. "I should get going before things start to get busy at work during the breakfast hour. You have a good day Mr. Jackson." With a wave of his hand, he departed towards work.

"Take care of yourself!" Jackson called. "And may god bless you!"

The young man nodded with a wave before he grunted at the sudden headache he felt. The familiar sensation he endured on occasions throughout the year. It bothered him at times especially when it disrupted his focus for a good few minutes.

He talked to a doctor about it in the past and the results left confusion. It made him wonder if it was something that appears now and then given it occured on occasions. He just hoped it wasn't anything grim.

He… m…

He paused and lowered his hand to the female voice. He looked over his shoulder and saw no one aside from the people and the music Jackson was now playing. He dismissed the echo before resuming his walk to work.

Hear me…

The voice from before now became more clear to understand. He heard it echoing in his eardrums. It stopped his movements before he noticed something - a person. At first he was confused about how no one else but him sees the individual. The figure was standing in the midst of the ongoing crowd of passersby. Almost like a ghost.

The odd thing was the hooded yet ghostly figure was shrouded in a crisp white glow. The noticeable hair was white as the moon while the feminine eyes were as blue as the ocean but glimmered. It showed the figure was female. The robes that covered the entirety of her body whilst a mask that covers the eyes rested by the collar. The woman was staring at him, the people unaware of her presence.

Your fate… approaches…

"The hell…?" The young man massaged his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things. When he focused again, the hooded figure was no longer amongst the crowd. He held his head, exhaling in slight bewilderment. He should probably lay off the late night gaming. "Gotta stay focused on heading to work."

It didn't take long before he arrived at a diner that was modeled to look classic. Entering the diner via the back door, he was greeted with his fellow employees.

"You're here early, as usual." The man working on the food chuckled. "Still setting things up for your vacation?"

"Not quite. Need to set up a plan beforehand." The blonde-black haired man replied, adjusting the apron. "The usual orders for the customers?"

"You know it. I need you and Marcus to hand out 'em plates. The rest of us will get cooking."

"Copy that."

"Do we seriously still have to wear these masks?" The one pinning an order onto the rotary clip holder.

"Hey, I'm not telling you to do it but if you want to stay healthy and alive." The owner pointed the spatula at him. "It's the rule here regardless for us to be in top shape."

"I listen to him." The samaritan put his two cents in.

"You have a point…"

"Exactly." The owner then talked to his fellow employees regarding a new order while the samaritan and Marcus grabbed the newly made meals and handed them to the respective customers. The occupants were the customers the young man saw almost every day. Regulars he knew very well if you will. There weren't many at this hour but it will eventually get busy. His boss didn't mind him coming early.

With the bell ringing by the door to signify another customer, the young man briefly noticed a man enter the diner before resuming his work. He heard his coworker greet the new customer but suddenly a loud thud and a fearful scream disrupted him from picking up a plate. Darting his attention back to the entrance, he saw the person had a gun out. His coworker clutched his nose that was bleeding.

"Don't even move where you are!"

The few customers froze in fear when the man had a gun at them. The employees who heard it saw it as the robber pointed the weapon at them.

"You're the owner right?! Then put the money in the damn bag! Call anyone and their blood is on your hands!" One of the customers quivered when the gun was pointed at them.

"Alright! Alright!" The owner raised his hands and grabbed the bag given to him to gather the money as told from the register.

The robber kept watch on the minuscule number of customers with his gun. There was to be no interference from them.

An abrupt sound of the ringing of a cell phone made the robber look back. "Whose phone is that?!" Swiveling around, his sights were eventually set on the woman the samaritan knew. Her two kids were hugging her in fear; the ringing phone was coming from them. "Hand me your phone!"

The two kids in the woman's arms cried, making the mother frantically shake her head.

"I said give it to me!" The man demanded.

The mother fearfully shook her head again while embracing her kids. Protecting her children was more important to her.

Frustrated, the robber aimed at the woman.

The young man's mind was set on the decision. He wasn't going to let it happen! He immediately moved out of hiding without a second thought and went for a tackle, shoving the shooter away from the mother.

The two grunted, the young man feeling the assailant trying to get him off but he wasn't letting go. The samaritan felt a knee to his stomach but took it. He wasn't going to let any harm come to the people in the diner. Grabbing the assailant's wrist, the two fought over the weapon.

"Get the hell off!"

"No!" The Samaritan denied.

The raven/blonde-haired worker grunted, slowly trying to force the gun to aim elsewhere as it was now moved between them. However, the loud bang caused the occupants to yelp in fright and intimidation.

The echo of the shot was enough to nearly break his eardrums but none could compare to feeling something pierced into him, dead center in the chest. The young man gasped for a brief second to the pain that was so quick, his brain couldn't register it. It was in him now and he felt his body becoming weak. However, the last of his tenacity and adrenaline was pumping through him. His vitality and mind were screaming at him to make one final stand before he could perish.

He gripped the shooter's collar before using the last of the energy in his body to slam the robber's head to the table, rendering the man unconscious from the force of the hit.

The world around the good samaritan slowed down as he clutched the bullet wound in his chest. He staggered a few steps before he fell. The American slumped against the counter as the attacker was finally stopped but it didn't change the fact he was fatally shot. He was already bleeding from the fatal wound.

His coworker rushed to him, placing his hands over the grievous injury. "Someone call an ambulance!"

The young man's eyes slowly turned shallow as he breathed. He could barely feel any air enter his lungs.

"Come on, stay with me! Someone get me something to stop the bleeding!"

He watched aimlessly at their worried and scared looks. The pain he felt. Adding with the wound that was fatal… 'Am I going to die…?'

His eyes drift an inch to see the woman hugging her kids tightly. Then to see the others alive while the shooter was being restrained.

At least… he saved them. To give them a future instead of despair and death. He didn't regret his actions. Sadly, this may be the end for him.

Your life… isn't at its end.

He moved his eyes slightly, noticing the ghostly person from before. When his vision distorted, the distressed voices of his coworkers and customers calling to him slowly muted. All he could do was stare at the robed being in the small gathering - the woman in white was speaking to him. Her presence went unnoticed by others once again. Getting a better look of her, he now knew where he saw that woman before.

Yet he heard the beating of his heart slowing down from the blood loss and damage.

It is only… the beginning.

With the echo of her gentle voice, the remnants of his life in this world finally drifted into darkness.

~*~FFXIV~*~

"It's a boy."

The young man stirred from his unconsciousness by the voice. Steadily, his eyes opened up and saw a figure staring down at him. Everything was blurry and a mix of colors. At first, he thought he was coming from the senseless state from earlier yet the voice was unfamiliar to him. Then a baby's cry broke through it all. Where was the crying coming from? Was he in the hospital?

It took a moment but his vision adjusted more to give him a better view of the individual - a beautiful woman who gave a tired smile.

Her shoulder-length hair was an auburn color and her fair skin not having a single blemish aside from the soft sweat on her face. Her eyes were an amber color while odd markings were seen on her cheeks. Another thing to notice was the set of feline-like ears on her head. He was bewildered to see it.

Although the features on her were oddly familiar.

"Another Tia. It's been a while since there was another one in the tribe." He heard a man hum. His vision took heed to notice the said individual; he too had eyes and ears akin to a feline. Although his hair was black and bearing blue eyes.

'Tia…?' He swore he heard that somewhere.

Where was he anyway?

He barely noticed the sunlight from the window, showing it was morning. He felt himself bundled in something soft and handled gently. Then he suddenly felt a pair of weak muscles twitch on his head and singular muscle on the waist, almost like….

… Wait a minute.

He aimlessly took stock of his surroundings for a brief moment and everything looked larger than it looked. The pieces were starting to come together.

The crying sounds of an infant.

The feline-like ears.

Cat-like pupils.

A feline tail.

The brief mention of the term Tia.

'D-Don't tell me I…' he quivered in horror. His barely opened eyes moved a bit and noticed how small his arms and hands were. They were the limbs of an infant.

'W-What…'

… No! No! This was impossible!

He wanted to deny this. This couldn't be real! It had to be a dream! His eyes wandered around more and saw more of his surroundings. His mind raced.

'I-It can't be…'

With reality crashing down on him, he screamed but his voice was only the continuous cries of an infant born in the new world.

~*~FFXIV~*~

If there was anything he wanted to be curious about, it was what awaited the other side on the day he met his fate. Most would say when people die, they go to heaven or hell. However there were other religious beliefs of the souls that fell. Many beliefs in fact but several religions (mainly Buddhism and Hinduism) had a belief of those who fell.

Reincarnation.

It was often seen in isekai anime given he watched a few along with reading the manga and light novels - FanFiction included. Something like this was supposed to be fictional. However his predicament was the real deal. It wasn't a dream he would wake up from nor a prank whatsoever. This was the reality that crashed down onto him.

He died and was reborn into the world of Hydaelyn - a world that was from the video game Final Fantasy XIV.

He knew the game itself by heart as he played a majority of it from A Realm Reborn to Endwalker (although he barely started on that sadly so he knew next to nothing regarding the events of it). Even reading its lore and such.

Most people would see an isekai predicament as something to be excited, curious, or confused about… but it wasn't any of those emotions he felt at first. He felt scared. Nervous. It wasn't sunshine and rainbows in the world he was reborn in. It was a dangerous place despite its peace in certain areas.

Any who played the game would see that Eorzea has suffered various cataclysmic incidents that led to countless deaths - the Umbral Calamities. That is also to include other causes of death such as the Garlean army, even attacks by the hostile Beastmen tribes, bandits, monsters, etc.

Then there were people who would be the antagonist or supporting characters helping the main protagonist throughout the game. The said individuals who hold a motivation or goal that drives them in their journey.

On a side note, he felt sympathy for some of the characters especially the Ala Mihgans and Domans (well, minus a certain few) in the game after learning of their background throughout the storyline, he really does.

When he first began to take his first steps in this world, all he could do was suffer from depression from the reality of his death in the previous world. Having the body of an infant while retaining the mind of an adult was disorienting, confusing and to be honest, embarrassing. Don't ask why.

Now, six years have passed since his reincarnation. Six years of learning (including the writing style) and understanding more of the world he was reborn in. While he played the game and researched to understand the lore, he had to delve deeper into Eorzea's customs and culture of all races via books he managed to find and read in secret. It wasn't easy to cope but he slowly began to adapt. He had to correct his accent to how it was in the previous world throughout the years as a child in this world.

No longer continuing his name from Earth, his (new) Eorzean birth name was N'aithin Tia or Aithin depending on the closeness of the people he knew. Ironically, his first name would have been mistaken as a Hyurian name or a name from Earth but his Eorzean birth mother wanted a name that was fitting for him thus Aithin of the N Tribe. After all, most names of all Miqo'te are one or two syllables long. Their culture never stated the one-two syllable name could be (or sound) similar to the Hyurians.

Ha!

At least he wasn't given a name that was hard to properly pronounce. Seriously, some Miqo'te names were difficult to pronounce for him! Even in his previous life he couldn't properly say some of the names in the game!

As to his surname, it was due to the tradition of being a male Miqo'te.

While his hair and skin color remained the same as it was in his previous life, the hairstyle was different. It was more neat without the slight wild look whatsoever and shorter. His eyes were replaced with an amber color but he hasn't developed the two markings near his nose yet. He could assume it will appear later in the year. His tail wasn't fully grown since he was still a child so it was short and might he comment (and admit), adorable. It originally felt odd to the new appendages but adjusted later on.

Since he was reincarnated as a different race, it took time to accommodate and fully understand the customs of being a Miqo'te - Seeker of the Sun. He failed to realize the culture of the said race was highly patriarchal. If he had to make an equivalence, it was similar to lions. At least the tribe he was in wasn't too stridently traditional as some are given the Miqo'te who settled in Vylbrand have adopted most if not all of its social mores, and do not follow the "traditional" clan hierarchy closely.

Overall, he adapted the lifestyle as a Miqo'te but kept the lifestyle as a former human to himself whenever he was alone.

As of right now, he sat on the sandy shores of the island he lived on since his birth.

His clothes consist of a woven black shirt that loosely hugged his form alongside a pair of white shorts.

He lived on a tropical-like island that is just off the coast from La Noscea, what do you expect him to wear? Thick clothing?

Kids on the island look at him differently due to his choice of dialect and accent. But they eventually grew accustomed to his wordings. Sure he occasionally lets the Lominsan accent slip out at times but he felt more comfortable having his accent and dialect kept the same he had on Earth - As a way to remember who he was. It wasn't easy to regain his accent and dialect either.

He didn't want to forget the life he once had. Some would say he was attached to his past, he calls it a reminder of who he was as a person.

… Aside from those matters, the reincarnated Miqo'te could only stare at the ocean waters, reminiscing the memories of his previous life. Seeing the ocean always kept his mind at ease, one of the few reminders of home. At least that's one of the good things within Eorzea - the scenery of the land.

"N'aithiiiiinnnn!" A childish female voice called out.

Ah, did he forget to mention he has four paternal siblings before his father lost his title as the Nunh? Sisters to be precise. Two of them sported pink hair inherited from the same mother who birthed them while the other two had blonde hair and brown hair respectively. His blood father had three other women bear children given the tradition of a Nunh being the breeding males of the tribe. Thus having four half-sisters.

He was the middle child amongst the five. But despite being the middle child, he was always teased by his half-sisters given he was the only Tia of the litter.

The former human looked behind him to notice a Miqo'te two years younger than him sporting chestnut-colored hair but lacks the markings of a female Miqo'te due to her age. Her skin was peach color with ocean blue eyes while wearing clothes to accustom to the climate of the island.

His young half-sister, N'elute Vurih. The youngest amongst the five.

Despite being in a young body, he kept a facade that fits the age of a young Miqo'te.

"Oh, N'elute. What's wrong?"

"Papa's looking for you! Fishing time again!"

"Ah…" Judging from the sunlight, it was that time again. He secretly made a sundial to keep track of time, don't judge him when the chronometer is worth fairly in Eorzea. It was an educated guess given he saw a local Lominsan own one. "Okay."

One of the things he did was fishing with his father and other Lominsan locals. Since he was six (physically), he would have to learn stuff when it came to helping the village folk since he wanted to help. His father didn't expect it at first so the reincarnate put up a facade on wanting to learn at an early age.

That and to relive the memories of fishing with his late stepfather from Earth. He stood up and gave one last glance at the horizon.

If he wanted to say something about the family he has now… it gave him comfort. Sure he was born and raised on Earth in his previous life but the family he was in currently reminded him of the good the land of Eorzea has.

A mother who cared about him greatly. Sisters who pester him teasingly. A former Nunh of a father who cared about his flesh and blood children. All of that made him regain happiness. Sure he missed his parents from his previous life but at least he can relive the good memories here. He cares about his current family.

Sadly, unlike Earth, the world was somewhat primitive in technology. While there is Magitek and Allagan tech, the place lacked the existence of cell phones (well, aside from the linkpearls), television, video games, cars, stuff like that. While a part of him felt bummed out about it, at least he had books to pass the time. A bookworm he may be in this life and the life before, it helps to understand more of the places he goes to, its history, and culture.

"N'aithin?' He looked at his half-sister who held a puzzled look.

The reincarnate shook his head and responded, "Nothing, N'elute." He patted her head, making the girl giggle.

At least here, he can relive some of his cherished memories.

~*~FFXIV~*~

Being on the shore was one of the comforts here on the island for the reincarnate. After being called by his father, it was once again fishing duty.

The thing about Miqo'te was their high dexterity and quick wit. It made them avid hunters, especially when it came to fishing. It was one of the reasons why the island sells the fish for the merchants to deliver and such.

Thus they were gathering the fish they recently caught thanks to the use of fishing boats. He enjoyed fishing when he was a kid in his previous life. Normally he used a fishing rod in his past life in the summer but this right now it was just nets and gathering.

The N Tribe had been trading such delicacies to the main village as well as the mainland. They had to earn gil somehow, right?

There was mainly Miqo'te here but he would occasionally notice Roegadyns, Hyurians, and Lalafell alike assist in the fishing and trade. Well, mostly the former two being more noticeable. Like he mentioned before, the Tribes who settled in Vylbrand adapted to nearly all the social mores unlike the other tribes in other regions.

He helped tug the net holding copious amounts of fish. Although when he gave another tug, he slipped on the puddle of water on the wooden docking board and landed on his rear. His ears picked up a few chuckles from the other fisherman as well as giggles from the fellow Miqo'te.

Unlike the other races, female Miqo'te vastly outnumber the males. Thus he was one of the small number of males within the N Tribe. He never thought the ratio was that different. The said women assisted whereas a very small few male Miqo'te were included.

He was pretty sure there was going to be another fight to claim the title of Nunh soon. Not that he cared, but he was still concerned that their lives could end up extremely hurt or killed.

Looking at the net, he reached to his side and pulled a small knife that was kept in the pouch. Normally it was wrong for someone like him to wield a knife at his current age but the culture and traditions, even laws were different here in this world than the ones on Earth.

He cut the tangle on the net to remove it and properly kept the net together after tying it in place upon cutting. Sure he had seen fishing poles here on the island but this was the more efficient method to reel in lots of fish at once.

His eyes lingered on the horizon again, seeing the ocean. Despite its scenery, deep down, his heart felt the need to push forward. To see the world like he did on Earth. You could say he had wanderlust.

Perhaps once he grows physically older, he could travel…

Eorzea does have its beautiful scenery regardless of the conflict held variously. Maybe being an Adventurer could work?

While the ocean's waters were serene, he noticed something that disrupted his train of thought. There were two boats heading towards them.

The young Miqo'te jogged to his father and slightly tugged his belt. "Father… are those fishing boats?" It was dumb to ask but he had to get his father's attention somehow.

"Hm?" The older Miqo'te's eyes noticed them as well but his brows furrowed with his eyes narrowed. Then his ears twitched and immediately ducked much to N'aithins bewilderment.

His amber eyes looked as did the eyes of others who took heed. An arrow was embedded into the wooden crate in which it made the reincarnate realize what happened.

The two boats weren't holding fishermen.

"Hide…" N'aithin looked up to his father who spoke. He too knew who was on the boats.

"H-Huh?"

"N'aithin, hide!" His father exclaimed, drawing the blade from his person.

Without a second or question, the young Miqo'te ran, briefly catching his father and few others fending off against the now seen pirates. There had been times they would see pirates in the distance but now, they were here on the shore of the island. He tripped slightly but kept going.

His lungs burned with each breath he took but he finally toppled onto the dirt. He grunted slightly but seeing the boulder and tree, he fumbled towards it and hid from sight.

N'aithin grasped his head, trying to ease his mind while his heart pounded against his chest. He was freaking out as he was now agitated. This never happened to him before. Yet this was real! He was hiding from pirates!

Will his father be alright? What of the others who were there? What will happen to them?

It was starting to frighten him. His mind was swimming with many questions and possibilities.

Should he get help? If he did, would it be too late-

The appendages on his head twitched, perceiving something. The sound was drawing closer until it stopped.

N'aithin hesitated but anxiously snuck a look, clenching the pouch close to his beating heart. Peering from hiding, his sights saw nothing but the tropical plant-like and greenery.

Seeing nothing, he eased himself slightly but the looming shadow that cast over him made him rigid. Ever so quickly, he looked behind him but raised his head and noticed a Hyurian garbed in clothes that partially exposed his torso. The bandanna and weapon, even the cruel grin alarmed N'aithin.

"What a lucky find. "The pirate sneered. "Ye' might fetch a good price."

Out of haste, N'aithin crawled away but felt his shirt gripped by the pirate. He yelped, clawing the dirt as he was forcefully tugged out from hiding while dropping the pounched knife. The reincarnate squirmed, trying to land a hit on the pirate by flailing his hands. "L-Let me go!"

"Now, now, stop struggling, will ya? Ye' shouldn't be playing hero." He pulled the reincarnate, the latter struggling to free himself from the pirate's grip.

The young Miqo'te tried to call out for his father but the pirate covered his mouth. In his previous life, the reincarnate never experienced an event like this. Now, this was scaring him. Say what you may that he was an adult in a child's body, this predicament would scare any person who was going to be kidnapped.

He did his best to flounder himself but the pirate wasn't allowing it. He could feel his feet being dragged across the dirt by the kidnapper, setting his mind into panic.

When his amber eyes saw the rope about to bind him, his mind was switched into survival mode.

With his own teeth, the reincarnate sharply bit the pirate's hand. The bite caused the man to scream slightly which freed the young Miqo'te from the man's grasp who held his hand in pain, the bite wound leaving blood.

"Ye' little brat!" The pirate barked in fury.

N'aithin felt a painful blow to his stomach, making him fall to the ground. He held his stomach, grimacing.

"Ye' going to pay for that!" Seeing the enraged eyes and the glimmering steel against the sunlight, the young kit realized what was going to happen to him. His amber eyes darted to the pouch he dropped earlier.

With his mind racing in a frenzy, the former human frantically reached for the dropped knife out of trepidation and thrust it upward into the pirate before the man had the chance to cut him down. The reincarnate saw the blood staining his hands as the pirate staggered upon the blade being retracted.

The man tried to reach out but instead his eyes rolled back and dropped dead on the ground.

It didn't take a second for the reincarnated Miqo'te to react. N'aithin was shaken by the body that fell. His hands never stopped trembling for what he did as there was blood on it. Then, his eyes quivered to the sight before him.

For the first time, he killed someone.

Looking at his bloodied hands that held the knife, his stomach churned before he vomited whatever was left in his stomach. Tears welled up in his eyes and his heart couldn't fathom what he had done.

Why did it have to end like this?

The rapid sound of footsteps forced him to crawl back out of growing horror. He curled his form and yelped when the person found him.

"N'aithin! Thank the Warden!"

The voice made the young reincarnate lift his head, seeing his father. "F-F-Father…?" From his peripheral, he saw his father looked to be disheveled while the sword in his sheath was unseen.

His father paused when he saw the body and the blood on the young Miqo'te's hands. The man knelt down and hugged his child.

"It's alright, I'm right here."

N'aithin felt his unease stiffened before he sniffled, shivering upon his own actions. He never felt such raw fear in a long time. Nor had he ever killed a human being.

Video games, TV Shows, and movies were one thing to see but in front of his own eyes, done by his own hands?

It scared him.

This was one of the cruel realities of how dangerous the world can be.

~*~FFXIV~*~

Not a day goes by that he would remember what he had done. To have his own two hands spill the blood of another. Back on Earth, killing someone goes in different ways - murder or self defense. However regardless how it is seen, it was still the killing of another soul. He didn't feel the same after killing someone but it was out of self defense and fear.

To feel death was one thing but to deliver it? For someone like him, it was scary and delivered guilt. His feline ears lowered slightly. He hadn't been able to get a good night's sleep from it. It reminded him of his death in his previous life.

His fingers gripped his chest tightly at the memory.

To kill in the same area he died. There was cruel irony lying in that situation.

"There you are."

N'aithin jumped, his ears and tail pointing upward and quickly looked over his shoulder. However his body eased when he recognized it was his father.

"Father?"

"The others mentioned you always come here." The raven-haired Miqo'te sat down beside his son. Seeing the view of the horizon and adding the scenery, it was no wonder his son often came to this spot. "Is all well? You don't seem to be yourself lately."

"I-I…" N'aithin swallowed the lump in his throat. There were many answers he wanted to say to his father. He felt tired. He felt like a total coward. He hated himself. So many answers that couldn't be spoken.

Moistening his lips, the young Miqo'te inquired, "Father… did I… do a bad thing?" It was a dumb question to ask but it was the only words that was able to come out from him.

The older Miqo'te glanced at his son, seeing the shadowed gaze and discomfort. The Lominsan sighed heavily, gently looking at the horizon. "You did it not just to stay alive but to protect yourself. That is the one thing that counts, regardless of what some may see it as on both sides." He felt ashamed to tell his son now but it was the reality of the world. With the situation they endured, the man should have done better when he found his son curled and the corpse at arm's length.

When N'aithin's mother heard about the incident, she nearly fell into despair. The woman gave him words and a heavy swing. The former Nunh rubbed his rib at the memory. She still packed one hells of a punch to this day.

Right now, it was best to give the kit some words of wisdom and comfort.

"The world can be cruel, but you can protect what you cherish. All it takes is one moment to make a difference." N'vurih stated. "I know it was a frightening experience but there comes a time when the most difficult choices have to be made in dire situations once you get older."

The younger Miqo'te lowered his head, recalling how cruel the world can be but his father was right. To make the most difficult choices in dire problems. He did it out of fear but also protecting himself from ending up in a grim fate.

He faintly recalled a promise he kept in his previous life, his sacrifice upon protecting the customers and coworkers in his previous life. He protected them before they could be harmed further; defending them. That life may have been over, he never let that promise be broken.

He wasn't one to break a promise; even if it means to carry it to the afterlife.

That alone began to rekindle the ideals he once had. To realize he had to keep the promise.

The reincarnated Miqo'te curled his fingers into his palms tightly before he looked up at his father.

"Father…" N'aithin started. "I… I want to learn! I want to learn how to protect myself and others!"

It was that moment N'vurih saw the conviction and steel resolution in his son's eyes. Such determination he never thought to see and yet his flesh and blood had such resolve. The man's lips gave an upturn of a curl and rested his hand on top of his son's head.

"Alright then." The father looked at N'aithin's eyes to maintain eye contact. "However, promise me you will never act with malicious intent? Never slay good folks?"

"I promise!"

Satisfied, N'vurih ruffled his son's black hair. That was the answer he wanted to hear - An honest and truthful one. The resolve evident in the kit's tone. "Good. Then I'll teach you."

The response lit a spark in the young Miqo'te's amber eyes.

"Who knows, maybe when you learn enough, you might beat me."

"I thought you lost before?" N'aithin recalled.

"I was very close to victory mind you," His father gave him a knuckle to the head. "But being a Tia again does give me spare time with you and your sisters."

The older Miqo'te grunted as he pushed himself up. "Now with that said, let's get to training, shall we?"

"Yes father!"

To finally have a chance to learn how to (properly) wield a blade. While he had prior knowledge of self defense, this was one he will train for due to the dangers of the world.

'I'll do my best from now on. To protect people and help them, no matter what.' N'aithin vowed.

From here on, he will use whatever further knowledge he obtains here and the recollection from his previous life to protect the people he cared about so much.

That, that he swears.

A/N: That concludes the prologue chapter regarding the introduction of our protagonist and his start in the new yet familiar world. Believe me, I tried to put as much effort I could into this chapter as it took a lot of time to properly set an introduction and prologue for the protagonist. With this, he is beginning to let his ideals arise again and promises to be kept from one life to the life he has now.

As you may have noticed, he will be driven to be selfless while protecting those he cares about. Thus reigniting old promises and ideals.

Regarding the important note: I wish to inform you there will be some minor alternate paths given our protagonist being a reincarnate. As to the curiosity of which classes he will assume later in the story, I will reveal it later on (you could guess based on his ideals and views). Can't reveal much about it in this chapter. As to if our protagonist will have three individuals joining him later in the story to form a four person party, I will answer it and it is yes. I will also be continuing further extensive research into the lore to keep myself buried in the knowledge of FFXIV. As to the pairing, well I'm sure those who answered the poll already know who it will be as even I have made my final decision to the pairing.

However as I mentioned before I will be pouring all of my best efforts into this story and if possible I would like any possible beta-readers to assist in this story to help me correct anything and such. If you are interested, please let me know through PM for that is the only way I'll be reading any messages.

Thank you all for reading this chapter and if you wish to see more of this, do let me know in the reviews. It's good to be back everyone and I will see you all next time.