Chapter 1: Sparkling Youth.
The crystal in his hand used to be so shiny. A gift from his father, young Culebra never went anywhere without it. He used to marvel at how gorgeous it was, so brilliantly it shined. Now, it was cracked, and bled of it's beauty. Sure, his dad had plenty of them, but those were for work. This one had been his. Until the other children saw it.
Culebra never fit in ever since he moved to this little village. Born in Sandoria, his whole family moved so they could set up shop in Selbina, where his father would goldcraft for a living. This didn't sit too well with the children, most of whom were the children of adventurers.
"Culebra!" The familiar and dreaded voice rang out from across the settlement. Culebar remianed on the fence he was sitting on, and continued his admiration for his crystal.
"CULE!" Bertain was determined to find him it seemed. The voice was closer this time, and filled with a hint of mishchief.
"CULEBRA you little pugil, where are you? I just want to show you something!" The young Galkans shadow covered Culebra as Bertain turned the corner.
"There you are! You can't hide from me, loser." Bertain's mouth twisted into a grin. Culebra closed his fist around the crystal.
"What do you want to show me?" Culebra asked, a little weary.
"This!" Culebra turns and sees Bertain holding an Onion Sword.
"My father said that soon I will be ready to explore the world! I'll return to Bastok, and become the greatest fighter VanaDiel has ever known!"
"Thats an Onion sword...pretty common if you ask me." Culebra turns his gaze away, feigning indifference, while feeling more jealous than hes ever felt in his short life.
"Common?! What the hell do you know? Don't be jealous that I'm going to be a great warrior, and you're gonna play with crystals your whole life!" And with those words Bertain strode foward and raised his sword, as if to strike the unarmed Elvaan. Culebra, seeing the movement, twitched in response, and dropped his crystal.
Time seemed to slow down, and Culebra's eyes grew wide as he watched his crystal slowly fragment into a million pieces. All sound was drowned out except for the beating of his own heart. He stared for what seemed like an eternity, and the world around him started to fall into focus. The sound of his heartbeat was joined by another, far more unpleasant sound...Bertain's laughter.
"You godamned bastard....." Culebra growled through clenched teeth, as he shot up from the fence and closed the distance between the two of them.
Chapter 2: A Fathers Beliefs
"Ow" Culebra grimaced as his father, Arturo, dabbed at the cuts on his cheek.
"Now now, sit still. It doesn't hurt that bad." Arturo always had this soothing way of speaking...his mother always joked that Culebra wouldn't have been born were it not for Arturo's smooth speech. Whatever that means.
"It does hurt that bad...especially when you put pressure on it." Culebra still had a frown on his face. Not entirely from frowning mind you...but a nice bruise on the forehead can do wonders for your expression.
"Be a big boy for your father." Marina's motherly words wafted from the kitchen. Culebra squirmed a little.
"Yes mom."
"So.." Arturo began...."What made you haul off and attack Bertain?"
"He made me drop your crystal, daddy." The memory of the shatter almost made tears well up in his eyes, but he fought them down...hes suffered enough embarassment for the day.
"The crystal?" Arturo furrowed his brow. "Crystal...ah! The one I gave you last month? I have plenty of those, you can have another." Culebra hated when his dad made something seem trivial.
"I don't want another one..I want the one you gave me. This isn't the first time he made me drop it...it was already cracked."
"Dear,.." Marina strode into the living room..."How exactly did he make you drop it?" Culebra lowered his head slightly.
"He took out a Onion Sword...pretended he was about to hit me." Arturo let out a soft sigh.
"A sword? What on earth is a boy his age doing with a sword?" Marina took a seat beside Arturo. Culebra merely shrugged, now avoiding his parents gaze.
"C'mon honey, you know how these adventurer types are." Arturo turned to his wife. "As soon as you can hold a weapon and not chop your own face off, you're given one." Slight disgust seemed to fill Arturo's voice. Turning back to his son, he said: "And it would seem that our son still wishes to become an adventurer himself." At this, Culebra glanced up.
"I don't see why I can't just have a little dagger! A club! Anything!"
"And what would you do with your newfound weapon?" Arturo asked quickly.
"I'd teach that smelly Galka not to bother me again!" Culebra exclaimed...knowing what his fathers response would be, and immediately regretting that he'd said it. Marina let out a small sigh as Arturo stood up, visibly angery.
"So, you'd use your blade for vengence? And do what, kill him? Is that all anyone can do with a weapon?"
"But..." Arturo cut his son off as he started to speak.
"No, be quiet. You dissapoint me. There is enough bloodshed and despair in VanaDiel, without you adding to it. Go to your room, I don't want to see you for a bit." Hurt and angry, Culebra slinked away. Alone in his room, the usual thoughts of running away in anger gnawed in his brain, but he'd never do something like that. Hell, where would he go? The Dunes were forbidden to the children for a reason.
In the living room, Marina had her arms wrapped around her husbands waist.
"Honey, don't you think you were a little rough on him? Hes a young boy, hes embarassed and angry. It's natural for him to think those thoughts."
Arturo looked his wife in the eyes. "I don't think it's natural. Is this whole world so twisted? What happened to dignity and honor? Is revenge so important? Thats why I left Bastok, too much hatred in those walls."
"But hes just a young boy...who just wants to be on equal standing with other young boys."
"Equal standing? So, combat skills are the only equalizers? No honey...I refuse to belive that. Hell, I've never trained with a sword, and look at our life. I'm happy with my family, doing my craft. I feel inferior to no man. Why can't Culebra feel the same way?"
"He very well may...one day. But your path in life may not be your path." Marina kissed him on the nose. "Now, enough of this talk...let's head to bed, it's been a long night."
Chapter 3: The Plans Of Fate
"Oh yeah, I'm going to be leaving this place to head for Jeuno soon." Bertain said with a smug grin to his friend Antion. Antion was a somewhat naive Tarutaru, and had a habit of idolizing Bertain and his brash ways. However, even this was a bit much for him to belive.
"What, you mean with your dad?"
"Nope! Imma go alone. My skills are amazing...I'm almost a certified warrior!" Bertain lifted his sword and struck a nearby wall. "Die Goblin!" Antion was duely impressed by this show of Goblin abuse.
"Wow! Your dad said you can become a warrior soon?" Bertain nods as he continues to hit the wall.
"He also said,.." Beratin takes a breath before finishing his sentence....."That the Beastmen are jokes. He used to hunt them for sport when he was a novice." Bertain stopped hitting the wall, and looked at Antion, as if he had vanquished a troublesome foe.
"Wow." Antion looked over at the gates to the Dunes. "So when are you leaving?"
"Well..." Bertain lowered his voice slightly. "..my dad said I'd have to wait till i'm older to leave..."
Confused, Antion turned his attention back to the now somewhat sheepish Galka. "I thought you said..." Bertain cut him off...
"I said dad said i'll be a warrior soon. But....I can't leave Selbina yet." Bertain scoffs. "He just doesn't realize how strong I've become..." A smile spread on his lips. "But I'll show him, when I get to Jeuno."
A few months later.......
The comotion outside awoke Culebra with a bit of a start.
"What the..." He muttered as he saw the shadows of peoples heads running by his window.
"Dad? Mom?" Culebra called out to no reply. Hopping out of bed and wiping a strand of his red hair out of his face, he walked to the window and looked out. What he saw was the ship that carried supplies crashed into the dock, and smoke billowing from it. Shocked and curious, he runs out of his house and stands amist the frenzied denizens.
"Excuse me......hey.........pardon......." Culebra tried to inquire of the people who ran by. All of a sudden, his air was knocked out of him as a Huma male slammed into him.
"Watch it kid!" The bald Hume said to Culebar as he gained his composure.
"Whats going on?" he asked the Hume. "Why did the ferry crash?" A somewhat solemn look spread over the Humes face.
"Pirates attacked the ferry. It seems all the cargo was stolen. Everyone is trying to find survivors and help repair the damage." the Hume growled. "Someday, we should all find those bastards hiding spot and teach them a lesson." The Hume started to move towards the docks. "Take care kid." Culebra was in shock. Pirates? Today? He'd heard stories and rumors...but never entertained the thought of them long. He looked over toward the docks, and fought the sun to see the people helping. He saw his parents, side by side pulling planks away from the wreckage. For a moment, Culebra imagined if they had been on the ferry...what would he have done if they died? But he didn't dwell on it long...cause soon he heard another voice, small amongst the others....screaming the best it could for help. He snapped his head aside to see Antion stumble along the path towards the docks, tears streaming from his eyes. When he looked up again, he saw blood trickling from a cut on his head. Culebra never really had anything against Antion, but he didn't particularily like him due to the company he kept. Nonetheless, Culebra sprinted to help the Taru up.
"What's wrong?" Culebra asked the somewhat hysterical Antion.
"Ber...it's Bertain. Hes dead! Hes dying! Help him! Help him please!"
"Slow down, whats wrong with him?"
"He.." Antion wiped his face clear of blood as he spoke..."He left for Jeuno in the confusion." Culebra looked to the entrance of the Dunes, and noticed that the people usually there were missing, most likely helping at the docks.
"You mean he went into the Dunes?" He asked Antion, who was sobbing now and could only nod. "Well, go find his dad. It's not my problem. He should be ok anyway."
"No!" Antion shot the word out like it had a physical impact on him. "A goblin was there....it started to chase him! He ran...I ran. I came back here...hes not behind me! Please, you have to help!" Culebra's mind was swirling...so much to take in first thing in the morning. Nodding to the Taru he said:
"Show me where." Antion took off towards the Valkurn Dunes entrance and Culebra followed suit. The entrance itself looked to be a looming portal to him...and Culebra started to feel nervous, but kept up with Antion.
Chapter 4: The Right Things For The Wrong Reasons
Almost as soon as his feet touched the bleached white sand of Valkurn Dunes, Culebra could see Bertain. He was hiding behind a rock just two feet from a mean looking Goblin who was sniffing the air. Antion started slinking back the way he came.
"Help him please! I'm going to find more help!" Antion said quietly as he turned and ran in.
"Wait!" Culebra spun in place to grab Antion, but wasn't fast enough.
"Damnit." He turned around to face Bertain and ducked behind a rock that was lying near him. Glancing up, he saw that Bertain was visibly shaking, and Culebra took some pleasure in that. But the satisfaction wore off instantly, as the Goblin turned quickly and appeared to look right at the rock where Bertain was hiding. It made a low grunt, and started to walk toward the rock. Culebra noticed that something was different about Bertain and refocused on him, and saw what exactly was different. Bertain was no longer cowering, but had drew his sword and was standing behind the rock, shaking but at the ready. Culebra was filled with many emotions simultaneously. Bertain would fight the Goblin...what if he won? The smug bastard would have another up on him. He would rub it in Culebras face. And all the while, Culebra would remain a lowly son of a goldsmither. He refused to be second string. He refused to be forever live in the shadow of those who took up adventuring. No more.....no more.
"HEY!" Culebra was startled to hear his own voice shout out, and was more startled to feel the weight of the pebbles in his hand. The Goblin and Bertain looked over, and barely had time to process what was happening when the pebbles flew through the air and struck the Goblin, Bertain and nothingness at the same time. He had certainly grabbed the Goblins attention. Now...what to do with it........ The Goblin made a loud grunt and started toward Culebra.
"What are you doing!" Bertain shouted at Culebra. "You can't fight that thing!" Bertain started to head towards the Goblin, which was already halfway to Culebra, who was frozen in place. Not due to fear, mind you, but because he refused to run. Culebra saw his impending death, and decided that he'd at least fight as best he could....to die with honor.
The next moments passed fast....too fast. He didn't realize the Goblin was dead....that Bertain had dropped his sword. He didn't see the Elvaan man blocking the sun from his face. He didn't see the axe. What he did see was his parents. And the town. Applauding him. He was called a hero that day. Lucky, too. Had that warrior not been passing through....Culebra and Bertain would be dead. But Culebra bought time. He was willing to sacrifice his life for another. People said he should go to Ordelle's Caves one day...and he never asked what that meant. All Culebra knew was that he liked being praised. He liked being the hero. And he liked the random adventurer who saved him. The man was SanDorian. The place of Culebras birth. Culebra vowed to return there one day..and to become a warrior in emulation of his savior. Arturo didn't like the idea..but everyone follows there own path...and on his eighteenth birthday...Culebra decided to follow his.
Chapter 5: Before The Arrival
"Thank you." Culebra said to the nameless Mithra that escorted him thus far.
"Not words...but your promised reward is thanks enough." She said.
"Of course. I am a man of my word." Culebra said with a smile as he reached in his pockets and pulled some of the gil his parents had given him as a good luck present. The Mithra took the gil and counted it.
"Puurfect. A pleasure doing business with you..." She smiled at him. "Good luck." She turned and darted off...and Culebra was left wondering if she was flirting with him or not. He never could tell with Mithra....no matter. As long as she kept her end of the deal..to escort him through the dunes. She wouldn't take him to Sandoria, too far a journey she said. He was fine with that. Completely lost, and with only 10 gil left to his name...he looked around at this Plateau. It was serene and beautiful. The air was fresh, and he saw a few harmless sheep in the distance. He had on blue leather gear that his mother made for him, and his own sword, and his own Onion Sword.
"I wonder which way leads to SanDoria?" He licked his finger and pointed it straight up, determining the direction of the wind. An adventurous grin splayed across his face. "North it is!" he said, and started running in that direction.
A few hours had passed when he grew tired. He had not encountered any beastmen, and wondered if they roamed these fields at all. He wearily wondered over to a nearby tree, and let out a small sigh as he let himself sink to the wet grass. Just a small rest......he'll close his eyes but not fall asleep.
He didn't know how many hours passed....but when he opened his eyes, there was a darkness all around him. Feeling somewhat sheepish for having fallen asleep, he yawned deep and stretched his arms high. Letting his eyes focus, he noticed the darkness seemed to be on him alone...the areas around him were bright as a scholar. Confused, Culebra looked to his left, and saw what was perhaps the oddest looking creature standing beside him, staring at him. Now fully awake and keeping his cool, Culebra studied this creature. Its clothes were tatered and had strange markings on them. Around it's neck was a necklace that looked to be made of bone. It's flesh was greenish color, with white eyes and a vacant stare that penetrated his heart, giving him a icy feel. Most important was the small axe in it's hand...an axe it was now raising as its enormous lips parted into a snarl. Culebra's eyes opened wide as he reached for his sword..knowing damn well that it was useless against this creature and that he would die here, leaving his parents to worry about him forever. He was still thinking these thoughts when the creature burst into flames, screeched, and died. As it hit the floor, it revealed a Taru in robes standing there, his blue hair covering his eyes slightly. Culebra started to laugh.
"Whats so funny?" The Taru asked, adjusting the hood that covered his head.
"It seems that I suck." Culebra replied. "I was only going to 'rest my eyes'...something that seems impossible to do without falling asleep." He stood up and faced the Taru. "Thank you much, you seem to have prolonged my death for another fifteen minutes or so." He said with a chuckle. The Taru seemed amused by Culebras upbeat attitude about the situation, especially seeing how close he came to dying. He was also amused by the wet spot on Culebras pants.
"Did the orc scare you, or did I?" He asked with a chuckle. Culebra looked down at the spot the wet grass had left. Looking up he replied,
"Not scared..I found that creature sexy." The Taru burst out laughing. Wiping a tear from his eye, he spoke.
"My name is Sosuke. Whats yours?"
"Culebra. Nice to meet you."
"What exactly ARE you doing out here? You don't seemed equipped for battle to be honest."
"Well, I'm trying to find my birth town.."
"Jeuno?"
"SanDoria."
"Ah, I see. Well, you're headed in the wrong direction..how did you get this far? What are you using as guidance?" At this question, Culebra grinned.
"Well...this way was nifty looking. And you know...if this isn't the way..Ill try another way. Eventually, Ill find it." Sosuke stared at this Elvaan, he couldn't really belive that he just met someone so naive. Pure maybe? Or just plain simple.
"Well.." Sosuke started.."I'm on my way to SanDoria now. It's not too far from here...I guess it'd be ok if you came with me if you wanted." Culebra smiled warmly.
"Sure, sounds good. However, I only have 10 gil left to my name..I left home with 60gil...and payed for an escort through the Dunes."
"Nah, I don't charge. All you'll owe me is you're soul." With that Sosuke started to walk. Culebra stared at him..
"I don't have one..so ok." Culebra started to walk after him, and by the time they arrived in SanDoria, they were friends.
Chapter 6: The Things That Change Stay The Same
Months have passed, and Culebra was walking the path of a warrior. He had become a regular in SanDoria, and was even granted a house within the Moggle district. He ran some errands for people and did some heavy training outside the gates of town daily to improve his skills. He now actually wore armor, and was happy with the way things were going. Occasionally, other people, in order to improve thier skills, would team up and hunt in larger numbers. Culebra grew accustomed to joining these parties and in time, grew to respect what being a warrior meant. However, he had not yet returned home. There were two reasons for this, one, he wasn't strong enough to make it on his own yet, and two, he didn't feel as if he'd accomplished anything worth showing his parents yet. So every evening, he would set out to LaThiene Plateau alone to hunt for sheep and reflect on his progress.
He yearned to become stronger every day..and yet as he did, he didn't feel satisfaction. His many small accomplishments never filled the hole..even arriving at Jeuno for the first time didn't fully fulfill him. Walking the overcrowded streets of Jeuno, Culebra would think about how hed travelled so far, but still had not rturned home. He was able to now, especially with his newly obtained Chocobo Liscence. But it wasn't time yet...not yet. Then one day, Culebra joined a group of people that were trying to stem the tide of monsters in a small island called Quifm, and his life was forever changed....
"Ok people, to get to this island, we have to run through an underground cave. In this cave are monsters called 'Weapons'...they will easily eat you for lunch." The Hume female spoke with conviction, as if she'd been there before. "Avoid them at all costs, and stay near me, ok?" The whole group nodded.
"Ooo, dank." Culebra said as they entered the caves. "AND cold. Yum." The Galka in the group grunted.
"I prefer Selbina. I like the warmth." Culebra looked over at Bertain.
"Yeah, but Selbina doesn't have WEAPONS." He points at the grotesque creature in the corner. Bertain instinctively holds the handle of his axe as they run by..just in case.
"Yeah, but Selbina has safety." Antion finally spoke up, trailing behind them. Most of the party mumbled thier agreement with Antion.
"Well, thats not very fun." Culebra said with a grin, as they finally emerged from the caves and were greeted by bitter cold.
"Ok.." The Hume female said..."Stay by me. We're going to camp in front of a Tower that looks similar to the Crags." Again, the group all nodded agreement and followed. Culebra was amazed by the Giants that roamed the area. So huge and powerful...he wondered what would happen if one decided to pick a fight with him. He decided that he didn't want to find out. Eventually they arrived at thier camping grounds, and prepared for the long day ahead.
Chapter 7: With Every LAst Drop
Hours have passed, and everyone was feeling the pain. A few members have left the group, to be replaced with new adventurers. The only ones remaining from the original lineup was Bertain, Antion, and Culebra. Night time had fallen across the island, and everyone was weary of the undead that roamed. They sat with the only other present adventurer, a Taru black mage who didn't seem to speak the same language as them.
"How exactly did this Tower get built?" Antion asked as he cured his group while they rested. "I mean...with all the undead around."
"Who cares?" Bertain replied gruffly. Antion lowered his head a little and started to recuperate his mana.
"Perhaps.." Culebra offered.."The undead weren't always here? Maybe Quifm wasn't always like this." Antion looked at Culebra.
"I thought that too. I mean...Altana wouldn't have..." Antion stopped and snapped his head around at the sound of screaming. "By Altana!" he shouted as he scrambled up. Culebra looked over and saw that thier black mage was no longer resting, but lying on the ground in a pool of blood, impaled by a Wight. The skeleton seemed to be in a perpetual grin, pleased at what it had done. Culebra and Bertain were up in a flash, weapons drawn. The Wight looked at Antion, and for a second you could see the hate in it's hollow eyes. However, the Axe Bertain buried into it's skull redirected it's attention.
"Keep recovering mana!" Culebra yelled as he drew his sword and ran to help Bertain. Antion nodded and dropped to his knees, praying for divine help.....
"Damnit!" Bertain grimased as the Wight knocked the axe out of its head and crashed into him. Culebra grabbed the Wight's shoulder from behind, and tried to pull it off of Bertain when he felt a burning sensation in his back. Turning slightly, he saw the second Wight that had stabbed him.
"You little piece of.." He muttered as he felt the soothing magic come over him. Antion was up and keeping him and Bertain alive. The Wight that had punctured Culebra didn't like that one bit, and turned to face Antion. Culebra grabs it and spins it to face him while shoving his sword into its hollow eye socket.
"Leave the taru alone" He snarled. Behind him, He could hear Bertain struggling against the Wight, and he turned to help him kill that one off first.
"We can't kill these!" Antion yelled, his voice shaking. "We..we're gonna die!" Culebra had a brief flashback to his youth...watching Antion stumble...when Bertain was his enemy...and how much things have changed. Now, these two are his connections to a life in a small merchant village...a reminder of how he went against his fathers wishes to follow his own path. As the battle raged on...he wondered if Bertain was proud of his path...if he was the warrior his father made him to be. He wondered if Antion actually enjoyed his new lifestyle, or if he simply wanted to protect Bertain. He remembered waking up in the shadow of an Orc, and living to see today. He wondered if he would see tomorrow. They dealt the final blow to the first Wight, and turned to face the other that was inflicting massive damage to Culebra's back. Through sheer will, he did not fall. Not just for himself...but also for these guys. His friends. His second family. But none of them were in a condition to fight much longer...and this Wight was nowhere near re-death. It turned from Bertain and Culebra, spilling both of thier blood across the snow. Culebra could tell that Antion was running low on mana, and when he ran out...neither he nor Bertain had the resourses to stay alive till Antion was ready.
Culebra remembred the Elvaan male who saved him from the Goblin.....he remembered Sosuke...he remembered the countless nameless people that have saved him from death over his journey..and wondered someone would save them again. Bertain coughed, and his blood sprayed over the Wight.
"Bertain!" Culebra shouted as he fell to one knee and dropped his axe. The Wight, with it's eternal grin..moved towards him, Scythe raised. Culebra felt time slow to a crawl as his eyes locked with Bertains', and he realized that he could not reach Bertain in time.
Chapter 8: Heaven Will Cry Tears
The brilliant light flooded Culebras vision, but he would not shut his eyes. He felt his own pain reside, and a burst of energy fill his soul. He saw the Wight turn to face past him, and saw Bertain reaching for his axe. The Wight broke into a run, and rushed past Culebra before he could stop him. Turning, Culebra faced the source of the brilliant light. There was Antion, awash with Holy light. His eyes closed, he was praying to Altana with his arms reaching skyward. The Wight reached Antion as Culebra grabbed it by its neck and tried to turn it around. But the Wight was determined..and Culebra watched in horror as the Scythe sliced right across Antions chest. Instantley, the light flashed out...and Antion remained in his stance as blood spilt from his torn robes. With his arms still beckoning to the heavens...Antion fell to his knees and unto his face. The scream that Bertain emited was full of absolute hate. And Culebra watched as Bertain, having gone completely berserk, smashed the back of the Wights head with a mighty strike. It staggered foward from the blow, and met it's end at the rage of the two warriors.
The sun started to shine over the horizon and Antions still body cast a shadow that reached to Culebras feet. Culebra walked over to where he lay, and knelt beside him, dropping his sword in the snow. He turned Antion over and felt his heart quake...Antions face was so peaceful. He died, so that they may live. And by the look on his face, he had no regrets.
"What a waste...a worthless waste." Bertain murmured as he stood beside Culebra. Culebra looked up at the Galkas face, and saw something new there.
"Waste?" Culebra asked, eyes brimming with tears.
"Yeah...a waste. Why did he die? So we can live? For what, to rid the land of evil? Whats the point?" Bertain turned around and studied his axe. "If thats the reason, then theres no point. Antion didn't have to die for such a stupid quest. The only thing that matters is how strong you are. We were not strong enough."
"I couldn't get the Wight off of him...but he knew I wouldnt be able to. He sacrificed himself for us...for our cause." Culebra said to the back of his childhood rival. "It's not how strong you are, but how strong your heart is."
"Pfft." Bertain holstered his weapon. "I'm leaving. I need to think for a while."
"Headed for Bastok again?"
".....yeah. I need to be alone for a bit." And with that Bertain ran off. Culebra looked back at the Taru in his lap and gently lowered him to the ground. He would not leave until his friend was buried, and started to dig using his sword. People would run by occasionally, and stare at this Elvaan, as he silently dug in the frozen ground.
Many thoughts passed through his head as he dug. He thought about the feeling of the blessings Altana bestowed upon him. He thought about his inability to protect Antion. He thought about what it meant to be strong. Was it how hard he could hit the monster? Or How well he could prevent the monster from hurting his friends? What did it mean to be a friend? Would you give your life for a friend? How about a stranger? He was once referred to as a hero, but now all he felt like was a failure. And he understood his father...why must we mindlessly kill? No, there has to be something he could do with a sword other than hurt. It was twilight when Culebra started to walk away from the small grave. He would no longer fight mindlessly. Noone else will die when he is around. His father will be proud. He will use his blade to defend. Culebra had decided......he will become a Paladin.
Epilogue
Bertain would walk the path of a Dark Knight, and meet with Culebra again someday. Culebra achieved the honor of becoming a paladin, and returned home. He moved his parents to SanDoria, where they live happily in the moogle district. Culebra would eventually grow stronger and gain influence within the SanDorian Royalty, and go on to slay the ShadowLord. To this day Culebra lives on, and his adventures are far from over.
The crystal in his hand used to be so shiny. A gift from his father, young Culebra never went anywhere without it. He used to marvel at how gorgeous it was, so brilliantly it shined. Now, it was cracked, and bled of it's beauty. Sure, his dad had plenty of them, but those were for work. This one had been his. Until the other children saw it.
Culebra never fit in ever since he moved to this little village. Born in Sandoria, his whole family moved so they could set up shop in Selbina, where his father would goldcraft for a living. This didn't sit too well with the children, most of whom were the children of adventurers.
"Culebra!" The familiar and dreaded voice rang out from across the settlement. Culebar remianed on the fence he was sitting on, and continued his admiration for his crystal.
"CULE!" Bertain was determined to find him it seemed. The voice was closer this time, and filled with a hint of mishchief.
"CULEBRA you little pugil, where are you? I just want to show you something!" The young Galkans shadow covered Culebra as Bertain turned the corner.
"There you are! You can't hide from me, loser." Bertain's mouth twisted into a grin. Culebra closed his fist around the crystal.
"What do you want to show me?" Culebra asked, a little weary.
"This!" Culebra turns and sees Bertain holding an Onion Sword.
"My father said that soon I will be ready to explore the world! I'll return to Bastok, and become the greatest fighter VanaDiel has ever known!"
"Thats an Onion sword...pretty common if you ask me." Culebra turns his gaze away, feigning indifference, while feeling more jealous than hes ever felt in his short life.
"Common?! What the hell do you know? Don't be jealous that I'm going to be a great warrior, and you're gonna play with crystals your whole life!" And with those words Bertain strode foward and raised his sword, as if to strike the unarmed Elvaan. Culebra, seeing the movement, twitched in response, and dropped his crystal.
Time seemed to slow down, and Culebra's eyes grew wide as he watched his crystal slowly fragment into a million pieces. All sound was drowned out except for the beating of his own heart. He stared for what seemed like an eternity, and the world around him started to fall into focus. The sound of his heartbeat was joined by another, far more unpleasant sound...Bertain's laughter.
"You godamned bastard....." Culebra growled through clenched teeth, as he shot up from the fence and closed the distance between the two of them.
Chapter 2: A Fathers Beliefs
"Ow" Culebra grimaced as his father, Arturo, dabbed at the cuts on his cheek.
"Now now, sit still. It doesn't hurt that bad." Arturo always had this soothing way of speaking...his mother always joked that Culebra wouldn't have been born were it not for Arturo's smooth speech. Whatever that means.
"It does hurt that bad...especially when you put pressure on it." Culebra still had a frown on his face. Not entirely from frowning mind you...but a nice bruise on the forehead can do wonders for your expression.
"Be a big boy for your father." Marina's motherly words wafted from the kitchen. Culebra squirmed a little.
"Yes mom."
"So.." Arturo began...."What made you haul off and attack Bertain?"
"He made me drop your crystal, daddy." The memory of the shatter almost made tears well up in his eyes, but he fought them down...hes suffered enough embarassment for the day.
"The crystal?" Arturo furrowed his brow. "Crystal...ah! The one I gave you last month? I have plenty of those, you can have another." Culebra hated when his dad made something seem trivial.
"I don't want another one..I want the one you gave me. This isn't the first time he made me drop it...it was already cracked."
"Dear,.." Marina strode into the living room..."How exactly did he make you drop it?" Culebra lowered his head slightly.
"He took out a Onion Sword...pretended he was about to hit me." Arturo let out a soft sigh.
"A sword? What on earth is a boy his age doing with a sword?" Marina took a seat beside Arturo. Culebra merely shrugged, now avoiding his parents gaze.
"C'mon honey, you know how these adventurer types are." Arturo turned to his wife. "As soon as you can hold a weapon and not chop your own face off, you're given one." Slight disgust seemed to fill Arturo's voice. Turning back to his son, he said: "And it would seem that our son still wishes to become an adventurer himself." At this, Culebra glanced up.
"I don't see why I can't just have a little dagger! A club! Anything!"
"And what would you do with your newfound weapon?" Arturo asked quickly.
"I'd teach that smelly Galka not to bother me again!" Culebra exclaimed...knowing what his fathers response would be, and immediately regretting that he'd said it. Marina let out a small sigh as Arturo stood up, visibly angery.
"So, you'd use your blade for vengence? And do what, kill him? Is that all anyone can do with a weapon?"
"But..." Arturo cut his son off as he started to speak.
"No, be quiet. You dissapoint me. There is enough bloodshed and despair in VanaDiel, without you adding to it. Go to your room, I don't want to see you for a bit." Hurt and angry, Culebra slinked away. Alone in his room, the usual thoughts of running away in anger gnawed in his brain, but he'd never do something like that. Hell, where would he go? The Dunes were forbidden to the children for a reason.
In the living room, Marina had her arms wrapped around her husbands waist.
"Honey, don't you think you were a little rough on him? Hes a young boy, hes embarassed and angry. It's natural for him to think those thoughts."
Arturo looked his wife in the eyes. "I don't think it's natural. Is this whole world so twisted? What happened to dignity and honor? Is revenge so important? Thats why I left Bastok, too much hatred in those walls."
"But hes just a young boy...who just wants to be on equal standing with other young boys."
"Equal standing? So, combat skills are the only equalizers? No honey...I refuse to belive that. Hell, I've never trained with a sword, and look at our life. I'm happy with my family, doing my craft. I feel inferior to no man. Why can't Culebra feel the same way?"
"He very well may...one day. But your path in life may not be your path." Marina kissed him on the nose. "Now, enough of this talk...let's head to bed, it's been a long night."
Chapter 3: The Plans Of Fate
"Oh yeah, I'm going to be leaving this place to head for Jeuno soon." Bertain said with a smug grin to his friend Antion. Antion was a somewhat naive Tarutaru, and had a habit of idolizing Bertain and his brash ways. However, even this was a bit much for him to belive.
"What, you mean with your dad?"
"Nope! Imma go alone. My skills are amazing...I'm almost a certified warrior!" Bertain lifted his sword and struck a nearby wall. "Die Goblin!" Antion was duely impressed by this show of Goblin abuse.
"Wow! Your dad said you can become a warrior soon?" Bertain nods as he continues to hit the wall.
"He also said,.." Beratin takes a breath before finishing his sentence....."That the Beastmen are jokes. He used to hunt them for sport when he was a novice." Bertain stopped hitting the wall, and looked at Antion, as if he had vanquished a troublesome foe.
"Wow." Antion looked over at the gates to the Dunes. "So when are you leaving?"
"Well..." Bertain lowered his voice slightly. "..my dad said I'd have to wait till i'm older to leave..."
Confused, Antion turned his attention back to the now somewhat sheepish Galka. "I thought you said..." Bertain cut him off...
"I said dad said i'll be a warrior soon. But....I can't leave Selbina yet." Bertain scoffs. "He just doesn't realize how strong I've become..." A smile spread on his lips. "But I'll show him, when I get to Jeuno."
A few months later.......
The comotion outside awoke Culebra with a bit of a start.
"What the..." He muttered as he saw the shadows of peoples heads running by his window.
"Dad? Mom?" Culebra called out to no reply. Hopping out of bed and wiping a strand of his red hair out of his face, he walked to the window and looked out. What he saw was the ship that carried supplies crashed into the dock, and smoke billowing from it. Shocked and curious, he runs out of his house and stands amist the frenzied denizens.
"Excuse me......hey.........pardon......." Culebra tried to inquire of the people who ran by. All of a sudden, his air was knocked out of him as a Huma male slammed into him.
"Watch it kid!" The bald Hume said to Culebar as he gained his composure.
"Whats going on?" he asked the Hume. "Why did the ferry crash?" A somewhat solemn look spread over the Humes face.
"Pirates attacked the ferry. It seems all the cargo was stolen. Everyone is trying to find survivors and help repair the damage." the Hume growled. "Someday, we should all find those bastards hiding spot and teach them a lesson." The Hume started to move towards the docks. "Take care kid." Culebra was in shock. Pirates? Today? He'd heard stories and rumors...but never entertained the thought of them long. He looked over toward the docks, and fought the sun to see the people helping. He saw his parents, side by side pulling planks away from the wreckage. For a moment, Culebra imagined if they had been on the ferry...what would he have done if they died? But he didn't dwell on it long...cause soon he heard another voice, small amongst the others....screaming the best it could for help. He snapped his head aside to see Antion stumble along the path towards the docks, tears streaming from his eyes. When he looked up again, he saw blood trickling from a cut on his head. Culebra never really had anything against Antion, but he didn't particularily like him due to the company he kept. Nonetheless, Culebra sprinted to help the Taru up.
"What's wrong?" Culebra asked the somewhat hysterical Antion.
"Ber...it's Bertain. Hes dead! Hes dying! Help him! Help him please!"
"Slow down, whats wrong with him?"
"He.." Antion wiped his face clear of blood as he spoke..."He left for Jeuno in the confusion." Culebra looked to the entrance of the Dunes, and noticed that the people usually there were missing, most likely helping at the docks.
"You mean he went into the Dunes?" He asked Antion, who was sobbing now and could only nod. "Well, go find his dad. It's not my problem. He should be ok anyway."
"No!" Antion shot the word out like it had a physical impact on him. "A goblin was there....it started to chase him! He ran...I ran. I came back here...hes not behind me! Please, you have to help!" Culebra's mind was swirling...so much to take in first thing in the morning. Nodding to the Taru he said:
"Show me where." Antion took off towards the Valkurn Dunes entrance and Culebra followed suit. The entrance itself looked to be a looming portal to him...and Culebra started to feel nervous, but kept up with Antion.
Chapter 4: The Right Things For The Wrong Reasons
Almost as soon as his feet touched the bleached white sand of Valkurn Dunes, Culebra could see Bertain. He was hiding behind a rock just two feet from a mean looking Goblin who was sniffing the air. Antion started slinking back the way he came.
"Help him please! I'm going to find more help!" Antion said quietly as he turned and ran in.
"Wait!" Culebra spun in place to grab Antion, but wasn't fast enough.
"Damnit." He turned around to face Bertain and ducked behind a rock that was lying near him. Glancing up, he saw that Bertain was visibly shaking, and Culebra took some pleasure in that. But the satisfaction wore off instantly, as the Goblin turned quickly and appeared to look right at the rock where Bertain was hiding. It made a low grunt, and started to walk toward the rock. Culebra noticed that something was different about Bertain and refocused on him, and saw what exactly was different. Bertain was no longer cowering, but had drew his sword and was standing behind the rock, shaking but at the ready. Culebra was filled with many emotions simultaneously. Bertain would fight the Goblin...what if he won? The smug bastard would have another up on him. He would rub it in Culebras face. And all the while, Culebra would remain a lowly son of a goldsmither. He refused to be second string. He refused to be forever live in the shadow of those who took up adventuring. No more.....no more.
"HEY!" Culebra was startled to hear his own voice shout out, and was more startled to feel the weight of the pebbles in his hand. The Goblin and Bertain looked over, and barely had time to process what was happening when the pebbles flew through the air and struck the Goblin, Bertain and nothingness at the same time. He had certainly grabbed the Goblins attention. Now...what to do with it........ The Goblin made a loud grunt and started toward Culebra.
"What are you doing!" Bertain shouted at Culebra. "You can't fight that thing!" Bertain started to head towards the Goblin, which was already halfway to Culebra, who was frozen in place. Not due to fear, mind you, but because he refused to run. Culebra saw his impending death, and decided that he'd at least fight as best he could....to die with honor.
The next moments passed fast....too fast. He didn't realize the Goblin was dead....that Bertain had dropped his sword. He didn't see the Elvaan man blocking the sun from his face. He didn't see the axe. What he did see was his parents. And the town. Applauding him. He was called a hero that day. Lucky, too. Had that warrior not been passing through....Culebra and Bertain would be dead. But Culebra bought time. He was willing to sacrifice his life for another. People said he should go to Ordelle's Caves one day...and he never asked what that meant. All Culebra knew was that he liked being praised. He liked being the hero. And he liked the random adventurer who saved him. The man was SanDorian. The place of Culebras birth. Culebra vowed to return there one day..and to become a warrior in emulation of his savior. Arturo didn't like the idea..but everyone follows there own path...and on his eighteenth birthday...Culebra decided to follow his.
Chapter 5: Before The Arrival
"Thank you." Culebra said to the nameless Mithra that escorted him thus far.
"Not words...but your promised reward is thanks enough." She said.
"Of course. I am a man of my word." Culebra said with a smile as he reached in his pockets and pulled some of the gil his parents had given him as a good luck present. The Mithra took the gil and counted it.
"Puurfect. A pleasure doing business with you..." She smiled at him. "Good luck." She turned and darted off...and Culebra was left wondering if she was flirting with him or not. He never could tell with Mithra....no matter. As long as she kept her end of the deal..to escort him through the dunes. She wouldn't take him to Sandoria, too far a journey she said. He was fine with that. Completely lost, and with only 10 gil left to his name...he looked around at this Plateau. It was serene and beautiful. The air was fresh, and he saw a few harmless sheep in the distance. He had on blue leather gear that his mother made for him, and his own sword, and his own Onion Sword.
"I wonder which way leads to SanDoria?" He licked his finger and pointed it straight up, determining the direction of the wind. An adventurous grin splayed across his face. "North it is!" he said, and started running in that direction.
A few hours had passed when he grew tired. He had not encountered any beastmen, and wondered if they roamed these fields at all. He wearily wondered over to a nearby tree, and let out a small sigh as he let himself sink to the wet grass. Just a small rest......he'll close his eyes but not fall asleep.
He didn't know how many hours passed....but when he opened his eyes, there was a darkness all around him. Feeling somewhat sheepish for having fallen asleep, he yawned deep and stretched his arms high. Letting his eyes focus, he noticed the darkness seemed to be on him alone...the areas around him were bright as a scholar. Confused, Culebra looked to his left, and saw what was perhaps the oddest looking creature standing beside him, staring at him. Now fully awake and keeping his cool, Culebra studied this creature. Its clothes were tatered and had strange markings on them. Around it's neck was a necklace that looked to be made of bone. It's flesh was greenish color, with white eyes and a vacant stare that penetrated his heart, giving him a icy feel. Most important was the small axe in it's hand...an axe it was now raising as its enormous lips parted into a snarl. Culebra's eyes opened wide as he reached for his sword..knowing damn well that it was useless against this creature and that he would die here, leaving his parents to worry about him forever. He was still thinking these thoughts when the creature burst into flames, screeched, and died. As it hit the floor, it revealed a Taru in robes standing there, his blue hair covering his eyes slightly. Culebra started to laugh.
"Whats so funny?" The Taru asked, adjusting the hood that covered his head.
"It seems that I suck." Culebra replied. "I was only going to 'rest my eyes'...something that seems impossible to do without falling asleep." He stood up and faced the Taru. "Thank you much, you seem to have prolonged my death for another fifteen minutes or so." He said with a chuckle. The Taru seemed amused by Culebras upbeat attitude about the situation, especially seeing how close he came to dying. He was also amused by the wet spot on Culebras pants.
"Did the orc scare you, or did I?" He asked with a chuckle. Culebra looked down at the spot the wet grass had left. Looking up he replied,
"Not scared..I found that creature sexy." The Taru burst out laughing. Wiping a tear from his eye, he spoke.
"My name is Sosuke. Whats yours?"
"Culebra. Nice to meet you."
"What exactly ARE you doing out here? You don't seemed equipped for battle to be honest."
"Well, I'm trying to find my birth town.."
"Jeuno?"
"SanDoria."
"Ah, I see. Well, you're headed in the wrong direction..how did you get this far? What are you using as guidance?" At this question, Culebra grinned.
"Well...this way was nifty looking. And you know...if this isn't the way..Ill try another way. Eventually, Ill find it." Sosuke stared at this Elvaan, he couldn't really belive that he just met someone so naive. Pure maybe? Or just plain simple.
"Well.." Sosuke started.."I'm on my way to SanDoria now. It's not too far from here...I guess it'd be ok if you came with me if you wanted." Culebra smiled warmly.
"Sure, sounds good. However, I only have 10 gil left to my name..I left home with 60gil...and payed for an escort through the Dunes."
"Nah, I don't charge. All you'll owe me is you're soul." With that Sosuke started to walk. Culebra stared at him..
"I don't have one..so ok." Culebra started to walk after him, and by the time they arrived in SanDoria, they were friends.
Chapter 6: The Things That Change Stay The Same
Months have passed, and Culebra was walking the path of a warrior. He had become a regular in SanDoria, and was even granted a house within the Moggle district. He ran some errands for people and did some heavy training outside the gates of town daily to improve his skills. He now actually wore armor, and was happy with the way things were going. Occasionally, other people, in order to improve thier skills, would team up and hunt in larger numbers. Culebra grew accustomed to joining these parties and in time, grew to respect what being a warrior meant. However, he had not yet returned home. There were two reasons for this, one, he wasn't strong enough to make it on his own yet, and two, he didn't feel as if he'd accomplished anything worth showing his parents yet. So every evening, he would set out to LaThiene Plateau alone to hunt for sheep and reflect on his progress.
He yearned to become stronger every day..and yet as he did, he didn't feel satisfaction. His many small accomplishments never filled the hole..even arriving at Jeuno for the first time didn't fully fulfill him. Walking the overcrowded streets of Jeuno, Culebra would think about how hed travelled so far, but still had not rturned home. He was able to now, especially with his newly obtained Chocobo Liscence. But it wasn't time yet...not yet. Then one day, Culebra joined a group of people that were trying to stem the tide of monsters in a small island called Quifm, and his life was forever changed....
"Ok people, to get to this island, we have to run through an underground cave. In this cave are monsters called 'Weapons'...they will easily eat you for lunch." The Hume female spoke with conviction, as if she'd been there before. "Avoid them at all costs, and stay near me, ok?" The whole group nodded.
"Ooo, dank." Culebra said as they entered the caves. "AND cold. Yum." The Galka in the group grunted.
"I prefer Selbina. I like the warmth." Culebra looked over at Bertain.
"Yeah, but Selbina doesn't have WEAPONS." He points at the grotesque creature in the corner. Bertain instinctively holds the handle of his axe as they run by..just in case.
"Yeah, but Selbina has safety." Antion finally spoke up, trailing behind them. Most of the party mumbled thier agreement with Antion.
"Well, thats not very fun." Culebra said with a grin, as they finally emerged from the caves and were greeted by bitter cold.
"Ok.." The Hume female said..."Stay by me. We're going to camp in front of a Tower that looks similar to the Crags." Again, the group all nodded agreement and followed. Culebra was amazed by the Giants that roamed the area. So huge and powerful...he wondered what would happen if one decided to pick a fight with him. He decided that he didn't want to find out. Eventually they arrived at thier camping grounds, and prepared for the long day ahead.
Chapter 7: With Every LAst Drop
Hours have passed, and everyone was feeling the pain. A few members have left the group, to be replaced with new adventurers. The only ones remaining from the original lineup was Bertain, Antion, and Culebra. Night time had fallen across the island, and everyone was weary of the undead that roamed. They sat with the only other present adventurer, a Taru black mage who didn't seem to speak the same language as them.
"How exactly did this Tower get built?" Antion asked as he cured his group while they rested. "I mean...with all the undead around."
"Who cares?" Bertain replied gruffly. Antion lowered his head a little and started to recuperate his mana.
"Perhaps.." Culebra offered.."The undead weren't always here? Maybe Quifm wasn't always like this." Antion looked at Culebra.
"I thought that too. I mean...Altana wouldn't have..." Antion stopped and snapped his head around at the sound of screaming. "By Altana!" he shouted as he scrambled up. Culebra looked over and saw that thier black mage was no longer resting, but lying on the ground in a pool of blood, impaled by a Wight. The skeleton seemed to be in a perpetual grin, pleased at what it had done. Culebra and Bertain were up in a flash, weapons drawn. The Wight looked at Antion, and for a second you could see the hate in it's hollow eyes. However, the Axe Bertain buried into it's skull redirected it's attention.
"Keep recovering mana!" Culebra yelled as he drew his sword and ran to help Bertain. Antion nodded and dropped to his knees, praying for divine help.....
"Damnit!" Bertain grimased as the Wight knocked the axe out of its head and crashed into him. Culebra grabbed the Wight's shoulder from behind, and tried to pull it off of Bertain when he felt a burning sensation in his back. Turning slightly, he saw the second Wight that had stabbed him.
"You little piece of.." He muttered as he felt the soothing magic come over him. Antion was up and keeping him and Bertain alive. The Wight that had punctured Culebra didn't like that one bit, and turned to face Antion. Culebra grabs it and spins it to face him while shoving his sword into its hollow eye socket.
"Leave the taru alone" He snarled. Behind him, He could hear Bertain struggling against the Wight, and he turned to help him kill that one off first.
"We can't kill these!" Antion yelled, his voice shaking. "We..we're gonna die!" Culebra had a brief flashback to his youth...watching Antion stumble...when Bertain was his enemy...and how much things have changed. Now, these two are his connections to a life in a small merchant village...a reminder of how he went against his fathers wishes to follow his own path. As the battle raged on...he wondered if Bertain was proud of his path...if he was the warrior his father made him to be. He wondered if Antion actually enjoyed his new lifestyle, or if he simply wanted to protect Bertain. He remembered waking up in the shadow of an Orc, and living to see today. He wondered if he would see tomorrow. They dealt the final blow to the first Wight, and turned to face the other that was inflicting massive damage to Culebra's back. Through sheer will, he did not fall. Not just for himself...but also for these guys. His friends. His second family. But none of them were in a condition to fight much longer...and this Wight was nowhere near re-death. It turned from Bertain and Culebra, spilling both of thier blood across the snow. Culebra could tell that Antion was running low on mana, and when he ran out...neither he nor Bertain had the resourses to stay alive till Antion was ready.
Culebra remembred the Elvaan male who saved him from the Goblin.....he remembered Sosuke...he remembered the countless nameless people that have saved him from death over his journey..and wondered someone would save them again. Bertain coughed, and his blood sprayed over the Wight.
"Bertain!" Culebra shouted as he fell to one knee and dropped his axe. The Wight, with it's eternal grin..moved towards him, Scythe raised. Culebra felt time slow to a crawl as his eyes locked with Bertains', and he realized that he could not reach Bertain in time.
Chapter 8: Heaven Will Cry Tears
The brilliant light flooded Culebras vision, but he would not shut his eyes. He felt his own pain reside, and a burst of energy fill his soul. He saw the Wight turn to face past him, and saw Bertain reaching for his axe. The Wight broke into a run, and rushed past Culebra before he could stop him. Turning, Culebra faced the source of the brilliant light. There was Antion, awash with Holy light. His eyes closed, he was praying to Altana with his arms reaching skyward. The Wight reached Antion as Culebra grabbed it by its neck and tried to turn it around. But the Wight was determined..and Culebra watched in horror as the Scythe sliced right across Antions chest. Instantley, the light flashed out...and Antion remained in his stance as blood spilt from his torn robes. With his arms still beckoning to the heavens...Antion fell to his knees and unto his face. The scream that Bertain emited was full of absolute hate. And Culebra watched as Bertain, having gone completely berserk, smashed the back of the Wights head with a mighty strike. It staggered foward from the blow, and met it's end at the rage of the two warriors.
The sun started to shine over the horizon and Antions still body cast a shadow that reached to Culebras feet. Culebra walked over to where he lay, and knelt beside him, dropping his sword in the snow. He turned Antion over and felt his heart quake...Antions face was so peaceful. He died, so that they may live. And by the look on his face, he had no regrets.
"What a waste...a worthless waste." Bertain murmured as he stood beside Culebra. Culebra looked up at the Galkas face, and saw something new there.
"Waste?" Culebra asked, eyes brimming with tears.
"Yeah...a waste. Why did he die? So we can live? For what, to rid the land of evil? Whats the point?" Bertain turned around and studied his axe. "If thats the reason, then theres no point. Antion didn't have to die for such a stupid quest. The only thing that matters is how strong you are. We were not strong enough."
"I couldn't get the Wight off of him...but he knew I wouldnt be able to. He sacrificed himself for us...for our cause." Culebra said to the back of his childhood rival. "It's not how strong you are, but how strong your heart is."
"Pfft." Bertain holstered his weapon. "I'm leaving. I need to think for a while."
"Headed for Bastok again?"
".....yeah. I need to be alone for a bit." And with that Bertain ran off. Culebra looked back at the Taru in his lap and gently lowered him to the ground. He would not leave until his friend was buried, and started to dig using his sword. People would run by occasionally, and stare at this Elvaan, as he silently dug in the frozen ground.
Many thoughts passed through his head as he dug. He thought about the feeling of the blessings Altana bestowed upon him. He thought about his inability to protect Antion. He thought about what it meant to be strong. Was it how hard he could hit the monster? Or How well he could prevent the monster from hurting his friends? What did it mean to be a friend? Would you give your life for a friend? How about a stranger? He was once referred to as a hero, but now all he felt like was a failure. And he understood his father...why must we mindlessly kill? No, there has to be something he could do with a sword other than hurt. It was twilight when Culebra started to walk away from the small grave. He would no longer fight mindlessly. Noone else will die when he is around. His father will be proud. He will use his blade to defend. Culebra had decided......he will become a Paladin.
Epilogue
Bertain would walk the path of a Dark Knight, and meet with Culebra again someday. Culebra achieved the honor of becoming a paladin, and returned home. He moved his parents to SanDoria, where they live happily in the moogle district. Culebra would eventually grow stronger and gain influence within the SanDorian Royalty, and go on to slay the ShadowLord. To this day Culebra lives on, and his adventures are far from over.
I thought about that myself when I wrote it, but I went with it because in game, the npc's tend to be pretty casual themselves, often using real world slang. However, considering the context of my story, you have a point. I'll keep it in mind if/when I write the next story. :wink:
