“Final Fantasy XIV: Trains, Wraiths, and Auto-Heals – a Creative Writing Contest entry”

May you walk in the light of the Crystals.
-Hydaelyn

The following is a short story by The Teal Time Mage and was a winning submission for The Final Fantasy XIV: Memoirs of Adventure Writing Contest.

“My name is Aros and I have been known by many names across Eorzea: Warrior of Light, Eikon Slayer, Liberator of Ala Mhigo, and…”Little Sapling” thanks to some adorable Fae. And yet, I’m always thrust into all these dangerous situations by the Scions, and it’s not as if I have any say in the matter! I can hardly get a word in edge-wise before Alphinaud whisks me away to the Sigmascape, a type of technologically constructed holoscape, or some such (I just smile and nod as Cid speaks his techno babble). Together, the Scions and I (by that I just mean “I”) ventured forth to do battle with whatever fanciful phantasmagoria await us. In eager anticipation, I thought to myself:

“If experience has taught me anything it’s to…Oh shite! Is that a godsdamn Train?!”

As always when things take a turn for the worst, I blame Alphinaud! Yonder Train seemed a tad peeved, for it had jettisoned me across the cart and into hands of a smiling specter.

Before I could take the time to collect myself, I spotted the vile Train following parallel our train cart. Pressing the advantage, I leaped across the gap that separated us, delivering a ferocious flurry of kicks at the smokestack atop yon loathsome locomotive’s head. Without warning, “Acid Rain” began to burn my flesh as the “Diabolical Whistle” rendered me almost deaf. And just when I thought I couldn’t stands no more, Leo and his ilk returned for another go…

“Enough is enough!” I screamed in unbridled anger, ready to unleash my “Limit Break” on the steel beast. Summoning all my strength, I smote the Ghost Train and caused it to derail.

Seeking to appease the spirits of the Monks who had lived in days long past, I called forth the ghost of Ivon Couerlfist, the mightiest of our order and one who wore a beard like no other. “Insolent cub! Why have you interrupted my slumber?!” the spirit bellowed at me. Taken aback, I responded: “Forgive me Master, but I bring good tidings; I’ve felled a Phantom Train and gained prestige for our order! Mayhaps I can take my place with our greatest Monks including yourself with a modest statue?” “Enough of your blubbering, boy!” the great Ivon wailed, “Look yonder at the statue still yet preserved.” The elder Monk pointed in the direction of a massive statue carved into the bedrock, what I found was a giant of man holding high a train over his head, ready to suplex the locomotive into the ground. Investigating further, I found a plaque upon the statue’s base, the name inscribed read: “Sabin Figaro”. ”

The Teal Time Mage lives at a fixed point in time that is set between 1991 and 1997. Outside of his time vortex of nostalgia, he writes horror short stories, cosplays, and coordinates for various charity groups. Find him on Twitter @ArosElric, on Facebook @ArosElricCosplay, and on Final Fantasy XIV’s Cactuar Server under the name “Aros Erlic”.

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