*There are some Choose Your Own Adventure elements in this story. As such, when prompted, proceed to the instructed chapter.
This is the story of Kaine Huorlwesfv, a Viera who became the Warrior of Light's unusual acquaintance. As the Warrior of Lig...
"True enough, friend. Unfortunately the oranges I use to make my juice do not grow in the Black Shroud, so I have to make routine trips to Vylbrand to restock." Kaine smiled and relaxed his pose. "Since I was here, I decided to open shop for a bit, though I doubt you have come all this way simply to make a purchase."
Kaine's hand was now resting beneath his chin, his eyes darting around as he processed the information. "You mean to slay Titan, the Titan? My friend, you do know that's a primal, yes?" The Viera's hands returned to his sides as he looked back at the Adventurer. "To even approach him would leave you ripe for tempering. Still, I suppose anything is possible. In fact I heard a rumor some Adventurer like yourself actually fought a primal in Thanalan and won."
The Adventurer smiled and explained who exactly it was that stood before the Lord of the Inferno.
"Seven hells, now I know you taking the piss!" Kaine exclaimed, a look of shock on their face as it sunk it. "You're... You're serious. You really fought Ifrit? But you're not tempered, least as far as I can tell." Kaine took a moment to regain his composure. "Then you meant what you said, you're looking to pick a fight with Titan?"
While this was technically true, the Adventurer elaborated on the current ordeal of Brayflox's Longstop.
"Ah, I see. Raincatcher Gully isn't exactly a safe place to travel alone through, my friend." The Viera looked back at his cart, then returned his attention to the Adventurer. "Well, I can't let you travel alone in good conscious." It was the Adventurer's turn to look confused. "You forget, friend, that I have been trained how to use a bow since I was young. I may not be the slayer of primals you seem to be, but I can easily fell lesser fiends."
Although the Adventurer had company in the form of Thancred, Y'shtola and others in the past, this was the first time anyone had offered to fight alongside them. "We best not tarry any longer, lead the way, friend." the Viera insisted, apparently dead set on assisting them.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
While he seemed to fall behind on occasion, Kaine indeed helped the Adventurer along Bloodshore, through Raincatcher Gully and finally arriving at the entrance to the Longstop. The Viera doubled over not far from the Adventurer, panting a few moments to catch their breath.
"Whew, I thought we would never get here." After a few more deep breaths, the Viera stood up and adjusted his glasses. "Well, we're here, best of luck to you."
The Adventurer turned and questioned Kaine. "Er, yes, I could carry on with you, but I've already left my wares alone for too long. Besides, you bested Ifrit, surely whatever awaits you further along cannot hope to stand against you."
Just as it had been a first for someone to fight alongside them, this was also the first time the Adventurer was essentially being abandoned. They crossed their arms and looked at the Viera, clearly unimpressed by this sudden change of attitude.
"Oh come off it, I'm just a merchant. It's a miracle I didn't die just getting this far. If I go with you, you'll have to look out for my safety and well-being. In other words, I'll only be a distraction to you." Kaine insisted, though it was coming off as if he was trying to convince himself and not the Adventurer. "I had best be going while the path we cleared to get here remains clear. When you return, I'll have a special blend waiting just for you." The Viera didn't even give them a chance to object, giving them the same wave goodbye he had back in East Shroud, before taking off through the jungle back the way they came.
"Uplander!" Brayflox called out just ahead of them. "Is kindly uplander ready to help?"
