I am the final witness.

Surrounded by a band of adventurers I was happy to call my friends, we all bore witness that day to the defeat of Bahamut; a feat made possible only because of our dedication to training and strategy. Back then I was still a novice, a fledgling Black Mage, who barely knew a thaumaturge's staff from a conjurer's rod. But my friends patiently taught me all I needed to know to take down the dreadwyrm, took me countless times into the Crystal Tower to search for better equipment, and forgave my foolish missteps along the way.

Spirits high from our achievement, we journeyed to Ishgard and beyond. But the snows of Coerthas cooled our once fiery hearts, and one by one, our little group of adventurers went their separate ways. Some gave up the adventuring life to start a family and settle down, while others simply vanished one day without a trace. For a while, I, too, hung up my staff and retired from adventuring, but not a day passed that I didn't long to return to a life of slaying primals and exploring dungeons.

My eventual return came with a change a in focus: trading my Fire spells for the blazing Katon jutsu. I relentlessly honed my skills as a Ninja while taking on mercenary work in Othard. I even briefly joined another band of adventurers to fight Omega, but their companionship could not compare to the company of the friends I once had by my side.

Now, as I travel through the First, often against the backdrop of the Crystal Tower, I cannot help but think again of the days of Bahamut. Some days I curse myself for taking the company of my old friends for granted, while other days I can't help but smile at the fond memories we shared. As I again bear witness to the defeat of eikons we once took down together, I feel as if they are with me.

Taking up the sword, I feel the pain of the two men who took Bahamut's blows for us. When I wield healing magic, I see the faces of the Human and the Lallafel who often called out to me when it was my turn to act. As I hold my daggers, I feel the hands of four others, who once worked by my side to whittle down the wyrm's health, now guiding my strikes.

I am the final witness now, but I am the sum of everything we witnessed together. And I know they will always be in my heart to watch over me, and witness my triumphs in the future.

(noble barding)