Yoshiro

Regardless of his father's presence (or rather lack thereof), Yoshiro still experienced a peaceful, albeit sheltered childhood growing up with his mother. They made their living as farmers, trading goods at a hamlet nearby their home. Being rather secluded on the farm, Yoshiro didn't have the opportunity to go to school or make meaningful connections. It was a quiet life- too quiet for a rambunctious youth such as Yoshiro. He often wanted to venture out and explore the woods against his mother's wishes. She only wanted to keep him close and safe, but he craved adventure!

There was one particular day when he was around 13 summers old that he was fishing at a nearby watering hole when he heard the telltale warks of a chocobo- a young one at that. Curious, he snuck away to follow the sounds deeper into the Shroud. It was then that he discovered the remains of a chocobo mother who appeared to have been attacked by some beast. 'Neath her bloody wing did he find the source of the cries: an injured baby chocobo- now an orphan. His heart aching for the poor creature, Yoshiro resolved that he would protect and care for it in honor of its brave mother. Yet, as he reached down to cradle the young one, his ears twitched and his body froze. The brush around them rustled from a sudden gust of air, and behind him he heard booming footsteps. Slowly he turned, only to be greeted by an enormous winged beast: the one that presumably attacked the chocobos. Before there was time to think, however, the beast took to the air with a powerful flap of its wings, and with its eyes set on Yoshiro, it dove right towards him. Instinctively, he sought to protect the baby chocobo in his arms and turned his back toward the beast, bracing for impact. 

But the impact never came; instead, there was the sound of clashing metal. When he turned, between him and the beast stood a burly Hrothgar man wielding a gunblade. With a grunt, the man sent the beast flying through the brush.

"Thought you could face the Asipatra on your own, did you?" a feminine voice asked him, and suddenly Yoshiro found himself being carried to safety from the scene, still clutching the baby chocobo in his arms. The owner of the voice was a young Viera woman. Impossibly light on her feet, she whisked him a ways away from the danger.

"Allow us to handle this," she said before rushing to her Hrothgar companion's side, delivering a flying kick to the Asipatra that he had kept occupied. Yoshiro watched in awe as the pair took down the beast with such finesse. It was an amazing sight to behold- before he knew it, they had felled the beast that was very well about to end his life moments ago.

"All this for a baby chocobo?" the Viera woman had asked Yoshiro as they escorted him back home.

"I'm sorry for causing you trouble... but I had to protect it!" he responded, and she smiled in kind. When he was reunited with his apologetic mother who had been searching for him frantically, the woman introduced herself as Sylvie, and her partner as Atlas. They were adventurers not from around those parts, and it was a small miracle they were in the right place at the right time. E'lahni apologized and thanked the pair infinitely, though they kept insisting they were simply doing their job.

"You should know your boy risked his life to save that little bird," Sylvie then told his mother.

"I apologize for his foolishness," she said, bowing apologetically for the umpteenth time.

"Nay, I did not mean it in scorn," Sylvie laughed, "Rather, your son has the makings of a hero".
At that, a spark was lit within Yoshiro as he looked upon the adventuring couple.
Hero..?

[Pre-calamity]

Just as he had promised, Yoshiro raised Gilda into a fine young chocobo; she became his best friend, and their bond was unbreakable! At the same time, his teen years were filled with an ever unquenchable thirst for adventure and heroism, and his antics truly gave his mom hell. As he got older, he was always asking when he could venture off the farm and start his own life, but his mother always avoided these questions.

Things came to a head when he was 20 summers old, and the star was on the verge of the Seventh Umbral Calamity. Word spread around Eorzea of heroes- Warriors of Light- who were working tirelessly in their fight against the Garlean Empire. And as the lesser moon Dalamud drew closer, stories of those heroes inspired others to take up arms and pledge their sword to the Alliance in the Battle of Carteneau. Yoshiro, too, was not immune to the spurring of these tales, and wished to venture to Carteneau as well. Having grown as a skilled hunter over the years, he wanted to use his bow to defend Eorzea.

And so he would insist to his mother, begging her to let him fight. But she would not budge.
"You don't need to be a hero!" she would say, determined for him to stay home with her.
"But I can help!"
"You cannot!"
And that was the end of that. With his head hung low, on the eve of battle, Yoshiro gave up the argument. He relented, agreeing that his mother was right.
"I just want to keep you safe," E'lahni reiterated, her voice shaking from memories past.
"I get it... I'm sorry..." Yoshiro said. And after a half-hearted hug goodnight, they retired to bed for the evening.
Or so he led her to believe.

In the dead of night, when he was certain his mother was fast asleep, he crept out of the house and made his way to Gilda's stable. He can be a hero, and dammit, he will. Urging his bird to be silent, he gathered what supplies he needed and climbed onto her back, making his way toward Carteneau. Though the fighting had likely already begun, he was certain he could still be of use. He could help. Looking upon the sky, Dalamud was now closer than ever, its red glow encompassing the normally dark night. It was a terrifying sight to behold, but Yoshiro would not be deterred. After all, he could not turn back now... could he?

A few hours into their journey, however, as they had barely begun to make their way through Mor Dohna, fate deigned to play its hand. The pair were resting off the road when Gilda became visibly distressed, and as Yoshiro tried to tend to her, it happened: Dalamud erupted in the sky. From the shattered remains of the moon emerged what appeared to be a massive dragon- bigger than anything he could imagine. Unable to move, he could only watch in horror as fire rained from the sky, and the earth shook from its dreadful roar. It was... calamitous.

Only when he felt the impact of a meteor from yalms behind him did he awake from his stupor. Turning around, he could see the smoke and flames rising from the shroud in the distance. Where his home was. Where his mother was. Casting off his supplies, he mounted Gilda once more, urging her to make haste toward the forest. In short time they were able to make their way back to the hamlet, but the devastation was severe. Between the fire, earthquakes, and massive orange crystals that were now tearing through the land, it was near impossible to make out any form of life. Amidst the chaos, Yoshiro was thrown from Gilda's back as she took off into the woods in a fright. But there was no time to take chase- he had to continue his way uphill to the farm.

But over the horizon, he could already see it: his home, or what was left of it, ravaged by flames. He ran as fast as his legs could take him and tore through the fire and rubble, lungs burning as he searched frantically for his mother. Finally after discarding several fallen beams, he found her body and carried her out.
"Mum- mum! Please wake up! I'm sorry, I'm so sorry!" he cried, wiping the soot off her face. She let out a cough as her eyes barely opened.
"Mum! Please, please forgive me- I never should have left you- I-" Yoshiro could barely speak through his sobbing. Slowly, E'lahni raised her hand to her son's face, and he quickly grasped it.
"Yoshiro..." she spoke softly, her voice hoarse and barely audible.
"You're going to be okay! Stay with me- please!" he sobbed.
"It's alright... if it's you..." she continued, her voice growing weaker. "You... can be..." But he was unable to make out her words, and as the last of her strength was spent, her hand fell limp and the light left her eyes.

[Post-Calamity]

For five years did Yoshiro wander the land as a lost soul, ridden with guilt and unsure of his purpose. It was all he could do to go on a pilgrimage of sorts in search of both answers and forgiveness. And with the only home and the only family he ever knew gone, what else was there? And yet, after never finding the solace he sought did he finally return to that place. He knelt at the crude gravestone he had not visited in five years, and he contemplated quietly. What if he had never left that night? Could things have ended differently? 

But his thoughts were interrupted by a terrible headache; holding his temple, he felt near ready to pass out before the pain began to fade as soon as it had began. As he opened his eyes, however, he was panicked to find himself surrounded by fire. And in front of him he saw... himself?
"No..." he whispered as he watched his mother die in his own arms, reliving the horrible moment. Once again, he could barely hear words struggling to escape her lips.
"Why... why!" he shouted, eyes squeezed shut and head shaking as if to escape the memory. He opened his eyes to find himself supposedly back in reality, and he dropped to his knees, his face buried in his hands.

"You never were the best listener," a voice suddenly spoke. Nay- not just any voice- 'twas a voice he knew too well. Slowly, he lifted his head to see-
"Mum...?"
Standing before him in an ethereal glow, she smiled warmly. He groveled on the ground as tears escaped his eyes like waterworks.
"I'm so sorry... that day I- I thought I could be a hero, but I... I should have been with you..." he choked on his words, praying for forgiveness- if this was even real.
"Listen to your mother," she spoke sternly. "You did nothing wrong- if you stayed that day, you would have simply perished as well. Nay, you were destined for more in life." she motioned for him to rise, and so he did. "I'm the one who should be begging forgiveness... a mother should support her son's dreams, and yet..." she continued with a sigh, "Your father left us to be a hero, and I didn't want you to follow that path. But I realize now, it's alright. It's alright if it's you. You can become a hero."
For once, the always talkative Yoshiro was speechless as he heard his mother say those words.
"I lived my life in fear, but look at you: you are fearless. And I could not be more proud. So now that you have heard those words I needed to say, please: go live your dream. And I'll be watching you on your journey every step of the way."
Though his face still bore a veritable stream of tears, Yoshiro now managed to return his mother's smile.
"I will." he said with a nod, and as she closed her eyes, that ethereal glow faded, and Yoshiro once again found himself alone in the woods- though he knew now he wasn't truly alone. 

With his soul feeling lighter than before, he was finally found. And with a bow on his back and a newfound spring in his step, onward he went: seeking out the first carriage he could find and making his way to the city proper. Little did he know, he had just awoken to a power that would set him on a course toward an unforgettable adventure.

[A Realm Reborn]

Yoshiro's journey starts in the city of Gridania, and a chance meeting with a certain Hyur and Lalafell duo lead him to joining the Scions of the Seventh Dawn whence he meets the kind-hearted leader, Minfilia. He discovers that he has been in possession of a mysterious power called the 'Echo'- one that she too possesses- and the adventure truly begins.

It also seemed fate had writ in its plans a reunion with an old friend. After (rather begrudgingly) pledging his allegiance to the Order of the Twin Adder, Yoshiro was guided to the stables where he was to pick out a chocobo- a gift to ease his travels. Though, he couldn't help but reminisce over his old chocobo companion; and as he did, an all too familiar wark rang through the air. Following it, he spotted a chocobo with an unmistakable purple plumage.
"Ah, this one was brought to us a few years back. She was found wandering the West Shroud- or rather what's left of it. We assumed she was a straggler from the Calamity. Though- I warn you, she's quite ornery..." the chocobokeep explained, though his words trailed as Yoshiro opened her stable gate, throwing his arms around the bird's feathery neck. "Careful! Uh, sir?!" but it was clear the chocobokeep's words had been falling on deaf ears.
"Gilda! I can't believe it's really you! I thought I'd never see you again... Oh, I hope you can forgive me for losing you..." Tears streamed down his face as Yoshiro hugged the bird with all his might. And just as well, she cooed in delight and seemed to return the embrace in kind (er, as much as a chocobo could); it seemed all had been forgiven! ...All of this occurring whilst the chocobokeep simply watched in confusion and awe.

Reunited with an old friend and helping those new, Yoshiro's adventure continued! Along the way, he took up the axe, learning the art of the warrior. Truly, he had a new lease in life, gaining a home in the Waking Sands and a family in the Scions. And after slaying Ifrit and Titan, he had his first real taste of heroism, and it was wonderful.
But his tale did not want for tragedy, and returning from his triumphant battle only to find so many friends massacred in the one place they were meant to feel safe- it was his first dose of reality. And he would not soon forget it.

And so Yoshiro would fight on. For those they had lost, for those they could yet save. He took his revenge on Livia in the name of the fallen Scions, he defeated Gaius and stopped the Ultima Weapon, and he saved Thancred from the clutches of Lahabrea (with help from Maggie!). Before he knew it, he earned himself the title of Warrior of Light, and the realm entered the Seventh Astral Era. Indeed, the future looked bright.

[Post-ARR]

During this time, Yoshiro was riding the high off saving the realm. As he grew to make a name for himself, so too did his head begin to grow. He was a Warrior of Light for Twelvesake! And so his life was still not short of adventure.

He first met Alisaie proper and acted as her guide through the Binding Coils of Bahamut, taking the opportunity to know her better. This trek afforded him the chance to witness the great Louisoux in person, an experience he cherished, as it was the stories of that man that had driven his heroics.

Yoshiro also pledged his help to the Sons of Saint Coinach in their quest to uncover the secrets of the Crystal Tower. And it was whilst gathering the necessary aethersand did a voice from the trees mock him, turning the search into a competition. While it hurt his ego to lose the sand in such a way, he would not turn away from a challenge! And upon meeting the theatrical man behind the voice, Yoshiro could not help but admire him. Indeed, G’raha Tia was almost equal parts as cocky and adventurous as he!

And so NOAH was formed and the expedition began, with the group growing close and Yoshiro doing his best to impress. But all stories must come to an end, and when G’raha revealed his resolve to seal himself within the tower, Yoshiro did not want to comply. To lose such a dear friend so quickly- he would not have it. And yet... he realized he could not be one to deny his friend’s dedication. ‘Twould be selfish of him otherwise... and so he relented, and wished his dear companion “goodnight” with a smile. But when those doors closed did his smile fade, and did he collapse.

Alas, Yoshiro still had a duty to the realm, and so life would go on. Still, he would always hold hope that he would somehow see his friend again. Around this time, Yoshiro took up the lance and began his training as a Dragoon, meeting the cool and aloof Estinien and becoming an Azure Dragoon in his own right. And as Yoshiro continued on his way, slaying primals and helping others, finding a way to defeat the Ascians thanks to Moenbryda and her selfless sacrifice, the Scions seemed at the top of their game. And when Alphinaud had it in his head to assemble the Crystal Braves as an army to protect the entirety of Eorzea, the equally idealistic Yoshiro was behind him every step. 

But their hubris was their downfall when Ilberd revealed his treachery at what came to be the Bloody Banquet, and with the Scions now branded as traitors to the realm in a plot to assassinate the Sultana, they were separated during the chaotic escape. Everything they had built fell apart. After working so hard to save the realm and her peoples, they were no longer welcome in their own home. Papalymo, Yda, Thancred, Y'shtola, and Minfilia: all scattered to the wind. And Yoshiro, Alphinaud and Tataru were left in the cold. Alone.

[Heavensward]

>Haurchefant provided sanctuary for the fractured Scions, and proved himself to be a dear friend whence they seemed to have no others. Yoshiro cherished the Elezen man's companionship and grew close to him- and all of House Fortemps, for that matter.

>Being exiled after growing a big head from saving the realm... it was a humbling experience for Yoshiro, to say the least.

>Yoshiro was quick to accept the dragons being the "bad guys" in Ishgard's war, so to speak, as he usually accepts these sort of things at face value. It wasn't until befriending Ysayle did he learn to see the world is not so simple, and he became a stalwart advocate against the war.

>After discovering the Arch Bishop's nefarious plan and saving Aymeric in The Vault, Yoshiro was quick to throw caution to the wind and take chase after Thordan and his knights. But his recklessness had grave consequences, as from behind did Zephirin launch his spear aimed toward Yoshiro's heart, and the brave Haurchefant did throw himself to protect his dear friend. And as Haurchefant lay dying in his arms, having saved his life, he left Yoshiro with those final words, "A smile better suits a hero". Yoshiro tried- he tried so very hard to smile as per that wish, but as the knight of House Fortemps took his final breath, it was all Yoshiro could do to cry in agony.

>From that moment, all Yoshiro could see was red. He would have Ser Zephirin's heart for what he did to Haurchefant, and he was now hellbent on revenge. Putting down his spear, he sought greater power in the arts of the Dark Knight, and would use his sword to cut down Thordan and all his Knights Twelve. And Ysayle's subsequent sacrifice served to further fuel that vengefulness.

>So cut them down he did, in the most violent way imaginable, going so far as to continue stabbing the bloodied corpses in a blind rage. His concerned comrades had to step in and wake him from his trance, convincing him to cease his senselessness. 'Twas after seeing the looks on their faces did he realize that even after taking his revenge, he felt no satisfaction.

>And so did Yoshiro confront his inner darkness, bidding farewell to Fray until the need to call upon him would rise again, and once again did he take to his lance as a Dragoon to put an end to this bloody war and do right by Haurchefant's memory.

>When Estinien obtained both the eyes of Nidhogg and was possessed in his weakness, although the duty-bound Aymeric resolved that he would strike down his old friend if deemed absolutely necessary, Yoshiro and Alphinaud never lost faith. They were determined so save their friend no matter what- even when Estinien himself bade them kill him. And with the spirits of their fallen comrades giving them strength, save him they did. And thus was the Dragonsong War finally over.

[Post-HW]

>Alisaie rejoins the fray, a welcome addition to the Scions as they sought to find the last of their missing friends.

>She and Yoshiro are both frustrated with Urianger's lies and secrecy; though he reveals his intentions for deceiving both his friends and the Warriors of Darkness were ultimately for the greater good of both their stars, the two simply wished their friend had confided in them to help.

>Past mistakes come back to haunt them as Ilberd and his remaining followers are able to summon Shinryu, and Yoshiro- though he and Yda Lyse to stop Papalymo from doing so- is forced to watch yet another friend selflessly sacrifice themselves.

[Stormblood]

>Punch Punch Kick Kick, Yoshiro decides it's time to train in the art of the Monk; it only seems appropriate to do so in the lands overseen by Rhalgr himself.

>His experiences during this time afforded the opportunity for Yoshiro to learn what life was like for people living directly under Garlean rule. It was difficult seeing their will to fight completely drained, and though he was initially frustrated at that, he grew to understand their feelings. He also couldn't help but ponder his heritage as he spent time in Doma, though there were more pressing matters at hand.

>Losing his fight with Zenos was... shocking, to say the least. At this point, Yoshiro was the Defender of Eorzea and the Hero of the Dragonsong War. He practically slew primals for breakfast- he never loses! So how was it that he fell in battle to a man? And to be insulted in such a way after the fact, 'twas a firm blow to his ego

>Worse yet, when afforded the opportunity for a rematch, Yoshiro fell once more, only able to damage the viceroy's helmet. Not only that, but Yoshiro should have very well died right then, had Zenos not decided to keep him alive for his own amusement. This only further drove Yoshiro mad- he truly could not get Zenos off his mind. He needed to understand this man's skills. He needed to fight him again... (Though, was part of him excited at the prospect?)

>And so their "final" clash came, and Yoshiro was able to be satisfied in defeating the only man who had since bested him in combat. But looking back, he struggled to understand why he became so obsessed. Why fighting Zenos provided such a thrill, their energy in the heat of battle being downright near sexual. Did Zenos' words ring true? Were they truly so alike? No- he would not believe it. For now, Yoshiro would have to lock these thoughts away...

[Post-SB]

>The Scions were dropping like flies; one by one, they would be plagued by terrible headaches, only for their bodies to be left in dormant states, their souls having apparently vanished. Each time, a voice echoed in their heads, but the words spoken made little sense. All in all, it was a terrifying time.

>Alisaie and Yoshiro were the last two left for a time, with all their friends being lost to them. It was then that they promised never to leave each other, and were able to at least find comfort with one another. Yet, it was not to last, as when they were struck by another headache, as they reached out to take each other's hand, they both collapsed. And where Yoshiro soon woke up, Alisaie did not. And so he was utterly alone.

[Shadowbringers]

>Yoshiro once again dons the armor of the Dark Knight and calls upon Fray to help him on his journey. He bids Krile and Tataru take care of the Scions' bodies, and he follows the clues they discovered toward their missing friends.

>When he ends up in the First and meets the Crystal Exarch, he's quick to demand to see the Scions, quite agitated with everything that transpired. But he's easy to calm when he's told they're safe. And realizing that they're within the Crystal Tower, he of course asks the Exarch if he knew of G'raha Tia... and despite his suspicions, he chooses to believe the Exarch's denial.

>Reunited with his friends, meeting Ryne, and defeating light wardens to save the star. This land was filled with heartache, and it took a heavy toll, but still Yoshiro fought on with hope as the Warrior of Darkness. And seeing the faces of the people of Norvrandt when they looked upon the night sky... 'twas all worth it.

>Along the way, as he helped a group of bounty hunters set the souls of the Warriors of Light to rest, Granson’s story in particular hit close to home. His obsession with revenge on a person who was a victim of circumstance mirrored Yoshiro’s own vengeful hate toward Ser Zephirin, whom was truly only a thrall. And so he took extra care helping Granson over come those feelings.

>When the Exarch spoke to Yoshiro in private, and told him of the friend he had who he hoped would take him on an adventure, it warmed Yoshiro's heart. And he told the Exarch that, should this friend be foolish enough to not extend him an invitation, well... he would let it be known he would very much like for the Exarch to accompany him on his own journey.

>Vauthry- the final light warden- is defeated, but Yoshiro cannot contain the light. He collapses in unbearable pain, his body feeling as if it were about to tear apart as he vomits in bright white. He can barely see, but when the Exarch attempts to enact his plan of selfless sacrifice that he concocted with Urianger (trying in vain to convince them he is a villain), Yoshiro detests with what strength he has left. And when the Exarch's hood falls from his head, it's all Yoshiro can do to cry out... "G'raha Tia!" He attempts to stand, run to his friend, stop this madness, but he is unable. 

>And as he watches G'raha crumple to the ground, Emet-Selch behind him with a smoking pistol, still he is too weak to stand. Too weak to contain the light. Too weak. All he can do is scream.

>When Yoshiro woke up and found that the land was once again consumed by eternal day, his heart broke further. Even Ardbert's kind words could not console him. In the end, he blamed himself, Emet-Selch's words ringing in his mind. And if he truly was fated to turn into a light warden, then leave he must. He could not risk hurting those he loved.

>However, when the Scions discovered him attempting to leave on his own, they forbade it- demanding to accompany him. And whilst their love brought tears to his eyes... still, he spoke sternly when he told them: "Nobody gets hurt because of me. When the time comes, please, you have to... to put an end to me".

>Of course, it would not come to that, and thanks to the help of the brave Warrior of Light Ardbert, Emet-Selch was defeated, and balance was restored to the First. And though Yoshiro now had every right to be upset with the lies and manipulation he had endured, all he could do was hold the 'Crystal Exarch' in his arms- with tears in his eyes- and tell him... "'Tis good to see you awake, G'raha Tia".

[Post-SHB]

>Restoring life to the Empty with Ryne and Gaia, and Thancred and Urianger... and Yoshiro! Yes, although it felt like he was 'double third-wheeling', so to speak, 'twas still quite the adventure. Besides, the opportunity to tease a young couple in love was priceless.

>When Elidibus was defeated and G'raha Tia's crystal body was expiring, Yoshiro was once again forced to watch as his friend was lost to him. But as he cried and held the face of the crystal statue that now stood before him, he felt the warmth of G'raha's soul vessel in his hands. Holding it close to his heart, he knew everything would be alright.

>And with the soul vessels successfully awakening his Scion friends back in the Source, Yoshiro made a mad dash out of the Rising Stones and toward the Crystal Tower, ignoring Krile's shouting behind him. As he ran through Revenant's Toll, Gilda had caught up next to him, and he hopped on her back as she flew him toward his destination.

>Running down the halls of the Tower, Yoshiro swears he had never raced so fast in his life. And as he came upon that final door, remembering when he first said goodbye to his dear friend, his heart swelled knowing this would be the day when he would truly have him back. And as he came upon the sleeping miqo'te, holding aloft the spirit vessel, he prayed with all his might and waited with bated breath.

>And as he watched those crimson eyes flutter open, he was completely undone. "G'raha...?" he spoke, his voice barely a whisper. With their gazes locked, a warm smile graced the red head's face.
"Good morning, Yoshiro!" he said in reply, and the two were overjoyed. They laughed, they cried, they held each other close, and in the midst of these emotions was Yoshiro unable to contain his jubilation as he pressed a kiss upon G'raha's lips.
Buuut the moment was quickly cut short as an out of breath Krile entered the room with a ruffled Gilda next to her.
"You couldn't have waited for me?!"

[Endwalker]

>Tears. Tears everywhere. Who knew this adventure could get even more depressing. With their enemy being despair itself, Yoshiro now arms himself with the sword and shield of a Paladin, prepared to protect his comrades and light the path forward.

>Despite everything, Yoshiro did empathize with Hermes, and he felt incredibly sad at the way things turned out. As for Meteion, he still believed she was his friend, and he remained determined to reach out to her.

>Having his friends sacrifice themselves left and right in Ultima Thule... it was the most hopeless Yoshiro had ever felt. He tried so hard to hold it together, but when G'raha was then lost to him again, his facade cracked, and he fell to his knees- crying in agony. Alisaie was much the same, so it was Alphinaud's words that mustered in them the strength to go on. And so he held both their hands, and they walked on the path their friend had created.

>But when it came the twins' turn to usher Yoshiro onward... Yoshiro was utterly broken. His soul felt empty. He was alone. And he nearly had given into despair in that moment, was it not for the voices of the past encouraging him to press on. So press on he did, for those he had lost, for those he could yet save. And as he heard Ardbert's voice in his heart, "Let's finish this", he took those final steps.

>When his Scion family was returned to him, Yoshiro would not suffer losing them again. They had all sacrificed themselves for him, and now it was his turn to do the same. Those were the thoughts that went through his head as sent the teleporter to his friends, returning them to the safety of the Ragnarok as he stood alone against the incarnation of despair itself.

>Though he was surprised to receive help from Zenos in that moment, he knew he had no choice but to accept it, and with the Endsinger defeated, there was only one thing left to do. Zenos egged him on, goading the fighting spirit with Yoshiro as he called him what he was: 'adventurer'. And when Zenos claimed to know the desire that lied within Yoshiro to fight ever stronger enemies, that he enjoyed the thrill of battle, Yoshiro relented, admitting "That, I can't deny".

>Thence came the rematch of legend. Two men fighting with every ilm of their strength, their souls set ablaze. The excitement, the passion; they were both grinning madly as they burned their life to kill one another. It was incredible.

>And finally, exhausting the last of their strength, their souls completely burned out, they were left to lie there together at the edge of the universe. As Zenos took his final breath, Yoshiro was left alone to ponder his final words: "Was this life a gift... or a burden?".

'Twas true that Yoshiro's life was filled with tragedy, conflict, and strife... he had made so many mistakes, and lost so many friends. And maybe things would have been easier if he was never the Warrior of Light. But still... still... thinking back to the love of his Scion family, and all the happy memories they had made... his life was more than a gift: It was a blessing. He cherished every moment, good and bad. Everything that had happened... it was all worth it, and he would not give up his experiences for anything in the world. Lying there in a pool of his own blood, he thanked everyone who had been a part of his life- of his adventure.

Opening his eyes, he found himself in a place he was not wholly unfamiliar to, having traversed it with his friends not long ago. Yes, he was certain: he was in the Aetherial Sea. So then... was he dead?
"Yoshiro Zenko," a kindly voice spoke; one he knew all too well, but had not heard in far too long. Turning toward it, his smile mirrored that of her own.
"Minfilia!" he replied in kind, contented to see his old friend again.
"In saving our star and all others, you have made the ultimate sacrifice..."
"'Twould seem I have" he said almost coyly, and at that she couldn't help but laugh.
"My friend, you have more than earned a rest." Saying this, she reached out her hand for him to take. And as she did, so too did more familiar faces appear from behind her. All his friends... Moenbryda, Haurchefant, Ysayle, Papalymo... all present to welcome him to the great beyond. Teary eyed, he looked upon his friends with contentedness, knowing each of them had given their all to protect the realm. And here he was, ready to join them- those friends he has missed so dearly. Yes, he was ready. He was ready... wasn't he?

Taking a step forward, Yoshiro's hand reached for Minfilia's, but as he did so... his heart burned. In that moment, he swore he heard other voices calling to him. Hand recoiling, he stopped in his tracks.
"I'm... I can't go," he sighed, looking on with remorse. "It's selfish of me, isn't it? But I... my heart just won't allow it... my family, I don't want to leave them. Not yet. I made a promise... I..." a sob escaped his throat as he spoke. "At least, what I wouldn't give to see them again. One last time..." But how could he say such a thing to these friends who have already sacrificed themselves for his sake? How could he stand before these heroes and claim he does not want to die? Yet their smiles did not waver, and as Minfilia shook her head, he suddenly felt a warmth on his shoulder.
"My brave little spark... your journey is far from over." Venat's voice rang through his soul, and a feeling of comfort washed over him.
"Stay strong, little man!" Moenbryda cheered.
"'Tis time for you to rise and greet a new dawn!" Papalymo professed.
"So you mustn't forsake your cause." Ysayle affirmed.
"And should you ever begin to lose heart, know that we are here cheering you on!" Haurchefant sang.
"Now go, and continue serving as a beacon of hope for others." Minfilia's kind words ushered him on with those of all his friends, and he gave them his patented nod as he looked on with teary eyes.
"Thank you... for everything," he said with one last smile. And as he felt his soul begin to return...
"Ugh, would they hurry this along? I am trying to sleep," Emet-Selch's annoyed voice echoed.
"Oh-ho, don't ruin the moment!" Hythlodaeus giggled in response.

...

"You can't leave us... not like this... If you do, I'll never forgive you...! So, come on! Open your eyes and get up!" Alisaie's voice rang through Yoshiro's ears.
'Well, I'd better do as she says, then!' he thought. And slowly did his eyes flutter open.
"Yoshiro!" the Scions cried.
"Is... everyone alright?" Yoshiro simpered. At that, his friends threw themselves upon him.
"After what you've done, you're the last person to be asking that... you... how can you keep your promise if you're not here?!" G'raha scolded through his tears, and Yoshiro winced.
"I'm sorry for making you all worry..." he said, his own tears beginning to escape his eyes. Though as Yoshiro mulled in guilt, G'raha did steal a single kiss, and the two tear stained faces now mirrored equally giddy grins.
"Another fine show you've put on, my friend." Estinien proclaimed. And as the Scions took their turns scolding the foolish Yoshiro, his heart did swell with the love he felt.
"Damn you for making us worry!" Alisaie shook him by the shoulders as she reprimanded.
"Ough, forgive me! Mind the broken ribs...!" Yoshiro cried in both pain and remorse. Still, he did pull her in for as tight a hug he could muster, and so too did the others join in. 

>They explained that Meteion had arrived and said Yoshiro would be right behind her... but he wasn't... and when he did later appear, 'twas in a pool of his own blood and within an ilm of his life. They did as much healing as they could with their magicks, and the Loporrits treated him as well they could with what was available on the Ragnarok ('Ah, that explained the bandages'), but Yoshiro was still not responsive.

>Y'shtola goes on to swear she had saw his aether fading, and was convinced in that moment that he was truly lost to them... so she was then just as shocked when his soul that moments before had all but burnt out suddenly shone with a brilliant flash of light as he awoke.

>It was Yoshiro's turn then to explain what had transpired, from the fight with Zenos to his brush with death. In the end, of course, 'twas a heartwarming, tear-filled reunion. And as his friends helped him to stand, together they were able to look upon all of Etheirys as the Ragnarok made its victory lap back to Sharlayan.

[Post-EW]

>Yoshiro spends several weeks in the Baldesion Annex recovering from his extensive injuries (he did essentially die, after all). With Krile forbidding him from leaving the city to adventure, he instead tries to assist her and G'raha with their tasks in restoring the Students. Though considering he can hardly read, he ends up receiving more help in the end...

>This peaceful time also affords Yoshiro and G'raha the opportunity to finally confront their feelings (which have been known for quite some time...!), and make their relationship official.

>And so, after making his full recovery and barely going stir-crazy from his house arrest, Yoshiro is finally ready for his next adventure!

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• His usual outfit is the undyed Wayfarer set, but he can be depicted wearing anything!