A/N: I am here! Work had me extremely busy and occupied so it was not easy for me to find personal time to enjoy leisure. Thankfully I had the opportunity to work on chapters for my stories so rest assured everyone the stories are not dead nor stopping. Again the stories I have been working on are not dead. As I have mentioned countless times before, work has been keeping me occupied especially when working as security.

Now going away from the topic of my life, I am sure those familiar with FFXIV had already finished the content of the 6.25 update, especially the new (and hilarious) Hildebrand quest and weapon quest. I have done the same though still working on getting the other weapons from the weapon quest alongside completing all the paths of the Variant Dungeon. That said, let's get back on track and let's start the second chapter of the Prologue arc!

The night waned on the island near the coast of Vylbrand. The ocean waves were calm but it didn't mean it was that peaceful given the aquatic beastmen who thrive near waters and the piracy. The island is composed of a village that resides near the shore alongside the N Tribe of the Miqo'te within the island themselves. They weren't completely secluded mind you given the social mores they adopted. Well, most of them anyway.

In the cottage, a majority of the rooms were dark but one room in particular was partially brightened by the candle that settled by the window.

The young reincarnate was in the midst of writing on a page of parchment. His golden eyes scanned the words he had written in the old writing of his previous life. Sure he alternates between fonts but he was currently more comfortable with Earth's font during his private writing.

N'aithin set the quill back into the inkwell after finishing the last sentence and looked over his recent journal entry of the day. He had been writing everything he remembered from his past life every day. Another booklet kept regarding his current days here in the world he was reincarnated in.

Being nine years old, he was growing up. He was still a kid in the eyes of others but a mature one nonetheless. They still weren't aware of the fact he was an adult soulwise thankfully. It still felt a bit weird to act like a kid when he was mentally an adult. Not much has changed about him aside from slight change of height and tail length.

Nevertheless he had been learning much more as he grew. Glancing at the objects beside his journal, there laid daggers he had been using for training.

He wasn't training to become a Nuhn in the future, rather, he wanted to protect himself and the people around him. Given what he endured three years ago, it rekindled the promise he made as well as lighting the spark within him.

While piracy was still going on, the Admiral's outlaw to the act had already created decreased activity of piracy for the past four years. At least that's one good thing to hear. The thalassocracy may have set rules and boundaries since Limsa's founding, but the outlaw of piracy will set things straight.

Leaning his body against the chair, he elicited a sigh of bitterness at the recollection. Regardless of it being outlawed, there were those who still committed acts of piracy, going against the rules of the sea while there were the situations involving the Sahagin; especially with the recent news of Leviathan appearing but was slain by the hands of the Company of Heroes and the Knights of the Barracuda. Thankfully it didn't reach the island but it had set everyone on edge.

There had been several incidents with the Beastman here on the island shores, all of which had been taken care of. Although he remained nervous on occasions given he didn't wish to end up in a grim fate but was vigilant nonetheless thanks to the training from his blood father.

To add more to the pot, there were the rumors of the Garlean Empire already making a move in Eorzea.

Just when there were enough problems to deal with. Hurray…

His eyes lingered to the window, seeing the moon high in the darkened sky.

Growing up was the usual now while experiencing new moments in the world of Hydaelyn. Back on Earth, all he did was play the game be it the quests, storyline, side stories, raids, etc.

To be reincarnated here however, he became fully immersed into the civilization of the world. The time here had broadened his mind, allowing him to learn much more while grasping its fundamentals.

Learning it in person was far different than learning it by the game and its two encyclopedias.

Taking a deep breath, the young Miqo'te hopped off the chair and looked at himself through the brief reflection of the glass. His fingers touched the side of his face, pushing against his skin. He blinked twice and his vision nearly fooled him to see his older, human self in the glassed image.

Year after year, he often asked himself if this was God's way of giving him a second chance… or just some twisted fate thrusting him to this world and suffer more despair.

'Live your life…'

A few tears escaped his eyes at the glum memory. Those words often return to him, reminding him to keep going. To live life to the fullest and push away the obstacles in his path. To see the world with his own eyes.

Nearly being kidnapped and defending himself by killing that pirate prompted him how the world is but he didn't want to break the promise. He was keeping it to his dying breath no matter what.

He suppressed the glum memories and decided to get a well-deserved rest for the night. Climbing onto the bed after blowing out the candle, his body curled slightly after covering himself with the thin blanket and elicited a small breath to ease his form against the mattress. Dreaming of the days in his previous life had always been the norm.

Some would say it was unhealthy to look back, but for him, he never wants to forget who he is as a person. As a human being. End of story.

Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to drift into slumber for the rest of the night.

~*~FFXIV~*~

When early morning arrived the next day, the reincarnate sought to do his usual routines he had done after his father began to teach him. While he was learning how to properly wield a weapon, he sought to relearn his previous life's lessons thus it became the usual for the past three years.

The ocean waves and the calm morning breeze served as a good atmosphere for his daily practice. Back in his previous life, the knowledge he held regarding fighting wasn't fully professional but it was enough to be considered intermediate level. Mainly karate and judo.

He had forgotten how long he had last done this. While it was a long time since he last performed martial arts, he had to start from the beginning level and back to intermediate, and from there to advance that skill further. He still remembered all the lessons so it was no big deal. Although when he first started training with his father, it wasn't every day given he was physically a child. Now, however, the training would occasionally become slightly serious after his father would see him improving.

He had earned a few praises but also been criticized by his father for several mistakes. That was one aspect when it came to training - making errors and correcting it. At least his young body was adjusting which is a plus. Being a Miqo'te meant some parts of him were different from the average human, or Hyurian/hume in this world's case. Higher dexterity, quick wit, and sharp senses - mainly hearing and sight being examples.

His eyes kept focused, continuing his workout which consisted of stretches, jogging, even working on his kicks and punches to help increase his dexterity. Sometimes he included the use of wooden daggers to practice his dagger swings (though he occasionally used the wooden sword to practice).

Yes, daggers. He decided to learn its use from his father which was why increasing his dexterity and stamina was important. Originally he tried out a wooden sword but wanted to mainly try out the daggers. It's more convenient and useful.

Perhaps he had grown more accustomed to it due to cutting nets, he wouldn't know. With the thrust of his left faux dagger, his posture paused upon recalling the incident three years ago. He took a brief breath to calm his mind. He still hasn't got over that moment of killing someone. While it had occasionally come up nowadays, he would steer his mind away from that memory.

He had to make decisions from here on as well as the judgment from it. Although, he was nine years old physically so it's a bit far. Soul-wise however, is another story - he was an adult thus the burden was immediately put on him.

Reminiscing about how things are now, the good things he experienced here kept him at ease. Alas he knew that peace doesn't last forever especially in this world.

He looked at the sunlight (not at the sun), studying the current time of day. He knew the directions such as North, South, East, and West within the island thus had a better sense of direction. In other words, the direction of the sun provided the time.

Using two sticks he found earlier after impaling it into the dirt, he made sure it pointed north. With the shadow casted, he had learned the current time of the day.

At least he can keep track of time with this old yet classic method. Thank history and science classes alongside hiking for that.

"Gotta head back to the village." Well, technically, he was still within the territory of the N Tribe but the island was shared with the Lominsans.

Picking up the wooden daggers, he jogged back to the village. The path he took wasn't dangerous since it was one of the main pathways the Miqo'te tribe used to either fish on their own or swim. It wasn't that long of a run either but it sure keeps his young form in shape.

When he entered the village, all he could see were fellow Miqo'te but occasionally would see other Lominsans of other races who stopped by in regards to trade or sell by the entrance.

Honestly, he enjoyed the lively atmosphere. While it wasn't as bustling in his previous life, it was a good change to see. Moving through the people, he eventually made it to the cottage he and his mother stayed in. He noticed his mother standing beside a bench outside, in the midst of looking over a booklet that belonged to her while counting the latest catch. Each one counted whereas a fellow Miqo'te was picking the gathered items up and walking away to distribute amongst the tribe.

"Morning mother!" N'aithin beamed.

His mother smiled upon catching a glimpse of him, "Oh good morning. Where were you?"

"I was practicing, mother. I want to get better like father told me to!"

The woman sighed slightly but smiled nonetheless. While the incident three years ago caused an agreement in the tribe to be more watchful, she had also punched N'vurih in his torso for the predicament her child suffered. He should have watched him more carefully. "Do remember to be careful, okay? Can't have you fall ill or hurt now." She admonished rather than advised.

"Okay…." He understood his mother wanted him to take his time and being careful but with how things were in the world he was reborn in, he wanted to do something; he wanted to help them once he got older. His golden eyes watched his mother finish writing, making him look over the table to notice she was definitely making preparations.

"Are you going somewhere, mother?"

The woman looked at him for a moment before something came to mind for her. "Actually I will be bringing you along with me to Limsa Lominsa."

"We are going to Limsa Lominsa, mother?" The reincarnate blinked in surprise. To go to one of the main cities of the game was something he wanted to see in person.

"That's correct, my little kit." His mother smiled. "While I have some matters, you should learn a few things from myself."

Now that his mother brought it up, she had a valid point. While the N tribe was patriarchal like other Seekers of the Sun Tribes and adopting the social mores within Vylbrand, he still had to learn a lot as a Miqo'te.

"Be sure you have yourself ready for our trip."

"Yes mother!"

~*~FFXIV~*~

The young reincarnate was rather eager to see Limsa Lominsa. Sure he had seen it in the game but he had never seen what it was like in its past nor in person. He was going to actually see it with his own eyes which internally excited him. Although he and his mother weren't the only ones, several other Miqo'te had also planned to come to the city for trade, work, or personal matters. The ship wasn't as grand or large as most are, just a mere transportation vessel that was big enough to carry a small number of people and supplies.

The reason for him joining was to learn from his mother. He may be physically nine years old, he would have to learn things to do as a Miqo'te as he is getting older. It's part of growing up as many would say.

"We are nearing port!" He heard the captain of the boat informed.

The reincarnate immediately looked from the starboard of the boat and saw the glimpse of the city Limsa Lominsa. His eyes lit up in awe and excitement. He was practically bouncing on the ends of his feet.

Can you blame his excitement of having to see Limsa Lominsa for the first time with his own eyes?

Although his mother seemed to take note of his excitement. She smiled thinly upon seeing the glint in N'aithin's eyes.

The boat slowed down before it made port, allowing the small vessel to run through the usual procedures upon arrival. Inspection and whatnot.

When the inspection was over, the reincarnate followed after his mother and his golden eyes could only see the area that is the familiar Hawkers Alley.

He saw Hyurians and Roegadyn, even the occasional Miqo'te and Lalafells. Looking at his mother, she spoke to a fellow Miqo'te before she gently patted him. "Come along. I have to finish some business."

N'aithin bobbed his head and followed after his birth mother. His eyes lingered on the sightings of Miqo'te then the other races. It was so surreal.

If he had to say anything, he was left speechless to the sight that is Limsa Lominsa. His childish form had to raise his head just to get a view of the area that is Hawkers Alley. The place looked just as it was in the game. Well, before the main events (at least he assumed based on overhearing the rumors regarding Ala Mhigo being occupied by the Garleans) of course but still, it was an amazing view!

"Remember to not stray too far from my sights."

"Yes, mother!" N'aithin nodded eagerly and followed after her. His sights would take in all of his surroundings. 'This is way better in person than seeing it from a television screen.'

If only this world had cameras… he would have taken plenty of photos of the scenery. Everywhere he looked, it left him amazed.

The number of people added more livelihood to the place. Unlike the game, it was the players who frequently (almost all the time) occupied the city of Limsa Lominsa but this was completely different. This was actual people walking about, talking, enjoying the subtle activities, etc.

It was still unbelievable he was seeing this with his own eyes. Following his mother again, he really couldn't help but repeatedly look at his surroundings in wonder.

The market boards were almost crowded with people but after squeezing through the crowd, the reincarnate's eyes winced at the sunlight that hit his face upon exiting Hawkers Alley. When his eyes adjusted, he was greeted with the grand Limsa Lominsa plaza.

He was left utterly speechless.

"Amazing isn't it?" N'aithin looked at his mother who caught his expression, "It is!"

He rotated himself, even watching Adventures appear or leave via aetheryte. This was something he was going to remember forever. The raven-haired Miqo'te followed after his mom and basked much more of the area. God, he felt so many memories of the emotions he felt when he traveled to various places around the globe in his past life.

Those very emotions showed up on his face. The sense of awe. Unable to describe such a view. Seeing so many people in such a nation (that is fictional in the previous life). More importantly, the bustling activity itself made it more alive.

Making way towards the wooden panels, he could briefly see it connect the area of the plaza towards the area that divides to the incline leading to the upper floors and the straightforward path leading further down, no doubt towards the Fisherman's Guild.

Just as the two progressed on the small wooden crossing, N'aithin's eyes took heed of someone stumbling towards them.

"Well… aren't ye… hic.. a beauty."

The man was a Hyurian of average height, dressed in the style of clothes like any other Lominsan wore. His steps stumbled yet walked almost lazily due to his improper balance.

Was the man drunk?

Taking an observation of the Hyurian, there was the faint whiff of alcohol coming from the man's breath was the first thing to notice. Adding the slurred words to it and lack of balance?

Yup, definitely drunk.

The reincarnate felt his mother gently move him to remain standing behind her, protective of his well-being.

Though seeing the Hyurian trying to sweet talk to the female Miqo'te, N'aithin could only take note of the guy while giving a mental shake of his head when the man didn't even realize he was standing close. Well that's a given since it impairs one's vision and speech.

'This guy is way too drunk and trying to flirt with mother.'

While N'rhomrl wasn't technically married given the Miqo'te patriarchal culture, that didn't stop her from gaining the eyes of other men who weren't from the tribe. N'aithin wasn't stupid to not notice it.

His mother looked irritated by the flirting but kept herself calm… though he wasn't sure for how long judging from the expression she held.

"While I appreciate the flattery, I have matters to attend to." She said in response.

"hic… I don't mean to be… hic… rude." The Hyur slurred. "I just… couldn't 'elp but admire ye."

The redhead rolled her eyes slightly. It wasn't the first time she heard that comment nor was it the last.

"If that is all, I have my matters to attend to." Her tone was seeping through her teeth. She had more important tasks to finish instead of humoring the man's flirting. The redhead gently brought N'aithin along while keeping him close to her, serving as a shield for him as they walked.

N'rhomrl stiffened upon feeling the hand of the Hyurian grab her arse whereas N'aithin nearly doubled over upon witnessing it; that was completely uncalled for the drunk man to do that to his mother.

However it was complete silence the second the man touched the auburn-haired Miqo'te's rear.

The reincarnate felt his ears straighten upward when he saw the glare his mother gave towards the Hyurian. The air around her turned downright dangerous, and her eyes narrowed angrily, if not viciously as a Behemoth. The reincarnate inwardly swallowed in intimidation whereas the Hyurian looked to have made the biggest mistake in his life. People who felt the tension in the air around her immediately walked with haste to avoid being in the possible crossfire. It did seem, however, something like this was the usual given the history of this city.

The brief growl, the dangerous glare, and the shaking of his mother's left arm was enough to know it was definitely a mistake the Hyur made.

Then, it happened. It was swift and the reincarnate could only watch what happened next the moment his mother punched the man.

While he winced as did a few passersby from the sight of the impact, N'aithin's eyes followed the poor guy before he witnessed the man plunge into the water after being punched so hard. "Wooow…" He never thought his mother had such a swing and strength to launch a man!

"See that N'aithin? That is why you should respect a maiden if you are to earn her heart. Otherwise this is a clear example of what can be brought upon you." She sent a glare at the Hyurian who poked his head out of the water in a fit of coughs and the reincarnate heard his mother murmur vulgarly to herself, "Like some bastard men who try to play grab arse."

Huh, he didn't expect his mother to have such vulgar words to say. Over the past nine years, he took heed when his mother occasionally hid something about herself. Now that he saw it, he realized why - she is very intimidating and vulgar.

As they say - hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn.

"Now come along."

"O-Okay." Just as he walked past the man in the water, he muttered to him, "Serves you right." and continued to follow his mother.

He couldn't help saying that. Guy got what he deserved.

~*~FFXIV~*~

The upper levels of Limsa Lominsa were similar as it was in the game. After walking up the incline that leads to the upper floors, he wondered what his mother does outside the island. Back with the N Tribe, his mother would always fish (aside from his blood father being a guard for the fishing), weave, or hunting. Mostly the first and third part.

His mother did seem to take joy in hunting and came back with a smile that sent chills to some of her fellow members of the tribe.

… Perhaps hunting was her way to vent out her old personality. It made him wonder what she used to do before he was born into this world.

Taking heed of being in the familiar plaza of the upper floor, he finally noticed he was accompanying his mother to the blacksmith guild.

Curiosity got the best of him and asked his mother, "Mother… Do you go here for work…?"

N'rhomrl giggled at her son's assumption, "On the contrary, I merely deliver a list of supplies for the blacksmiths here as one of our own is with the guild."

"I thought our tribe hunts and trades with the locals?" He tilted his head. It may be a bit of a dumb question given his research in his previous life but like they say, the best information can also be found from people who are heavily integrated into the culture.

"Unlike other tribes, those who reside in Vylbrand have adapted to the nation's social norms. We still follow our culture; tis minor change is all, my little kit."

"Ohh." At least it gave extra insight to the patriarchal tribes within Vylbrand.

Crossing the small bridge leading into the Blacksmith Guild, the auburn-haired woman gently made sure N'aithin was situated on the small rock that was embedded by the walkway.

"Now wait right here. My friend here will keep an eye on you. Isn't that right Fergus?" The Barracuda Knight's composure straightened upon his name being called by the female Miqo'te. He bobbed his head rapidly when his eyes met her golden orbs that held a piercing gaze.

Based on the interaction, he was starting to think his mother knew various people here very well. Then again, from what he had witnessed over the course of his arrival, there were people who seemed to recognize her based on the greetings. Most being from the Yellow Jackets.

"Now N'aithin don't listen to anyone deemed suspicious while I talk to some companions of mine inside."

"Yes mother." He obeyed.

His mother smiled and walked ahead to enter the forge. With her occupied, N'aithin opened the book he carried and began to read. His ears could pick up the faint sound of tools slamming into the weapons or armor being forged. The smoke and heat could be picked up by his nose. Adding to the ocean air, it felt like it was the norm for anyone within Limsa Lominsa.

It was starting to feel the same for him.

Flipping a page in the book, he progressed his reading but his ears flickered and his eyes moved slightly to catch something from his peripheral vision. It wasn't the sound of anvils nor the clanging of metal, rather the voice that was close unlike the occasional voices from the Blacksmith/Armorer Guild. It partially sounded close.

With curiosity getting the best of him, he shifted his gaze to see an Elezen. Huh, the only Elezen he knew in Limsa Lominsa was that pirate captain. Come to think of it, the Elezen he noticed was much older and he was carrying a… staff…

N'aithin felt his form grow rigid upon seeing the Elezen, now recognizing the old man. The somewhat dark skin that showed his elderly age, the garbs that were more refined than the locals here despite it looking similar to the gear he had seen in the game that players often use at the start of the first few dungeons. Another thing to note was the very unmistakable staff he carried.

The elezen was not just any individual, it was Master Louisoix who held the Tupsimati. The reincarnate knew of the character as he held an involvement in the Binding Coil of Bahamut side story in his previous life. Hell, he even had to do research on the character since it turned out Louisox was also heavily involved in the original patch of the game!

How was he here now?!

This was completely (and most definitely) different from what he knew! Okay, he needed to calm down. He can't raise any motion that would make the Elezen notice his gaze of familiarity.

He knew the man met Thancred here in Limsa Lominsa but that was when the Hyurian was a child. Though he wasn't sure when it occurred exactly.

He just needed to relax and focus on the book he carried with him. Using the book, he buried himself in the readings of it while occasionally sending a brief peek.

Though when he took the fourth glimpse, he noticed Louisoix approach his direction. 'Did he notice I was watching him?!'

He quickly raised the book though his panic and nervousness had only made him stand out more. His lips pursed slightly and his ears flatten against his head. 'Please don't notice me… please.'

"Pardon me little one." The voice caused N'aithin's ears to immediately flare up and his whole body tensed. The young Miqo'te slowly looked up to see Louisoix meeting his gaze.

He mentally whined in dismay, finding his poor attempt failing on him. So much for not sticking out.

"H-Hello," The reincarnate internally swallowed nervously. "M-Mother told me not to speak to people who look suspicious." He pointed at Fergus. "And told him to watch me to make sure nothing bad happens either."

The Hyurian slumped slightly at the reminder. The woman still scares him to this day. Must the young lad have to remind him about it?

Louisoix chuckled a little. "Be at ease. I'm simply here on a formality."

"For… mality?"

"A visit." The Elezen gently curled the corner of his lips. "It has been quite some time since I last came here."

"Y-You know this place mister?" N'aithin asked nervously but carefully. His nervous behavior still wasn't dwindling at all. How was he supposed to calm down without raising suspicion towards the one and only Master Louisoix?

"Tis my second visit here."

Second visit. Then that meant Louisoix had already met Thancred and recruited him to Sharlayan. What could have brought the Elezen here again? There was no mention of him coming to Limsa Lominsa the second time last he recalled from his knowledge of the game's lore and history.

"May I ask you a question?" N'aithin slowly nodded in reply. "What do you believe in when you see the people before you?" He gestured with a wave of his arm towards the locals in the Miqo'te's point of view.

"U-Um…" N'aithin stuttered, staring at every person he saw. "W-Well… I think… There are people who deserve a chance. Yes there are people who do bad things… but there are good people who have something to live for regardless of the bad things that happen to them. Something that gives them hope."

Louisoix stroked his chin, stifling a small hum to the answer. "Hope, you say?"

"Y-Yes…" He remembered the words his dad from Earth told him. "…When p-put to the edge of despair, there's hope."

The Elezen seemed to have acknowledged the words as his features brightened slightly, "What is your name?"

"N-N'aithin." The reincarnate answered. "U-Um, what is your name, mister?" Again it was a stupid question but had to play along with his facade.

Louisoix gave a courteous bow to the reincarnate. "Louisoix is my name. A pleasure to meet you, little one." His eyes drift to the book in the reincarnate's hand. "You must be immersed in that tome."

N'aithin blinked before looking at his personal book. "O-Oh… I like to read. It helps me learn more about what this place has." He held the book close, his body relaxing from his initial anxiety and smiled slightly. "I want to see all the nice places but… I also want to help people too when I get older… If they are okay, then I am the same."

His vow had lingered after his death in the life he had before and the incident three years ago rekindled it. Sadly he was currently too young to leave the tribe thus had to wait until he was an adult. Though if he recalled correctly wasn't the age to be considered an adult being sixteen in this world? He wasn't sure but he hoped he could see the places Eorzea has with his own eyes.

"I believe that is a noble goal you have." The reincarnate raised his head, puzzled. "Most would say it is naive but from your explanation, it is not. It is a selfless one." His slight wrinkled features lifted by his smile. "And granting hope to the good hearted who feel despair."

N'aithin could help but be amazed by the man. He was very kind-hearted and wise as the game mentioned. His staring ended when Louisoix composed himself slightly and reached into his pouch. The raven-haired Miqo'te was curious until he was presented with a small journal. It held the crest of the Elezen's home nation but from the size of it, it was a moderate book.

"Someday young one, there just might be a time where you may be needed in this land. Question remains - are you willing to take that step forward?" N'aithin's gaze followed the book that was handed to him, "From your words, now I see much more potential Eorzea has. A reason regarding those here."

"N'aithin!" The reincarnate's ears perked up at the sound of his mother calling him.

The Elezen smiled. "Take care. May the crystal guide you to greatness in your future." With the staff still in hand, he left the reincarnated Miqo'te where he was.

N'aithin lowered his eyes down to the journal. It held the crest of Sharlayan. 'Did he know I am not like others here? …No, that can't be.' For the great Louisoix to be aware he was far different than other children due to being older via the soul was impossible…

…could it?

He was disrupted when he saw his mother abruptly make him stand on his feet.

"N'aithin I thought I told you to not speak to anyone suspicious!"

Her harsh tone made the raven-haired reincarnate flinch. "T-The man wasn't bad, mother! He wanted to ask me questions!" He showed the new book in hand. "A-And he gave me this!"

The woman looked at the cover and noticed the crest, her concern and frustration immediately vanishing. "The crest of Sharlayan? …N'aithin dear, who handed this to you?"

"The man said his name was Lou… lio…"

"Louisoix." Fergus froze slightly when N'rhomrl glanced at him.

"Yeah that name!" N'aithin bobbed his head up and down.

He saw the eyes of familiarity from the woman the moment the name seeped in. She elicited a sigh, pressing a few fingers against her forehead. "D-Did I say something wrong, mother?"

"Nay, you didn't say anything wrong." His mother answered. "N'aithin, please take note of my words from here on, okay?"

"I-I'm sorry mother…" replied N'aithin. He really didn't mean to make his mother worried.

The redhead eased and gently held her son's hand. "Let us be off. We will be heading back to our village."

N'aithin nodded and gently followed his mother.

~*~FFXIV~*~

Later in the day after returning to the village, the reincarnate sat on a rock by the shores of the island, reading the book Louisoix gave him. He still reeled from the fact he actually met Louisoix in person.

The Sharlayan book he gave him, provided a deep insight into the world itself. Given the nation of Sharlayan is practically a land filled with scholars, this book was certainly beginner level but something told him the Elezen was aware just how smart he is.

The man had such wisdom just by the tone of his voice, fitting for one of the most well known scholars in FFXIV. Well, there's also Urianger and Y'shtola being other clear examples of scholars who hold immense knowledge of the history of the world (and the fundamentals of aether) much like the older Elezen.

There was still this lingering feeling regarding Louisoix seeing through the facade, finding more of who he really is. His eyes drift at the texts of the item in hand, flipping a page, already halfway in completing it. His mother and others had noticed how engrossed he was in the Sharlayan book. Not that they minded given they had seen him do the same with the other tomes he read to pass the time.

The book had also certainly provided some starter-level details in regards to aether. The very essence that courses through all forms of life and the air itself. Any aether that is condensed crystalizes, eventually becoming aether crystals of a certain element.

It was honestly quite intriguing now that he had in-depth information unlike in the game-related books in his past life.

His gaze lingered at the pages before eliciting a yawn. Guess all the reading has made him tired. He stood up from the rock and hopped down. Just as he planned to return to the village, his ears flickered and paused his movement. Looking down he noticed he landed on a fragmented piece of wood. Not from the trees but as if it came from a boat. Looking behind him, he saw another piece before he witnessed more coming ashore.

Was a ship attacked recently?

His ears twitched. At first he thought it was nothing until his ears heard it again.

It was a weak groan.

He swiveled around, trying to spot the source. He crawled back onto the rock and it gave him a better elevation of sight to look at the shoreline. It was there he noticed more damaged boards of wood on shore. Not just that however as he also spied a figure on the sand.

Immediately he climbed down and jogged over with haste before seeing the prone victim. It was a Hyurian woman but her burgundy colored equipment was damaged whereas she looked to be wounded.

N'aithin scrambled to his knees and checked for any sign of breathing. When he was about to, the groan came through, signifying the poor soul was still alive.

He chewed his lip before turning the Hyur onto her back, though at his best given he was physically still a child. Thankfully he managed to turn the person over to allow her to breathe but based on her condition, it was serious.

Her disheveled yet wet, dark green hair clung onto her face. The marks on the uniform displayed a darker shade of red, displaying the location of her wounds.

Based on the uniform, she must be a member of the Knights of the Barracuda.

He raised his head to the ocean horizon and saw no ship. She must have been floating adrift if there was no sight of a ruined ship.

"… 'elp'… me…" N'aithin jumped and saw the woman's visible eye barely opened to a slit.

N'aithin panicked, darting his head around. He wanted to call for help but it won't reach at this distance. "I-I..." He chewed his lips in conflict. Looking at the plantlife not too far, he jogged over but earned a weak call from the Hyurian, pleading with him to come back.

It pained the reincarnate to hear her plea to come back.

Seeing the small tree, N'aithin reached up and tugged. It took two hastily tries until he used the dagger and cut off a sturdy bundle of vines. With the object in hand, he ran back to the Barracuda Knight. Her eyes saw him raise the items in hand before pointing at the broken board she was on.

The naval fighter bobbed her head albeit slightly through the pain, understanding his intention. Using the vines to wrap around to serve as a pulling mechanism.

The raven-haired Miqo'te wrapped the vine around carefully, trying not to move the woman but at the same time, firmly tying it in place. "Please stay alive!" He begged and pulled.

Alas he struggled at the start but tugged harder. It was nothing at first but he finally got to feel the movement of the board following him as he pulled it.

The process was forcing him to exert his muscles but it wasn't stopping him. His feet stomped with each step he took, sending occasional glanced at the wounded Hyurian. He grunted by the next pull.

Again his ears flickered to a foreign sound as if something was about to break. He paused his movements to check and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Seeing his surroundings there was nothing hostile.

Concentrating on the more important task at hand, he pulled but heard the snap again.

It wasn't from around him but rather… close. Very close.

Close enough to be heard from his own hands.

He fell forward when the vine snapped from his grip. It alarmed the reincarnate, making him scramble to the Hyurian. "No! No! No!" He checked on her pulse but it was becoming faint.

He can't let it happen. He can't...

The back of his mind reached out to him, reminding him of what he used to do in his previous life. The life he had, the people he cared about…

He couldn't do anything to save his mom back on Earth. All he was able to do was watch as her illness slowly took her away.

He didn't want to give up here.

N'aithin gritted his teeth, slowly standing up and pulled again. He could feel his form strain by exerting his young form. "We are almost there!" He pulled with all his might. He had to save her.

His feet dragged across the dirt but kept going. The movements had allowed him to see the entrance, making his blood pump through his veins and did his best to pull the wounded barracuda knight.

'Almost there! You're almost there! Don't give up!!'

It kept repeating over and over in his head like a mantra.

When his feet slowed down, he saw the miqo'te thus he had arrived.

He actually made it…

Finally finding himself in front of the tribe entrance, the reincarnate collapsed but his golden orbs saw his father.

"N'aithin, why are you-" N'vurih paused when he saw a board that rested below a weak yet wounded Hyurian. "I need the chirurgeons! We have a wounded here!"

More Miqo'te gathered upon seeing the Hyurian but one of the Miqo'te noticed a familiarity.

"Wasn't there a mention of several ships being destroyed by the Sahagin god recently?" One female Miqo'te recalled.

"Aye, the Barracuda Knights had included to everyone to report any possible survivors."

"Get the Chocobo set after we tend her wounds."

Another Miqo'te villager nodded and rushed to the stables whereas the others began to help the Barracuda Knight by lifting the board she was on.

The greenette weakly glanced at N'vurih but her eyes laid on the reincarnate. "Thank… you…" were the last words before several Miqo'te carried her carefully to the local healers.

The gratitude behind her voice… the pain from her near-death yet joy to live another day. The barracuda knight found hope at the edge of death's despair.

Recalling his conversation with Louisoix, it brought so many memories and feelings; it flashed in his head, reminiscing the day he died. The deaths of the people he cared about so much in his precious life.

"N'aithin?" N'vurih knelt down and saw tears in his son's eyes.

The reincarnate looked at his father ever so slowly then at the barracuda knight he saved. To save a soul from dying. He actually did it.

"I-I… saved her…? " He repeated. The sudden feeling of overwhelming joy but also sadness erupted.

Joy of saving the Hyurian.

Sadness of the reality of how fragile life can be.

The gratitude that reached his ears by her finally hit his heart as he broke down in tears. He really thought he wasn't able to save her but he actually did.

To feel this emotion again…

While his father wasn't aware of the truth behind the reason for his tears, the older Miqo'te knelt down and patted his head. "You did."

With those words, N'aithin finally cried; the rush of emotions bursting out like a damn. To release the tears from the memories.

Life may be fragile but it doesn't always mean it can end immediately. It was how far he was willing to push himself to save a soul.

The hope life can have.

A/N: That concludes the second part of the prologue arc! We get extra insight on some things as well as introducing the well known character Louisoix Leveilleur. It also introduces some progress regarding our protagonist as well as some tad bit of humor. Feel free to leave a review, favorite, and follow this story.

Regarding my other FFXIV story - Final Fantasy: The Lost Warrior, as you all know Square Enix had announced in the earlier months during the FF7 Anniversary stream of the Remake getting its second part soon. The story will still proceed but it might be paused due to the announcement of the second part of the Remake but as I mentioned before, I would be adding the original FF7 elements to that story if the choice comes to deciding to go on an original take of the remake.

With that said, thank you for reading this chapter and again don't forget to leave a review, favorite, and follow this story! See you guys next time!