On a bright summer day, young Azure wakes in the bright and lively forest of Gridania. Orphaned at a very young age, he's not sure where he came from or how he ended up in Eorzea. Deep blue hair flows in the wind as his fierce golden eyes look up at the sun. "Mid-day... Overslept again." he muttered to himself. It was to be expected. He spent all day yesterday exploring the myriad labyrinths of the forest. Grindania was a secluded yet towering city hidden well within the Godswood. Even after growing up here on his own, there seemed to be an endless amount of areas to explore. Finally approaching the end of his teenage years, Azure was ready to see the outside world.
Not knowing his true heritage, he faced many hardships in his life. His race was unknown to most denizens of the country. Two black protruding horns and onyx tail dubbed him "demon" amongst most of his peers. Despite being criticized he presses onwards with youthful optimism, and this has lead many to actually look up to him in the face of discrimination. Azure was always adept with small hunting and exploration tools, and after mastering certain trades of the land he decides to join the Lancer's Guild. Physical prowess and affinity for bladed weapons led him onto this path as the other disciples of war in Gridania were Archery and Healing. After weeks of physical training with the spear, Azure proved to be skilled in the way of the Lancer and began training under the Guild's master. Rising to the top of the class and getting the new nickname "The demon spear", Azure moved into adulthood becoming one of Gridania's most notorious hunters.
Upon taking up a major hunt against a massive forest golem known as Gobue, many fellow hunters fell to the beast and retreated back to base. After barely dodging a whip of vines, Azure jumped towards the heavens and plunged his iron weapon deep into the golem's forehead as he slammed to the ground. "Feel." Suddenly the bright blue crystal in his hand pulsed. It spoke to him often, it was the only possession he had on him when he was found as a baby. Not having a name either, the color of the gemstone is how he came to be known as 'Azure'. The feminine voice led him the way and he often thought it was the voice of his mother. After returning from the hunt and entering the guild, it was the first time he laid eyes on her. A tall, dark skinned girl with long ears similar to a rabbit stood before him with a basic spear in hand. Dumbfounded by her beauty and presence, Azure was speechless until the Guild leader walked him to him and laughed while slapping him in the back. "Radiant, aye? She's the new recruit. I'm pairing her up with you, so show her the ropes." Regaining ground he approached her with a smile. "Nice to meet you." he said confidently. The young bunny girl was known as a Viera, an ancient race that were masters of the forest, thought to be extinct. "Hi. I'm Storm." The two went on a hunt fighting basic monsters outside the city. They exchanged stories and Azure quickly realized she had gone through much the same as him. Orphaned at a young age and forced to grow up isolated and alone. At least they had the wondrous forest as their home, and now they had each other.
In the months to come, the two became inseparable. After much training and contest, the day came when both were to officially travel to the snowy lands of Coerthas and become Dragoons. Storm was hesitant to leave the Godswood, especially to a cold and mountainous region. Azure greeted her worry with a familiar smile. "We are ready for this. Together." Soon they approached the treacherous land and after meeting the elusive Dragoon teacher, trained for many moons until both were ready. The final task to becoming a Dragoon was to face a legendary dragon. The lord of all dragons, known as Midgardsormr, was the ultimate test to prove they were worthy. Located in a desolate lake, the two fought and battled nearly endless hordes of serpents and finally confronted him. "Ah... You are children of Hydaelyn." His voice ethereal, Azure had heard that name before. His crystal? His body was filled with power and together with Storm the two defeated the mighty drake. Giving them his blessing, a mystical power awakened within the two of them. "This is the power of the echo..." Though not fully understanding it, Azure knew this was his fate. He broke his crystal in half and gave it to Storm as a token of their bond. Together, they prevailed. This will forever be the connection that binds them.
Years later, Azure had left to join the Grand Company 'Order of the Twin Adder'. Storm decided to go her own way and discover the truth of her lineage but that one day, they would meet again. The bond of the crystal wills it. After proving himself in the ranks, Azure earned the nickname 'The Azure Dragoon' and eventually gained the attention of the secret organization known as 'The Scions of the Seventh Dawn'. This group invited him to join after witnessing him harness the power of the crystal. They were the hidden force that protects Eorzea from evil and corruption. The Scion's informed him there are dark forces moving to destroy Eorzea known as Ascians. Primals begin to appear summoned by beastkin, powerful godlike beings that are controlled by those who call them. The shadowy Ascians were undoubtedly responsible and if they were not stopped, many would die. After facing Ifrit, Titan, Garuda, and Leviathan, the word of Azure's victories spread across the land. The wise Primal known as Ramuh appeared before him to challenge him and test his worth. After victory he granted him blessing and warned him of an incoming force that threatened the very balance of the world, the Garleans.
The massive army of soldiers wielding guns, machinery and sheer overwhelming force emerged and began their attack. Known as Garlemond, the military force has long since planned to conquer the lands of Eorzea as their own, utilizing Ascians and Primals and any force necessary to become victorious. Gaius van Baelsar, also known as The Black Wolf, commander of Garlemond forces, faces the Scion's and Azure in single combat. He reveals his secret plans for world domination, a biotechnological weapon that can absorb Primals to increase in strength. Secretly devouring the Primal souls after Azure defeats them, Ultima Weapon appeared from an elevator as Gaius jumped on top. A rough battle ensues, and after many shared blows failure seemed imminent. "Warrior of Light..." The crystal called to him. No, not the crystal. Hydaelyn spoke to Azure. Power of the echo filled his veins and he shot forward, spear piercing the heavens. The mighty pike impaled the heart of Ultima Weapon, triggering a massive explosion. Gaius split into shreds from the eruption and victory was at long last earned. However, victory was soon short lived as a dark force appeared from the shadows. "An Ascian!" shouted Alphinaud, leader of the Scions. The masked sorcerer of black walked forward laughing. "I am Lahabrea... Tremble before my might!" A massive black orb of gravity shot forth from his hand blasting Alphinaud backwards. Enraged, the Warrior of Light Azure charged forward and the final fight began. Dodging magic, electric energy and waves of darkness, the Dragoon channeled all the power of the crystal to break the magician's mighty barrier. Weakened and in the face of death, the ancient wyrm Midgardsormr spoke to him. "Use it. The power of the dragon. Dragonfire Dive." His eyes flashed with the fierceness of the dragon and bolted into the air. His spear caught flame and massive energy built up at the tip, plunding it deep into the Ascian's heart. Once the dust cleared, the menanching laughter of the Ascian echoed in the distance. He had stopped them, for now.
Word soon spread of the Warrior of Light's triumphs. Azure became a legend. Still, the crystal told him that his destiny was far from over. After helping the Scions rebuild, a terrible tragedy was soon to follow.
No comments:
Post a Comment