To A Thief - Chapter 34: Heroes

What will happen now that the last of the heroes of old has left this world? Will there be a new generation of heroes, as perhaps Vincent willed it? Or is Vana'diel's fate sealed?

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"The man who had died yesterday wasn't just the head of the Brigade to the city of Jeuno. He was much more than that. I know that now because of the turn out that became of his funeral. 

People from far and wide have traveled all the way to Jeuno just to pay their respects. I learned about many of Vincent's feats from countless of people who offered their last words to him; feats he had made since he was but a child. He really was more than just a man who led the elite Brigade linkshell. 

He was a friend to all who didn't cross him, as serious as he was. Vincent didn't care if you were from another nation or continent. He always did what was right, never making any rash decisions unless it was absolutely necessary. 

To others, like allies and those in the Brigade, Vincent was a teacher. He was an older brother. Our idol. The one we looked up to and ultimately followed to the end. 

To the people of Jeuno, he was their protector. Their security. The one person they could reach out to during hard times when there was nobody else to turn to. 

To those of other cities and continents, Vincent was a mutual friend. Despite many tensions that I've experienced myself between the nations, Vincent made sure that his judgement was never one-sided. 

This was a man who did not know prejudice. A man who's deeds were completely justified in the eyes of society. I know first hand now that he believes everybody deserves a second chance.

A man who undoubtedly started out as a nobody- perhaps, even a victim of prejudice himself due to his blood of origin. 

For years, this man struggled, fought, and climbed to reach the distance. I can't even imagine the odds he must have faced on his way. 

This man was a hero. Nay, he had gone far and beyond what society deems as being a hero. Vincent; the leader and general of the Brigade, was a Savior. 

Nobody knows what truly drove a man like him to fight hard for a world that did so little for him in return. 

It is quite possible that the last of the heroes of old has now left this world, but knowing this man, I'm almost positive that his death was not in vain. 

Many know that he does things for a reason, no matter how big or small. 

Maybe, just maybe, he meant for it to be this way. 

Perhaps this is the push Vana'diel required for a new generation of heroes."

Moku stood atop the altar centered in Ru'Lude Gardens at the fountain as he looked to everyone who had attended. Friends, allies, townsfolk, and the members of the Brigade. 

He noticed that Draven, however, had not attended the funeral. Strange, he thought. 

Nonetheless, he finished his final words with, "I was told that Vincent's last words were, 'Vana'diel will never give in.' Think hard on those words. We are the conveyors of these words, as Vana'diel's inhabitants." He paused for a minute, looking at the ivory coffin before him that was marked with the Brigade's checkered insignia, then nodded silently. "Thank you."

Atop the fountain, a raven stood throughout the entire funeral. As Moku began to warp the casket into an unknown location in order to protect Vincent's body, the raven departed and took to the skies.

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Continued in Chapter 35: War