1. In the beginning...,

Many aeons ago, there was a sentient jewel. A living stone by which all life was created, banished the darkness, and spawned forth Gods of infinite power. Their prized creation was the world of Vana'diel, their celestial playground. Here the gods played, until eventually they fell into slumber. It was during this time that the children of the gods began to create their own civilization. They traveled through the sky, extracted gold from stones, and gave birth to grasslands across the world. These were the Ancients. But, one day, the Ancients seeking to join their god parents decided to gain entrance into paradise. Enraged by such a brazen display of insolence, the holy gatekeeper destroyed their path and cast their homes to the bottom of the sea. Shortly thereafter, the goddess Altana awakened and saw the ruin that had had once been Vana'diel. Seeing this she felt an emotion which gods seldom feel, sadness. She wept for the tiny world and her tears cleared away the damage done, but that was not all. 5 divine tears fell to the new soil. Each of these 5 tears was the birth of one of the races of Vana'diel. Hume, Elvaan, Taru, Mithra, and Galka. All different, all the same. Altana's sorrow left and she once again departed, leaving the world to grow in peace and harmony.

but the story does not end there.

There was another god, awakened and watching, from his place in the shadows. Promathia, God of Twilight, angered by what he had seen saw fit to condemn her work. Bringing out each of the 5 races darkest attributes - the elvaan's arrogance, the hume's apathy, the envy of the mithra, the cowardice of the taru, and the galka's rage. This would curse them to constant internal conflict. Finally, to seal the deal he created races of his own. These dark races, the beastmen, were charged with fighting the people of Vana'diel and occupying their minds. Never again would they think to open the door to the gods.

There is one final tale however....

While Altana soars on wings of freedom, Promathia is bound in chains. It is even said that his confinement was a limitation he placed upon himself. Can this be true? And if so...why?

2. The Truth

The real history is quite different from the story passed down through the generations. Unknown exactly when, but sometime after the creation of Vana'diel and before the rise of the 5 races, there existed 2 peoples. The first were the Kuluu, in tune with the powers of nature and the world around them these people lived a life of peace and contentment. Three great cities were created by them, one in the lands now known as Sarutabaruta (Horotoro Ruins) one in the north lands of present day Beaucedine Glacier, and the last their great Temple of Uggalepih. Their leader was the great, wise, and powerful Grav'iton. The other people, were the Zilart. Though fewer in number, the Zilart's power was unmatched even amongst the strongest Kuluu. At this time it is unclear if the Zilart were of the same race as the Kuluu or a different race entirely.

Outside of the 2 main civilizations were the Dawnmaidens. This small group of women were considered to be directly connected to the gods, especially Altana. They were led by the powerful gatekeeper, Yve'noile who in legend held the keys to paradise.

The Zilart, like all with power, sought more of it. Under the twin rule of Eald'narche and Kam'lanaut, the Zilart began an mad crusade to reach the skies and harness the power of Altana herself and gain entrance into paradise. Forcing the Kuluu and Dawnmaidens into servitude, the Zilart began the construction of a final monument to their greatness, Tu'lia. This massive floating city would be their capital and allow them to gain unlimited power. The palace of Fei'yin, was created for the two brothers as a control station for their massive project. Then across the world, massive pillars were constructed, connected by gigantic conduits. These would later be known to present day people as the 3 crags and Drogaroga's Spine. Next a power core created on Quifim Island was created. This would power the city's magical ability to float in the clouds. Finally the gateway to the gods was created, Ro'Maeve. Using the power of the gatekeeper and the dawnmaidens as the key to their power source, the Zilart believed paradise was finally at hand.

But, history is filled with irony and this tale is no different. The power they sought could not be controlled and the world would pay the price. The gatekeeper sent her dawnmaidens to meet with the Kuluu and form a plan to strike back at the Zilart and prevent them from entering paradise against the will of the gods. Assaulting Fei'yin they overloaded the control center and in a massive explosion almost destroyed the planet. The backup of the power flow through the conduits send shockwaves the entire world over. The fallout was terrible. The Northlands, once a lush green forest, were now a barren wasteland. The Kuluu who weren't killed in the raid were slowly warped over time into the race we now know as the Tonberry. The dawnmaidens, all killed in the blast were blessed with a ghost like afterlife to protect and watch over the gatekeeper and her future reincarnations.The Zilart, with their dreams destroyed and numbers dwindling sought to bring peace back to the world which they had destroyed. The fate of Eald'Narche and Kam'lanaut remained unknown.

3. The Age of Beasts,

The magic explosion from the blast which warped the Kuluu into the tonberry also changed other creatures slowly into the races which we know today. The first races to form were the beastmen. These races thrived in the era of darkness after the destruction of the Zilart's kingdom. The 3 largest hordes were the Orc, Yagudo, and Quadav. The Orcs were the most battle hungry of the 3, with a lust for blood. Their homeland were the dark forests of the Northern Quon continent. The next were the Yagudo, a bird like race which prided itself on it's religious connection to the gods. Though they were religious in nature it was obvious this state of mind had driven them to fanaticism. The last was the Quadav, the turtle creatures. Seeking those things precious, they grew to become miners and made their home in the swamps of Southern Quon.

There were more beastmen which grew in other parts of the world as well. To the islands of the south west, the mighty Antican's came to power creating a massive catacombs beneath the island chains. The far north islands were home to a giant race of beasts called Gigas. The last smaller race was the Sahagins. These fishmen lived in the caves and waters off the coast of the south eastern islands. Together all these "monsters" grew in size and number and soon controlled the mass of the known lands of today.

Over-time, however, 3 new races on the side of right began to fight back against the mindless hordes. The first were the mighty Galka. Blessed with powerful bodies and brute strength the Galka were the first new race to create a civilization on Vana'diel. Centered in the Kuzotz island region the Galka created a massive city spanning the entire island. Having, what they believed, effectively defeated all their enemies there. But, unbeknownst to them, deep below their king was another beastman army. The Anticans a race of ant-like people who had thrived beneath to south of Kuzotz decided it was time to deal with the Galka. Outnumbering the Galka, the battle soon turned against the Galkan who with their remaining numbers were forced to flee through the ancient tunnels near their capital in hopes of discovering a new world on the other side in which the Antican's could not follow. Though defeated, the Galka did not easily forget, and deep inside them boiled an unstoppable rage and thirst for revenge. Their civilization was in ruins and their enormous cities soon fell to the mighty Anticans and shifting sands of the Kuzotz.

The second race were the Mithra. These cunning quick witted creatures were the stealthy warriors of the time. Due to the lack of male Mithra, the men stayed home to raise children while the women formed the political and warrior classes. Making their home on the island of Elshimo the Mithra build and maintained a small society. Though active in the battles with the beastmen on their island, they did not seek them out. Protecting their borders was enough for them, and apparently enough for the beastmen, as over time the attacks decreased. It appeared that while not at peace, the beastmen of Elshimo had an understanding with the Mithra.

The last were the tiny Tarutaru. These little creatures while not very strong, were highly intelligent. Though they battled valiantly, the Taru peoples were terrified of the massive horde of beastmen. Weary of the never-ending conflict, and declining in number, the taru wandered the world in search of peace. After discovering an uncharted continent, they named the land Windurst and settled down to build a brighter future for their kin. Several decades after the Tarutaru's long journey had come to an end, a young Taru girl exploring the mysterious towers scattered across the outskirts of Windurst lost her way. It was during the time that she came in contact with last of the Zilart race. She was led to what we today call "The Full Moon Well" and the power of magic was bestowed upon her and her people. It was at this time she was given the magical "Book of the Gods" and had a vision of the future.She saw the life of the taru for hundreds of years into the future. This girl would be come the first Star Sybil. Together with her people she worked to harness and understand the mysterious power that had been given to them.

So began the Great Age of Magic.

4. The Age of Magic

Empowered by their expanding knowledge and magical abilities the Taru people united themselves under the Star Sybil, as the Federation of Windurst. At the same time the beastmen of this continent, The Yagudo, united to take back the lands which they had claimed for themselves. Working together, the Taru drove the Yagudo hordes from their lands. After this victory for a time, the Tarutaru lived in peace and harmony. Their race prospered, unified in their knowledge of magic and the solidarity of a new and powerful federation.

During this time, the Mithra uncontent with their life of solitude on Elshimo Island and hearing tales of strange magical beings from the elder mithra scouts decided to venture out into the ocean to see for themselves. The cheiftaness, angered by the disregard for tradition, condemned these actions. Those who left in search of this knowledge were not permitted to return. This did not stop the adventure seeking youth who set off on their journey. Eventually arriving at Windurst, the Mithra in awe of the Taru were welcomed. Their strength and tactical skill would prove useful to the weaker Taru. It was a dually beneficial arrangement. The Mithra would be allowed to live in Windurst with taru protection and magics, and in return they would serve as the foot soldiers of the Taru military. Together, they carved and built the town of Mhaura into the cliffs overlooking the sea. It was a reminder to the Mithra that their home was not so far away after all. Mhaura though always a small town in nature, would become a special place in the hearts of Mithra in Windurst. It was a glorious age for both their peoples.

But time would tell a different tale. While the Taru bathed in their knowledge of magic, the other races of the world began to gain knowledge of this power, even the beastmen. Within a short time, magic techniques were employed by others. The powerful magic now in the hands of the reckless and bloodthirsty beastmen was too much for the Taru. Filled with regret, the Tarutaru entered and long era of isolationism. They closed their borders off to all but their friends, the Mithra. And so, the once-proud civilization became more and more out of touch with the rest of the world.

5. The Age of Power

The use of magic would bring both happiness and conflict to the other races of Vana'diel. It was during this time that the insignificant tribe of creatures called Elvaan would rise to power. With the power of magic and the warrior spirit deep within them, the Elvaan would grow to become the most powerful empire of the time. Making their home in deep forests of the oldest known continent, the Kingdom of San d'Oria was formed. With the Tarutaru monopoly on magic broken, the Elvaan were able to create powerful orders of knights who with a powerful code of chivalry feared no adversary. Their lack of fear stemmed from their deep religious beliefs in Altana and her guidance. While a King was chosen to rule, the Papsque - the religious leader - was given great authority.

One by one the beastmen strongholds of the old continent fell. Tarutaru villages and towns were crushed by the might of the San d'Orian army. Within a short time, nearly the entire Quon continent had some under San d'Orian control. It was at this time that one of the vassal's of the ruling d'Oraguille family discovered small peninsula at the western most edge of Quon. From here the knights of San d'Oria could sweep around the lands of the Taru and remaining beastmen and secure their domination of Vana'diel. Alphollon Tavnazia, a royal vassal was bestowed title to the land and given the task of constructing a massive fortified city as the front lines of the San d'Orian push east. Over time these lands were known as the Marquisate of Tavnazia and became a second Elvaan kingdom, under rule of the first. From here that battles which conquered the lands of Sauromugue Champaign were planned.

But pride comes before the fall.

The presence of the Elvaan pushed the Yagudo, defeated by the Taru, back down into the lands of Windurst. This caused a series of skirmishes until eventually the Taru Star Sybil and Yagudo High Priest met. It was there that it was decided the cause of their problems was the presence of the Elvaan who forced them into battle with each other. The two races declared war upon the elvaan and a uneasy truce was declared.

With all of San d'Oria's attention to the Taru's and the beastmen of the eastern continent, the southern portion of Quon remained unconquered and uncared for. The inhabitants, the last of the 5 races - the Humes, were deemed too weak to worry about and ignored by the San d'Oria army. During this time that a small tribe of the Humes encountered the remnants of the Galkans who had settled in the new lands of southern Quon, after escaping their capitals destruction long ago. It was here that the two races united. The Galkan with their physical strength and the Humes with their ingenuity and search for knowledge. Together the two races formed a powerful alliance under the flag of Bastok. Fortified by the regions rich natural resources and the intelligence-gathering abilities of the Hume race. The nation of Bastok soon turned it's eyes to the north and the Empire of San d'Oria.

Before the San d'Orians could mass a force to deal with the new kingdom to the south, the attacks began. Bastok using it's newly created army made quick work of the outlying San d'Orian southern defenses. Meanwhile the Taru's and beastmen to the east launched assault upon assault on the empire's eastern boarder. Finally a massive assault on the defenses at Sauromogue by the taru broke through the lines of knights. Every last Elvaan fought bravely, every last Evlaan was killed. In the south the Bastokan's turned their attention to the key grounds of the Konschtat Highlands. If they could control these lands Bastok would be safe from counter attack. In a battle of epic nature, the San d'Orian knights and Bastokan army battled San D'oria made one last push under the leadership of their first female warrior Lady Eldie Mantiant. Bastok was forced from the Highlands, but at a horrible price. The legions of San D'oria had been all but wiped out.

The Elvaan to the east, now faced with the oncoming attack of the Taru and the growing presence of the Bastokan's to their rear surrendered in order to keep their lands and secure a truce with the Taru peoples. This was not the final nail in the coffin, however. The Bastokan chemists and iron workers in a rush to supply their troops discovered a new powerful cutting-edge technology, firearms. With these the Bastokan army marched to the Highlands for what would be known as the Second Battle of Konschtat. Here the newly formed Bastokan Musketeer's met the most elite of the San d'Orian Knights, but it was no battle at all...it was a massacre. The knights were riddled and mutilated by the musketeers gunfire. Both people saw the effectiveness of these weapons and stood in shock. The San d'Orians pulled their forces back to the borders of their capital, the outlying towns, forts, and legions destroyed by the now free to roam beastmen. The Bastokan's shocked by their own power, stopped their assault on San d'Oria at the Highlands, holding the high ground to prevent any future counterattack. None would come.

The Elvaan could do nothing, furious with Bastok for the deemed "unchivalrous" victory and without their former power the kingdom fell into ruin. At the time of the collapse 2 brothers ruled the throne. The first, and oldest King Raigegue was a militaristic man who saw his friends and family die at the hands of Bastok. Gathering the last of the elite troops, he formed the Royal Knights, in hopes of a counter-attack. His younger brother, Prince Fellenant, was a more religious and peaceful man. Around him gathered a loyal group of friends, who would be known as the Temple Knights. Prince Fellenant against his brothers wishes arranged for a meeting between the Bastok leaders and his Temple Knights. There he would offer a final peace in exchange for help dethroning his brother. His proof of peace, the mysterious and powerful magic scepter known as the "Scepter Royaulais". This was bestowed to each king upon his coronation by the papsque. Meanwhile, catching wind of his brother's plan, King Raigegue sent his best and most anti-Bastok knight, Vijortal Caphieux. He and a few other royal knights would join the prince's party saying they wished for peace, and then assassinate him.

It was then, camping in what is now called Ordelle's Cave that the plot was to take place. But, by some strange twist of fate, Vijortal turned against the assassins and stopped the attempt. Though he saved the kings life, he was mortally wounded. The prince continued on to Bastok and there the Temple Knights and Bastokans agreed to usurp the throne from King Raigegue. Gathering forces he took San d'Oria and crowned himself king, but just before a counter-offensive by Raigegue, it is said that Fellenant had a great vision granted to him by the Scepter Royaulais. Though it is unknown what was seen, he stepped down and surrendered to his brother. Since it was deemed long ago that royal blood could not be spilled, Fellenant was placed in the dungeons underneath San d'Oria. With the help of his Temple Knights, he soon escaped through underground tunnels into Junger Forest. It was from here, in the deep woods of Davoi that he waged a war against his brother. This was the start of the great civil war.

Lasting for countless generations the war between the two sides of San d'Oria raged through their lands. Finally, the leader of the Temple Knights, Ranperre, led a final assualt on the capital. Carrying a mystical sword he found deep within the caverns of Davoi and surrounded by his vanguard of Dragoons (which would later grant him the name - The Dragon King) he led his troops into battle. His sword, the Lightbringer, struck a fear into the hearts of both his troops and his enemies. Before the battle could begin, the Royal Knights surrendered for fear of the sword. Without having even unsheathed it, Ranperre had united San d'Oria at last. From his throne he decided the power held by the Lightbringer was too much for one man, and it was sent forth from San d'Oria to Tavnazia as not only a sign of trust and peace, but to be locked away deep within the halls below the city. There it would be protected by the royal family for all time. San d'Oria had come full circle, once a great empire, now a small fledgling kingdom again.

6. The Age of Technology

The fall of San d'Oria ushered in an era of prosperity for Bastok, who upon it's growth declared itself a republic for the people. Hume tradesmen spread across Vana'diel in an unprecedented era of economic development and trade. Establishing trade routes with not only Widurst, but their former enemy of San d'Oria. During this time the Bastokan's decided to expand their industry from mining into fishing. Two towns were started, the beach town of Selbina to the south, and Jeuno to the north. While Selbina brought forth more profit, the town of Jeuno was founded at the intersection of the major kingdoms. It was decided at this time of peace to hold the first Conquest Evaluation Assembly in Jeuno. Attended by each nations top advisors, the Assembly was to outline the boundaries of each kingdom. Eventually, the assembly seeing their armies lacking battles and fearing they would turn weak or worse, against the current leader, set up a system of tournaments called Conflict. Nation's greatest warriors would face off with each other for bragging rights and control of territory outside the bounds of the 3 nations control of the previous year. This did nothing but create unneeded anger amongst the 3 kingdoms and soon was stopped by the assembly.

Back in Bastok the fortune's of the Hume's grew quickly, while the Galka - the laborers, received very little. This was the start of the animosity between the two races. The jealousy and anger while only subtle for the time being would eventually take control of the country. But, these thoughts were only in the backs of the mind's, as the technological developments proceeded rapidly. This was accelerated with the appearance of the engineering genius named Cid. Through his inventions, the mining of Bastok's lands gathered more precious metals and rare ores then ever seen before. The Republic of Bastok had taken it's place as the 3rd great nation of Vana'diel.

7. The Mission North

It was during this time that the Humes, in their adventurous nature, decided to explore the lands to the far north. Long forbidden they were now the stuff of imagination and legend. Two Hume officers, an elite Iron Musketeer warrior Ulrich and the monk Cornelia. Under suggestion of Cornelia, her friend and Talekeeper of the Galka, Raogrimm was allowed to accompany them. Raogrimm, as talekeeper carried the memories or all past Galka within him. This gave him the "title" as leader of the Galka. He was also a member of the Mythril Musketeers, but in name only, as he detested the treatment of the beastmen by the Humes in the squad With the help of his friend and aide War Cloud, he was charged with a task of great importance amongst their people. Cornelia had known him for some time, and it seemed to many that their association was more than friendship. Ulrich noticed this too, having feelings for Cornelia, and did not like it one bit.

To travel to the northlands, the expedition would have to cross San d'Orian lands. Though they would allow it, the San d'Orians requested one of their best knights, Francmage come along. Though deemed as a "escort through the lands", we was more of a spy to make sure the Bastokans weren't up to something else. Of course seeing this, the Tarus demanded 2 of their top officials go too. With the Hume's approval, Iru-Kuiru the taru and Rabntah the mithra were sent. These 6 adventurers set off from San d'Oria through the mountains to the north. It was here things turned horribly wrong.

Ulrich, after spending so much time with Raogrimm and Cornelia became jealous of their relationship. Angered that a hume woman would love a Galka over him he found his own solution. Suggestion the party split in two, Raogrimm and he would search one way, the remaining 4 would go the other. Taking Raogrimm down deep into the chasms of the northlands Ulrich plotting the Galka's death, he did not notice Cornelia had decided to follow. It was in the deepest chasm that Ulrich launched his attack, hitting Raogrimm when he least expected. Knocked to his feet and winded, Raogrimm could to nothing as Ulrich pulled back his sword for the final thrust.. It was then Cornelia jumped in front of Raogrimm, Ulrich's blade thrusting into her stomach. Ulrich shocked by what he had done ran from the area. Raogrimm, the woman he loved at his feet covered in blood let out a great roar. This was the last anyone heard from him.

Ulrich finding the other 3 members of the party announced that Raogrimm and Cornelia had fallen from a cliff led a fake rescue. No bodies were ever found and the remaining members decided to return home before anyone else died. It was then that the strange murders began. One by one, each of the 4 remaining members was horrifically murdered.

8. Moon's Eclipse

Meanwhile in Windurst, though an internalist nation, their country continued to grow. The Mithra developed their own population and chieftaness within the capital, and a new Star Sybil was appointed. Also mastering magic to a science, the taru people had grown and prospered. 5 minstries of magic were created to govern the magical powers of the Tarutaru, each with their own specific function. The Optistery, was the magical library of Windurst, holding the tomes of ancient lore and magical power. The Aurastery, or the schools, were the learning grounds of young taru who would someday be the future leaders of Windurst. The Rhinostery was the ministry which experimented with the world around them. This ministry was the group that created the plants that light up at night. The fourth was the Oarstery, the taru mages training grounds which developed the ranks of the black, white, and red mages. The last ministry was the most recent and at the time, the most groundbreaking. The Maunastery, was responsible for the construction of Cardians. Under the supervision of the Taru Zonpa-Zippa, the Cardian's were created from dolls imbued with life by the star fruit collected from the gigantic star tree of Windurst Walls. These cardians were to be the new infantry and grunts of the Windurst army and do the daily work too hard for the Taru and Mithra. The problems would begin here.

The cardians were created with an absolute duty to their master, in this case, Zippa. Zonpa-Zippa could not of course control them all as the ranks grew, so he created 4 "Ace" Cardians to rule over them with the basic logic of black and white, a wrong and a right. The Aces would only report to him, and he would only have to deal with those 4 to control and army. Zonpa-Zippa was received as the hero of the Tarutaru.

This would have worked perfectly for the Taru people, if not for the discovery of the ambitious Optistery minster Karaha-Baruha. Working in the Optistery libraries Baruha discovered the ancient secrets hidden away by the first Taru settlers deep within Horotoro Ruins. Working without the authority of the Stary Sybil he came to Zonpa-Zippa to asked for his help and grant him the use of super strong cardians to search the ruins with him. Zonpa accepted and gave him control of the 4 ace cardians. With them in his power, Baruha had them secretly build a new cardian, Joker. Using magics locked away within the libraries he bound his life-force to Joker and then proclaimed Joker the new master of the Aces.

While keeping up appearances in town, Baruha had the 5 cardians search deep within the ruins. It was then that the canals deep within the ruins were uncovered. Old sewers from the time of the Kuluu connected through all the towers, and even the Heaven's Tower of Windurst itself. Also, he had discovered a mysterious fountain deep within the canal. In it's dark reflection were the moon and the stars. It became apparent to him that he had stumbled upon the lost Full Moon Fountain of lore, which had given the first Star Sybil he great vision. Returning to Windurst he approached the Star Sybil in private, telling her of the fountain.

With this new knowledge, the Star Sybil returned to the fountain by herself. It was here that she had a vision which she did not expect. Deep within the fountain the visage of a great beast appeared. His name was Fenrir, the great beast of legend which gave the first Sybil her reading. The vision of Fenrir showed the future of Windurst, in ruin. The world of peace had been destroyed and the world covered in emptiness. Shocked at this vision she fled from the fountain. Unbeknownst to the two, Baruha had been watching. Taking the knowledge gained, he built a study deep within the canals, which would be known as the Animastery. Here, he discovered through ancient texts that it might be possible to change the will of the beast, and in fact change the fate of Windurst. Approaching the Star Sybil with this information, the two devised a plan. They would return to the fountain and Fenrir and ask how to change fate, if they couldn't do so, then Baruha would attempt to manipulate the beast. But, the Star Sybil was unaware how far his lust for power had gone.

Having bound himself to Joker through the forbidden magics, the sanity and mind of Baruha began to slip. He had decided not to just manipulate Fenrir, but to control him entirely. Arriving to ask for council from Fenrir, the two were turned away with news that fate cannot be changed. It was then the Star Sybil granted Baruha the chance he had been waiting for. Sapping the power and will from Fenrir, the great beast muttered out these final words - Though the path is dark, there is always light. It was then, the fountain went dark.

9. Rumblings to the North

During the times before the Crystal War the tensions between the kingdoms of the 5 races had reached a boiling point. There were no longer new lands to claim, and the 3 Kingdoms began to look at each others lands. This posturing for was amongst each other had drawn the attention from the world around them to their own petty differences. It was at this time that the world began to change.

In the frozen northlands a new strange breed of beastmen had begun making a home. These winged beastmen posed a high level of intelligence and dark armor which protected heavily against most magics. Known as Kindred, they would eventually develop the reputation and nickname of "Demons". Gathered under a dark master they sent emissaries south to the other beastmen. Without question the beastmen races of the Orcs, Quadav, and Yagudo submitted to this new power. Under the demon's instruction great armies of each race were constructed. Using weapons and tactics never seen before by beastmen, raids on the 3 Kingdoms of Vana'diel escalated. The most devastating such raid took place on the island of Quifim, near the town of Jueno. Though the humes there fought valiantly, the beastmen had a trump card - the massive Gigas warriors of the islands to the North. Recently recruited in the army these monsters shook the ground with every step of their might and the hume forces crumbled as the rocks around them.

In the North, as the beastmen raided small encampments, a black citadel was being built to the new Lord of the Beastmen...the Shadow Lord.

10. The Legend of the Crystal Warriors

The legend begins as so. The Beginning of everything was with the stone. A long long ago, this beautiful living stone, With its shining of seven colors banished the darkness, Filled the world with life, And gave birth to powerful gods. Happiness and light blessed ages continued, And soon the gods have gone to their sleep. The name of this world is Vana'diel. Sometime after, a great tribulation Was about to fill this blessed land of Vana'diel. The ancient seal, after resisting dark power for thousands of years, Was broken and awakening the ending nightmare. Innocent blood will flow through the great land. The world will be enveloped by fear, sadness, and disparity. However, this does not mean there is no hope... There exists one star, shining brightly Even through the nights of the harshest storms. There exists a powerful song, Not being vanished by the howls of any beasts. That's right. Proud ones, Filled with wisdom, courage, and determination... Now, awaken from the dark slumber. Stand now, the legendary heroes. The crystal warriors!

11. The Rise of Jeuno

Just before the outbreak of the Crystal War, there appeared a strange new leader of military brilliance and unnatural intelligence in Jeuno. As the city slowly grew from a tiny fishing town, the new leader presented a plan to the Bastok government to form a new nation-state: The Grand Duchy of Jeuno. The president seeing this as a good chance to "neglect" his responsibilities there and focus on the increase of beastmen. It was during this time that in a feet only matched by Cid's engineering skills, the small town of Jeuno became a teeming metropolis of trade and industry. Construction of great bridges connecting the 3 nations was started and soon Jeuno took Bastok's place as the most powerful of the nations.

Though having no real army, the Archduke's guards were recruited from the best warriors around the world and trained in tactics never seen before. Inspiring awe and a feeling of protection over the visitors to the town, the guards were the finest example of the new age. With this in mind people began settling in Jeuno and the town grew, not outwards, but up. Soon the Duchy of Jeuno was seen as a spectacle and attracted even more visitors. The people of Jeuno and indeed the world had only one person to thank, the Archduke, Kam'lanaut.

12. The Crystal War

The Shadow Lord... No one knew where he came from and what brought his terrible wrath upon the nations of Vana'diel, but everyone fear him. From his obsidian throne in Xarcabard he launched a simultaneous attack on the great nations of Vana'diel. Each nation was caught off guard by not only the precise timing, but the massive amount of beastmen in the Shadow Lord's armies. So began the Crystal War.

In Bastok the Quadav had tunneled through the mines to the north and began launching attacks in the heart of Bastokan controlled territory. Also, from the south, the Antican's who had pledge allegiance to the Shadow Lord as well began to march through the ancient tunnels the Galka had used long ago to come to the main continents. The Bastokans cut off from the rest of the war had to devise a way to defeat both enemies. They agreed it would be best to close off the mines and seal them in anyway possible. If they could, it would stop the Antican push to the mainland, and force the Quadav to back through the mines and launch an attack on the heavily fortified highlands. Though it would succeed, countless Galka and Humes would give their lives.

In Windurst, the Yagudo massed themselves in their new nest in the mountains to the north. Their war parties had taken control of any path to help. With the greatest magic users in the land cut off from battle, the other nations knew they had to clear the Yagudo from their path or the chances of victory would be slim. 500 of the greatest San d'Orian knights offered to to venture though the dangerous beastmen forces and into Sauromugue Champaign. There they began the secret creation of an underground tunnel to traffic Taru through and bring them up and around the Yagudo army. It was here at Garliage Citadel, the temple from the times when San d'Oria controlled the region, that the greatest knights of the time would fall. Orcs from the north having tracked the knights, alerted the Yagudo. Waiting until the moment the tunnels deep within the citadel were near complete, the Yagudo attacked in the thousands. The knights trapped deep underground were no match and killed before they could react. The Taru were now on their own.

The battle came to Windurst shortly there after. The Shadow Lord seeing an opportunity to crush the powerful mages of Windurst he massed 30,000 of his best troops. Protecting Windurst was less and 1000 - including cardians. Pushing through the outer defenses of the Sarutabaruta the beastmen marched on Odin's Gate. The Taru unleashed their magics upon the monsters, but they rushed forth ignoring the countless spells raining down upon them. Just as it looked like the town would be taken, there appeared a great light to the east. As the light dimmed and the attention of the combatants turned to it, the visage of a small Taru and a giant beast could be seen. It was Karaha-Baruha, and next to him his summoned beast, Fenrir. Jumping towards the hordes of the Shadow Lord's elite Fenrir ripped through them. with each swing the great beast knocked dozens of beastmen to the ground. The horde's fled from the battlefield, the great beast striking them down as they ran. And suddenly, just as quickly as the two appeared Baruha and Fenrir vanished ...forever.

At San d'Oria the situation was not as good. To their south, the birth place of the Dragon King and now a home to a monastery had been taken over by Orcs as their stronghold. With the mass of the San d'Orian army on the front lines there, the orcs sneaking around from the west was unnoticed. In the mountains around the city, the Orcs constructed a great fortress to launch an assault directly on the capital. The Royal family knowing the towns remaining garrison could not defend against a direct assault, they did the unthinkable. A Royal Knight was sent into the fort with "secret documents" to be captured. Amongst these papers was information regarding a weapon of such strength that army's would bow to it's will - Lightbringer. San d'Oria had essentially betrayed their longtime friends the Tavnazians, and the Orcs thirsting for limitless power on the battlefield turned their attentions to the other city.

The Orcs, sending every last beastman not needed elsewhere launched the largest attack of the war. With over 100,000 beastmen, the forces of Tavnazia would stand no chance. Though the massing numbers alerted the other nations, few reserves could be sent to help protect the city. As night fell, the Orcs launched their offensive, crashing through the walls of Tavnazia with their great war beasts and assault platforms. The forces of Tavnazia were outnumbered, every taru, mithra, hume, and galka fell along since the Elvaan. The head families of the town along with many citizens, but as day broke the tunnels under the city were filled with beastmen and most who attempted escape only found death. What happened next haunts the thoughts of all those who lived through the Crystal War. In an explosion that shook the entire world, the great penninsula broke off from the mainland, it's only connection sunk beneath the sea. The city in ruins and all citizens thought dead, any attempt to launch a rescue was abandoned, as the trek there would be near impossible now. Though the cause was unknown, many speculate it was a Orc secret weapon which went off by mistake. It was at Tavnazia that the forces of light suffered their greatest defeat. But, it was what many consider the turning point of the war.

Though Tavnazia had been destroyed, so had the majority of the beastman army, driving the hordes of Orcs, Yagado, and Quadav into hiding. Also, the defeat had united the races of light like never before. Seeing this, the Shadow Lord tried to enlist the help of the Sahagin and Tonberry, but few agreed to help him. It was at this time Archduke Kam'lanaut of Jueno rallied the remaining troops and united as one force in his city for a to march north and defeat the Shadow Lord once and for all. The Shadow Lord not wanting to give them the chance to gather launched and attack on Jeuno with his Gigas warriors from Quifim. Though larger and stronger the Gigas forces were pushed back by the sheer will of the allied forces. The few remaining Gigas retreated into Delkfutt's Tower, Kam'lanaut's forces did not follow.

After this victory the allied forces began to prepare for the final battle which they knew would cost many lives. To give them the upper hand, under the direction of Kam'lanaut, the great engineer Cid began construction of a secret weapon. This weapon, was a boat, which flew through the air. Based on an old set of blueprints, the airships of today are fitted with crystal-powered engines that were introduced by the Archduke. With lift provided by unique revolving wings and propulsion supplied by the crystal engine, airships are capable of nearly vertical takeoffs and landings from their waterfront ports.Holding dozens of cannons, the "airship" as it was called, was the perfect siege weapon. Finally a ship was constructed named "First Ship", but the construction of it was taking far too long and the forces of light could not hold on much longer. Shortly after it's maiden voyage, the decision was made to attack Xarcabard without their new weapon.

The remaining soldiers of the allied forces marched to Xarcabard, where the Demons, the most elite of the Shadow Lord forces made their final stand. Led by the Bastok champion (and grandson of Ulrich), Volker, the allies charged the Castle Zvhal. The Demon's power was unmatchable by any man, the allies were unable to break through their powerful armor. Volker, gathering the heroes of all 5 races, broke through the front lines. Battling his way into the castle, Volker climbed to the tallest tower, where the Shadow Lord waited. The heroes overpowered the Shadow Lord defeating him and banishing his darkness from the world, the demons below on the battlefield vanished.

Thus the Crystal War drew to an end, with victory marred by the uncountable corpses scattered throughout the devastated lands and cities of Vana'diel. The world was changed forever.

13. The Age of Adventurers

Although the war had ended, the long-suffering nations of Vana'diel pledged to maintain their alliance. Each nation built a consulate in their sister countries. The Duchy of Jeuno refitted the airships of war for travel, opening the air travel agency between itself and Bastok. Upon witnessing the successful operation of the Bastokan airship service, the previously skeptical nations of San d'oria and Windurst raced to refit their own ports for airship use. These developments led to the birth of a new large-scale, high-speed transportation service for each country. Also consulates were placed by each nation in the others and communication between the kingdoms was at an all time high. It was a time for the nations of Vana'diel to be brought closer together, and a promising new era of peace and prosperity was at hand.

Or so the nations of the world had hoped.

In reality, the beastmen who were not at Xarcabard had regrouped and continued in the construction of their strongholds. The Orcs control of Davoi and Gheslba remained solid and previous homes of the Yagudo and Quadav were untouched. Although they no longer communicated amongst each other, they still continued looting, plundering and terrorizing the people of Vana'diel. But nothing was done...

Still, the three great nations continued to mistrust one another. Keeping their few soldiers left from the war in their capitals, they sought new ways to counter the beastmen. It was at this time they began employing a new generation of independent youth to deal with the situation on an individual level. They were intrepid souls who followed their own beliefs, moving freely from city to city in spite of their own national allegiances. 3 great heroes arose during this time.

The first was a Galka named Zeid, who was born War Cloud, friend of the now dead talekeeper Raogrimm. Angered by his friends death, Zeid bowed to the will of the dark spirits of Vana'diel and became the Dark Knight. Though from Bastok, he held no allegiance and no honor to anyone but himself. The next was the leader of Tenshodo, a smuggling group located deep within the back alleys of Jeuno, Aldo. Born in Tavnazia, he barely escaped the country's demise as a child(he was the little boy in the intro movie), but grew to be a courageous man. Coming to prominence in the Crystal War as a source of smuggling war materials from the far east, Aldo and Tenshodo, played an important role in the "underground" operations of the city. His sister, Verena, though not as an important figure would play a role in this tale to come. Given a strange gift to communicate with Animals and Beastmen, she befriended the local Goblin population living in jeuno. Though, it would not last, as the adventurers this age was so aptly named after would mistakenly kill her best friend, a goblin named Fickblix. Though saddened, Verena still held a hope that someday things would change, and beastmen and the 5 races would live peacfully. The last was the daughter of the leader of the pirates of Norg, Lion. After the war, the high seas were free to those who would control them. Members of Tenshodo, under the leadership Gilgamesh, a pirate and former Tavnazian set up a base deep within the coast of Elshimo. Appearances can be deceiving however, as Aldo and Gilgamesh used their far reaching operatives to gain knowledge on all the kingdoms. Lion was their scout, sent to check to see if rumors found were true. Zeid, Aldo, and Lion - these three heroes would be charged with a great task, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

14. Return of the Shadow Lord

It is said that those who forget history are doomed to repeat it. The people of Vana'diel had not forgotten history, but the lessons learned. And so it came to pass that 20 years after the victory at Xarcabard, that indeed, the true battle for the fate of Vana'diel would begin. The three kingdoms squabbled amongst themselves and continued to bicker over territorial boundaries. It was at this time that after 100 years, Conflict was reinstated. The nations hired out adventurers to go off and compete in distant lands to gain them territory. While all the nations put on a polite face for each other, the tension still rose between their leaders. It was during this time the beastmen set their plans into motion. Secretly meeting under the dark banner of a "new master" the Orc, Yagudo, and Quadav hatched a plan to resurrect the Shadow Lord.

Meanwhile, our three heroes also heard of such rumors. Lion was sent to investigate strange rituals that were being performed in dark circles of power deep within strongholds held by the beastmen. Using her stealthy skills she overheard their plans. The beastmen were going to use "magicite", ancient crystals, to resurrect the Shadow Lord. But to do so they first needed to gather the great seals placed on his tomb. Each nation had one of the seals in its possession, but before Lion could return and report what she had heard, the seals were stolen in the night by beastmen raiding parties. With no idea what to do next, Aldo met with Archduke Kam'lanaut to discuss where to proceed. The archduke told him of the location of the one final seal and the magicite. Aldo sent Lion to the locations of the Magicite, and though she traveled quickly, the beastmen were still one step ahead of her.

as if something was hurrying their pace...

In the north at the last seal placed upon the tomb, hidden in Fei Yin, Zeid discovered just how well prepared the beastmen were. The seal was gone, but the stranger thing he thought, was how could the beastmen know the location of the magicite AND the seals. There were darker things at work than just the beastmen. But, it mattered little now. Lion and Zeid hurried to Xarcabard, only to find it filled once more with demons. Were they too late? Fighting their way to the tallest tower of Castle Zvhal, Zeid found the tomb of the Shadow Lord....

15. Redemption

The Shadow Lord had been reborn using all the power of Vana'diel to bring him back to the world of the living. Zeid having faced him before during the Crystal War stood his ground. Defeating the Shadow Lord again, the went for the killing blow. But, something was different this time. The Shadow Lord seemed familiar to him. He looked closer, and inside he saw an old friend. It was Raogrimm...

Weakened, the once might Shadow Lord fell to his hands and knees before Zeid. Kneeling to his side, Zeid couldn't believe what he had seen. Raogrimm was indeed alive, and he was the Shadow Lord. With his last breaths Raogrimm explained what had happened. As the talekeeper for the galka he had held in so much pain and anger of his people. When Cornelia had died he let his rage consume him and before freezing to death he made a pact with the dark forces of Vana'diel to bow to them if he could have his revenge. Since then he had been trapped in an abyss of rage and madness. It was Zeid, who had set him free. Helping Raogrimm to his feet to carry him out the castle, Zeid failed to notice the new guests.

clap...clap...clap...

Turning around, the two saw a most unexpected face. Archduke Kam'lanaut. Laughing at the "touching" scene he explained to the two that the whole thing has been a diversion, orchestrated over 30 years ago. Using the "Shadow Lord" to suck the last of the power from the great seal of Vana'diel, Kam'lanaut could now enact his real plans. Using his Zilart powers he summoned for the great Crystal Warriors, protectors of the seal and saviors of the world to "do away" with the people of Vana'diel and cleanse his world. With his brother Eald'narche, the two Zilart could again begin their mad quest to unlock the heavens and be one with their god. A plot, over thousands of years, finally coming to it's conclusion.

Zeid rushed forth towards Kam'lanaut, but the Crystal Warriors blocked his path, knocking him to the ground. Lion rushing into the chamber saw the event as it's conclusion, the two Zilart brothers warping away to safety. Just as the Crystal Warriors turned their attentions to Lion, Raogrimm let out a great roar. He had been used, and would not let his friend die because of it. Summoning the last of his power, he transformed once again into the Shadow Lord. Lion grabbing Zeid fled from the castle, as the Shadow Lord made his final stand. Though hopelessly overpowered, Raogrimm held off the Crystal Warriors just long enough, until before him stood a vision of his darling Cornelia, and an explosion rocked the lands of Xarcabard.

The Shadow Lord was no more...

16. Reason to the Rhyme

Leaving Zeid with Aldo, Lion returned to Norg to discuss the situation with her father, Gilgamesh. How the two Zilart had survived this long still remained a mystery, but a new question had been raised. The Legend of the Crystal Warriors, a story told to children about the saving for the people of Vana'diel... had it come to pass?

"Sometime after, a great tribulation Was about to fill this blessed land of Vana'diel. The ancient seal, after resisting dark power for thousands of years, Was broken and awakening the ending nightmare." Had the seal placed upon the darkness by the great crystal of legend been broken by the beastmen and Raogrimm when Kam'lanaunt manipulated them into the resurrection? "Now, awaken from the dark slumber. Stand now, the legendary heroes. The crystal warriors!" The crystal warriors had awoken to rid the world of it's evil... but on the side of the Zilart! Is the "bane" upon the world us?

17. Hidden Past

While our heroes set out on their great quest to stop the Zilart, there were other adventures taking place. In San d'Oria the great King Destin was forced with a tough choice. His two sons, Trion and Pieuje were both of age, and Destin had to choose between them to follow him as king. Also his daughter Claidie had grown into a young woman and her coming of age ceremony was at hand. It was at this time that the troubles in San d'oria had began. A mysterious elvaan named Rochefogne began snooping around the city, inquiring about a legendary sword. The Papsque soon realized that perhaps the legendary weapon, Lightbringer was nearby, maybe even buried in the Dragon Kings tomb. The problem is that so many tombs were built near the kings, that after the Crystal War, the location of the tomb had been lost. But, the discovery of a hidden tablet deep under San d'Oria which said the one who could unsheathe the sword would be the new king. The Papsque convincing Destin believed this was the will of the Dragon King and the Lightbringer should be found at all costs, especially before this mysterious elvaan character. It was Altana's will.

The knights were sent across the land to ascertain the location of Lightbringer, but to no avail. It was then at Princess Claidie's coming of age ceremony that Rochefogne revealed himself. He was the brother of Destin's now dead wife, Queen of San d'Oria, and princess of the Tavnazia. He explained they knew nothing of the Lightbringer and to stay out of his way. Knowing of their betrayal to Tavnazia so many years ago, the King and Papsque sent secret assassins to "deal" with Rochefogne before he could find the sword ...or better yet he would lead them too the sword. Trapping him on the southern island of Battalia Downs where the sword was, the hired thugs met something they did not expect. A mysterious warrior in gold armor arrived to help, but it was too late, in the scuffle Rochefogne was thrown from the cliff, but the mysterious warrior escaped. With him out of the way, the papsque focused his efforts back to the sword.

In the church the succession rights proceeded and Destin presented the sword to his two sons. Just as trion went to unsheathe the sword one of the assassins approached grabbing the princess, holding a knife to her throat. Taking of his mask, it is revealed that he is indeed Ronchefogne having survived and hid as one of the unknown secret assassins - the perfect disguise. Demanding the sword, Trion threw it to him, but the sword was a fake. Expecting something like this might happen the king had made plans of his own. Trion with the real sword proceeded to unsheathe it, and with a power unlike ever seen before the ground began to shake. Shocked, Trion dropped the sword to the ground. But before it could be retrieved orcs burst into the church stealing the sword. Things had gone from bad to worse.

Rochefogne would explain that the tablet they discovered was a clever ploy by the Archduke of Jueno, though his reasons were not known. The real purpose of the sword is not one of redemption and tribulation, but of chaos and destruction, tricking those power hungry who were foolish enough to use it into destroying their own country. How he knew of this? Just after the battle of Tavnazia with the city in ruins and the orcs over running to city, the royal family fled through the underground passages. Rochefogne was the family member charged with the protection of the Lightbringer. Furious with the loss and full of sadness and rage, he sought to use the power of Lightbringer against the orcs. He would regret this mistake for all his days. Drawing the sword caused a powerful explosion which shook all the lands of Vana'diel, sending Tavnazia collapsing into the sea. At the time it was though the orcs had malfunctioned one of their weapons....but it was Rochefogne all along. Washing up on the nearby shores without the sword, he had spent his life searching for it trying to make up for his mistake. But, he could not have done it without the help of his new ally, the mysterious warrior in gold armor - Claidie. He had come to her first and together they devised a plan for him to get the sword from her brothers, but apparently they were one step ahead.

None of that mattered now, with the sword in Orc hands they could now unleash horrible power upon the people of Vana'diel. The orc leaders gathered deep within Fei'yin to discuss their plans, but Knights of San d'Oria would not give up that easily. Sending every soldier they could spare they attacked the ruins and in a great battle deep in the old arena the orc leaders were defeated and the sword reclaimed. Upon returning to San d'Oria King Destin made a decree. That the rights of succession would be held off for the time, as perhaps, there was another choice for the new king. Finally, after 20 years, the truth about Tavnazia was out and the healing between the heir of the long past city and San d'Oria could begin. A new day for the Elvaan had begun.

18. The Sixth Ministry

At this time in Windurst a great adventure of their own was taking place. Since the end of the Crystal War the lands around windurst had slowly dried up and life withered away. Ajido-Marujido, son of the creator of the cardians, and head of the Orastery had taken it upon himself to dig into the reason why. His sister Apururu had taken over the Maunastery after their father had mysteriously vanished. The two were known for their brilliance, but Ajido was a troublesome taru always seeking answers. This would start him off on a great quest.

After working deep within the horotoro ruins for some time, Ajido began to activate only power generators and such in an effort to better understand the ancients. Drawn to this power were 4 strange cardians thought long destroyed - the Aces. Stealing Ajido's work, they quickly made their escape before the Windurst guards could arrive. It was during this time that the Cat Burgaler, Nanaa Mihgo, came upon a strange book which she sold to Ajido. Though she did not know it, the book was the great ancient book of the gods. The book, which was given the first Star Sybil long ago, but when he opened it, he could nothing but blank pages. Shocked, Ajido set off without the Star Sybil's permission to uncover the mystery. Seeking the only one old enough to remember clearly, he set off into the Yaguado stronghold to the north to speak with their elder. The Sybil was without her own operatives, and discovered Ajido's meeting with the Yagudo, and saw him as a threat to Windurst. Sending her Sybil guards, under command of the mithra Semih Lafihna, Ajido was captured and placed deep within the underground dungeons of Horotoro. The Star Sybil saddened by what she had seen from one of the nations great magic users said a silent prayer for the return of their great hero, Karaha-Baruha.

Apururu not wanting to believe her brother was up to no good inlisted the help of the "wacky" professor Shantoto. Afraid her brothers magic, and soon life would be sapped by the dark dungeon the two of them hatched a plan to open the door to his cell. Convincing all the professors of her brothers innocence she gathered up the 5 rings of the ministers to form a magical gauntlet. With it, she could open the door to save her brother, and she did so just in time. Her brother near unconsciousness got to his feet to thank his sister, but just then a strange figured appeared before them and with a flash of light he was gone...Ajido on the floor unconscious.

Back in Windurst after her brother had awoken, he explained to the Star Sybil and Apururu what he had discovered. The Yagudo had told him that the reason the area around Windurst was dying was because of the taru, who 20 years ago doomed their lands. Questioning the Star Sybil, the 6th ministry was revealed. The Animastery as it was called, was run secretly by Karaha-Baruha to twist fate and save Windurst from it's doom, but things had turned out differently. Directing Ajido to the underground ministry, Ajido set off on his way to find out any information he could about the empty moonwell and blank book. But there was more trouble than that. The ace cardians and their small army had crowned a new king, a new master - Joker. ...what could this mean?

At the same time, Apururu was given a letter from her father, found on of all things, a mandragora. North in the Boyada tree it was discovered that her father had been locked up for some time, forced into captivity by the cardians which he had created. This was a story he needed to explain.. Zonpa-Zippa, their father had been locked away since just before the end of the Crystal War. What was unknown to him then had become clear over time. Karaha-Baruha had used his 4 cardians as templates for a super cardian to control them all, Joker. Giving joker the status of master, he bound his soul to the cardian. The battle of Windurst had taken his life however, when he had called Fenrir. With him dead, Joker could no longer function and shut down. The ace cardians now without a master began to short circuit, with no one to obey. Their line between black and white slowly faded into gray. They decided it would be best to find a way to bring Joker back to life. Kidnapping Zonpa, the only one who would suspect their plan, they set off on a 20 year mission. It was Ajido who activated the only ruins and gave the cardians enough power to begin their resurrection. But the problem is, unbeknownst to the cardians, the connection between Karaha and Joker was that of life and death. To bring Joker back, Karaha would have to be reborn too. But how could joker be back when Karaha was dead?

With everyone returning to the Star Sybil with their news, but just then the dark figure from Ajido's jail appeared before the Sybil. Before they could get to her the figure vanished. The Sybil decides she should take the chance and use the last of her powers to summon forth their once shining star of the moon fountain to guide them. But there she discovers what powers she had are no more, apparently gone, somehow. It was here joker made his presence known. The new master of the cardians was not just a cardian, but a part of Karaha himself. Warping the Star Sybil's guards, he enlightened her that his rebirth was because she had wished he return. He needed her for one more wish..

Semih, gathering Ajido and Apururu back in Heaven's Tower began to formulate a plan to rescue her, but there are other factors at play too. The cardians had struck a deal with the Yagudo, who now demanded control of the horotoro ruins since the activation of them was against the treaty the two had signed after the war. Semih would deal with them, but Ajido and Apururu would have to find a way to stop the cardians. If the cardians could be beaten, the Yagudo would retreat knowing their allies had been defeated. In the Animastery, Ajido had discovered that while part of Karaha may have been in the cardian, most of him was trapped with fenrir, inside the new body if the mysterious stranger who had threatened him and the star sybil. ...but had he really been there to hurt them, or warn them?

Ajido decides that there may be a way to save the Sybil, lure fenrir, and use the cardians power sources to reenergize the fountain. 3 Kuluu ancient songs hidden around the world were gathered in a race against time. The songs would lure the great beast in the double body to the fountain if they played it there. Then they could overload the cardians for a few seconds and in that time combine Joker and the dark figure, and hopefully Fenrir would prevail. Returning to the moon fountain, Ajido and Apururu fought their way through the cardians to the fountain and played the songs. With a blast of magical energy the cardians collapse to the ground, and the dark figure appeared, drawn to its power. Using all of his magic Ajido combined the two as Apururu got the sybil to safety. With a brilliant sparkle, the fountain exploded with light and one more the full moon was seen deep within it's water. Fenrir had returned to windurst, and words back to the book of gods. But, it had all taken its toll on the Sybil. Her magic power had been sapped and she could no longer predict the future. But Windurst was safe. It was now she remembered the words Fenrir had spoke to her 20 years ago: Though the path is dark, there is always light. She would be Windurt's light, and even without magic, guide them on the right path. With the help of great Windurstians like Ajido, they would see many great days ahead.

19. Return of the Talekeeper

The tensions between the Galka and the Humes was at an all time high. While the Hume senate and president simply saw the Galka uproar as nothing to worry about, it had slowly begun to enter a state of pre-rebellion. All of this was sparked by the apparent return of the Talekeeper. President Karst dispatched the Mythril Musketeers under the leadership of the Bastokan hero Volker to watch over the situation. But there were other factors to account for. Cid and Karst's own daughter Cornelia did not see the Galka as simply animals to be used for labor. Cornelia, named after the same Cornelia from the northlands mission, seemed to have many of the same characteristics of the latter. Also within the Mythril Musketeers; Iron Eater, Ayame, and Naji all sought to outdo each other to be the next leader. Burdened with the task of sorting all of this out was the presidents aide, Lucius.

On Ore Street in the Mines District the Galkan boy Povall is deemed the new talekeeper by several Galka. At first they find it hard to believe, but soon the hope that their leader has returned eventually takes control. However, Iron Eater arranges an expedition to the Altepa Desert to discover if the boys claims are true. There they manage to find a moon pebble, the one which should have been in the hands of the Talekeeper, which all talekeepers must have. Returning to Bastok it quickly becomes clear that the return of the Talekeeper is a lie. The hopes of the Galka are dashed as the little Galka Povall under pressure and fear of death like all the previous Talekeepers flees for his life. Gabbot the elder Galka is forced from the town by Iron Eater for lying to his own people. The only one with any hope left seems to be the little Galka Gumbah, friend of Zeid.

At this time, Bastok and Norg begin to discuss the possibility of trade. Ayame is sent to offer trade routes to the pirates there, possibly making them REAL businessmen. There she is confronted with her past as a Samurai and her oath to Gilgamesh as one of his warriors. But, it becomes clear to him that she is happy at her new post and the two agree it is best she stay there. Seeing her return to Bastok with a new sense of duty, Naji is pleased to see her. Perhaps he has feelings for her, more than just that of two officers?

Meanwhile Cid is visited by the president's daughter Cornelia, she recently has a conversation with the Galka child Gumbah. Apparently he, saddened by his long time friend Werei leaving has asked that someone be sent to find him. He had set off on his journey of rebirth, one that all galka must take. Cornelia turned him down however, fearing that she alone could not convince her father to do such a thing. Cid questions her reasons why she would fear such a thing and gives her a lecture about her father's past and how just because the Galka are looked down on by many humes that she shouldn't try to help them. With luck, and alittle pressure from Iron Eater, President Karst agrees and sends a small group to locate Werei in the hopes it will give the growing galka talk of rebellion in the mines sector a reason to settle down. They discover a letter off an adventurer named Hani, which is for Gumbah. The letter is a sad goodbye from Werei which says that Gumbah is the new talekeeper, and although he must bear this burden he should always be himself before being the talekeeper. He gives Gumbah one final wish that they will meet again when he is reborn. Meanwhile a letter is received by Iron Eater from Zeid to Volker. It offers that the time has come for the Galka to "unlock the past", which prompts Volker to send a group into Altepa to discover what Zeid is up to.

In Altepa, Zeid directs a group to a mural on the walls of the old Galka city that depicts the last days of the Galka on the island. It also tells two more tales. The first is that of the journey of rebirth. When a galka reaches the right age, it sets out on a journey to find a high mountain or a place of solitude where it will live out it's last days. There a bright light envelopes in and the is reborn. However, Zeid continues, no one has ever seen such a thing. Those who leave never come back and around a year later a young galka wanders back into the village/town. It is assumed this is the galka who was reborn, but the galka holds no memories of it's past life. All but one that is, the talekeeper. The talekeeper is the only truly reborn galka, which carries the memories of all the past galka, though not for all time like many think. The talekeeper only carries the past 200 years, which is easier than all of galka time, but still a burden. It is in this that most talekeepers meet their fate. No talekeeper has ever lived long enough to be reborn, which is brings up other questions about the journey of rebirth. With that Zeid says that the talekeeper is amongst them and that they should tell Iron Eater this. Back in town Iron Eater is shocked to hear such things, especially after the early fake talekeeper.

Meanwhile an expedition is sent into Kuftal Tunnel to search for any whereabouts of Werei. A small piece of wood is found with a final note from Werei offering the galka need to learn to embrace their life and future and not look back to the past. Back in Bastok, the unrest of the worker galka has boiled over and now they demand entrance into their homeland through the tunnels in Bastok which were sealed off. Though they are told it's for their own protection they refuse to believe. Finally Gumbah steps forward and calms the crowd. It is at this time he reveals he is the new talekeeper. Although shocking the crowd at first, it is soon clear he is the real thing. Finally the talekeeper has returned.

Taking it upon himself Gumbah decides to prove to both the Galka and the Humes that he is the real thing and wants to help both races. With the help of the president, Gumbah begins to see the corruption amongst the senators. Going along with the plans, he discovers Sen. Alois has been embezzling funds from the government. The senator is booted from office in shame, and President Karst recognizes Gumbah as the representative of the Galka. On his trip it is discovered that Werei is indeed reborn, but sadly has no memory of Gumbah. Saddened it matters little to Gumbah as his friend has returned. Back in Bastok it seems everything is becoming peaceful once again. However, appearances can be deceiving.

Soon there after a letter arrives from Zeid via a captured musketeer explaining what happened to Raogrimm and the involvement of Volker's uncle. Shamed by the actions of his family Volker is asked to step down as leader of the musketeers. Angered, Volker tracks Zeid down to the ruins of the throne room in Castle Zvhal. Here, at the site of of two injustices, the battle between these two warriors would begin. It is discovered that these two men have more in common than just Raogrimm. It was actually Zeid, at the time named Warcloud, who had defeated the Shadow Lord the first time. Volker had taken credit, and Zeid had held it against him ever since. Battling each other in the throne room, the manifestation of the ruins of their past, the two dueled to a standstill. Stopped the battle, the two finally agreed to let their past go. The fighting wouldn't solve anything and both agreed what was done, was done. Forgiving each other the two agreed that while done for the day, perhaps someday in the future they would meet again.. and finish the battle they started.

Returning to Bastok Volker finds that all is forgiven and that the actions of his uncle should not be reflected upon him. Finally peace had returned to the republic and the Galka and Humes could live together in harmony.. as much as possible that is.

20. The Rise of the Zilart

While the twin brothers of the Zilart began their twisted schemes once more, Gilgamesh and Lion plotted their next course of action. Remember having once happened upon an old woman deep within the Temples in Yhoator Jungle, Gilgamesh sent lion to investigate. With the help of the Mithra Chieftaness Lion discovered the hidden truth of the Zilart, that long ago the Zilart had controlled the land and enslaved the Kuluu and the Priestesses of Altana. The old man, Grav'iton was the memory of the Kuluu, now warped and transformed into the Tonberry by the lust for power of the Zilart. The Zilart were the ancients, the Zilart had built the gigantic monuments around the world, and the Zilart were the ones who caused such destruction that even Altana herself cried.... and now they would try to do the same again.

Zied had found himself on a quest around the world to collect shards of the multicolored crystals on headstones of cermet from ancient Zilart locations. With these they could form a seal in the ancient ruins of the Galkan homelands that would grant them access to all the domains of the Zilart. Without this seal, all the plans set forth would mean nothing. With the help of the spirit of one of the gate keeper, Yve'noile, Zeid managed to unlock the powers of the Curelean Crystal.

Meanwhile in Jeuno, Aldo's sister Verena had mysteriously disappeared. The girl, with a strange power to communicate and truly understand beastmen was too valuable and asset not only to the forces of light, but also the Zilart. Tracking her captors to Delkfutt's tower the 3 heroes assembled once more...not for Vana'diel, but to save Verena. At the very top of the tower Kam'lanaut had already become to reactivate the power source deep within the tower. Explaining that the explosion long had frozen he and his brother deep within the core of Delkfutt's reactor chamber and not until Raogrim had tapped into the Crystal, which was directly connected to the tower's power source, had they been reawakened. Seeing their chance, they had used and manipulated Raogrimm and the beastmen. They had been planning this moment for the last 20 years, slowly weakening each kingdom and using the visage of the Shadow Lord to distract them all.

But none of that was important now..

Summoning his minions, the Crystal Warriors, to watch over Verena he could now turn his attention to more pressing matters. Drawing on the power of the tower Kam'lanaut lashed out at the three heroes, but the might of all three overcame the power hungry man. Collapsing to the floor they gathered over his body. It was then Eald'narche appeared. Kam'lanaunt begged for his brother to help, but the young boy simply laughed. It was not Kam'lanaut who had orchestrated this plan so long ago... but it had been he. The OLDER brother. The powers of the Zilarts experiments had warped him, keeping his body in the state of the little child, but with amazing powers. Now that his brother had completed his task, he was no longer needed.

It turned out that not only did Verena have an incredible gift with the power to speak to the beastmen, but the Shadow Lord himself. Using the black head of the fallen Raogrimm she could use the power he channeled from the crystal to unlock recharge to crystal core in the tower. It turns out that she is the key to the heavens. Using the power of the tower, a great beam of light shot into the sky, draining the life from Verena. Then, in the blink of an eye Eald'narche and the crystal warriors vanished. Running to her aid, the trio pulled Verena from the path of the beam...but it was too late. She lay unconscious, the purpose of the tower had been fulfilled.

Returning to Jeuno, Aldo took after watching his sister while Zeid and Lion went in search of a way to access giant floating island in the sky. Traveling through Ro'Maeve they gateway of the gods, they discovered Tul'ia. Guarding the entrance were the Crystal Warriors. Just when it looked like all hope was lost, Aldo arrived and together they defeated the 5 warriors using their weaknesses, and thus strengths of the races they represented, against them. All that stood in their way now was Eald'narche, mad with power and attempting access to paradise - willing to enter hell to get there....

21. Awakening

Within the walls of the floating city, Eald'narche rushed to complete his plans knowing that with the defeat of the crystal warriors, time was of the essence. Behind him the large doors open to reveal our heroes, ready for one final showdown. Eald'narche smiles flicking his wrist knocking them back. Sarcastically thanking them for their help so far, Eald'narche explains that the beastmen were in fact not the enemy the 3 kingdoms had thought. They had been sent forth to Vana'diel to stop anyone from accessing paradise, which is what they has done in the areas where they had recovered Magicite for his brother. But with the beastmen beaten back, they can no longer interfere with his plans to revive the crystal line and open to gate. He pauses and turns to the 3, offering them one last chance to join him and enter paradise and see all it has to offer together.

Rising to their feet, the 3 give the Zilart youth the only answer they have, unsheathing their weapons. Eald'narche climbs onto a floating platform as the room around them seems to come to life with machines hell bent on killing them. Aldo knocking Eald'narche from his platform, the machines cease to function and collapse on the ground. Furious with rage at the lack of vision to 3 possess, Eald'narche begins to glow flying high above them. The energy flowing through his body burns away his eye patch, revealing a horrifying sight, what was once an eye - now a crystal burned into his blackened warped eye-socket.

Firing balls of energy at the group, his rage destroys the room around him. Unable to control his bloodlust, Eald'narche fails to see Zeid sneak from behind striking him down. Collapsing to the ground, Eald'narche throws his hands into the air condemning the gods for forsaking him as they did his brother. Climbing in front of the crystal core before him, he connects the cermet lines to his body. Using the last of his power, he says that if he can't get into paradise, that will be unleash the same fate that befell the world 10,000 years ago. The crystal glows blue with energy as it overloads. Zeid and Aldo try desperately to think of a way to stop the mad man, as the crystal's power begins to focus on Vana'diel. Just then, in silence, Lion steps forward, realizing what must be done. With a quick goodbye to her friends, she unsheathes her dagger and charges into the crystal just as it's destructive beam of energy shoots down towards Vana'diel. Aldo and Zeid look on in shock as blue light of the crystal begins to fluctuate and in a massive explosion of energy, Lion is gone. The beam vanishes and Eald'narche is blown back. Outraged by her sacrifice, Eald'narche attempts to limp back to the machine to stabilize the reaction. Just then the visage of Yve'noile appears stopping Eald'narche in his tracks. She tells him his efforts have always been in vain, as paradise can not be achieved through the destruction of Vana'diel, he collapses to the ground. Realizing he was wrong all along, the light from his crystal eye fades, the last Zilart King is dead. Yve'noile turns to the 2 remaining heroes, as the room collapses around them. She thanks them, the TRUE crystal warriors... and perhaps they will meet again some day.

Hurrying from the room, Zeid and Aldo escape just in time. The two still in shock over the actions of their friend have a somber moment of goodbye. Safely arriving back on the ground below Tu'lia Zeid ventures off once more into the darkness and solidarity of his life as a Dark Knight. Though the Zilart were defeated, more evil lurked in the world and he would be there to stop it. Aldo stares up into the sky at the floating capital of the zilart. In the jungles of Yhoator, another, Grav'iton stares at the same sky. Tu'lia's lights fade and soon it vanishes into the clouds once more, the Celestial Nexus lies still.

In Norg, Aldo arrives to explain to Gilgamesh what happened to Lion. Saddened by her loss, but proud of her bravery, Gilgamesh explains that she wasn't really his daughter. During the war, she had washed up on the shore with her real father. Before his death, he asked she be taken care of... if only he could have kept that promise. With a sigh, Gilgamesh admits that even though he never had a child, he was proud to call Lion his daughter. He turns staring out over the ocean, his thoughts turning inward.

Aldo soon returns to Jeuno, the story of his deeds unheard by the common person. Perhaps it was best that way. In the secret lair of Tenshodo he arrives to the cheers of his comrades welcoming him home. Verena hugs him, but senses something, she feels the lose of lion. Saddened and outraged by the loss of her friend Fickblix and now Lion she curses life itself for making them suffer. Suddenly a warmth washes over her, she can feel it.. somewhere... could it be.. Lion... she can feel Lion.. turning to her brother, she claims Lion is indeed alive, she can feel her. Aldo closes his eyes, and offers that all they can do is hope so.

It all began with a stone, or so the legend says. In ages past, a sentient jewel, enormous and beautiful, banished the darkness. Its many-colored light filled with world with life and brought forth mighty gods.

Bathed in that life, the world entered an age of bliss until, after a time the gods fell into slumber. That world was called Vana'diel. However, this age will not last. The great bane will devour the fair land of Vana'diel.

The ancient seal will be broken, awakening nightmares of ages past. The blood of innocents will soak the earth, and the world will fall into fear and despair.

But as one song rises clear above the roar of beasts... We hold to one hope in these darkest of times. That star is you, and the song is yours. And someday, that hope will become our dreams...our prayers... Shine forth, star of hope! Let your song ring out across all of Vana'diel! And what was split asunder will once more become whole. Complete and Inseparable for all eternity.

22. Ancient Flames Beckon

Deep within Delkfutt's Tower unaware of the epic battle in the sky, the last few remaining Zilart work diligently at the crystal power core of the tower. Suddenly the power flow begins to fluctuate violently as a reaction to Lion’s bravery above. Wolfgang and his Ducal Guards securing the area are blown back my a massive explosion. When he comes to, he enters the control room to find all the zilart missing, and only a small boy. The boy appears to be in a coma and is taken to the town hospital. Dr. Monberaux, Wolfgang’s once childhood friend tends to the boy, but can find now reason why he is in a coma. Wolfgang waits outside for word on the boy, but just as he awakens a mysterious figure in Zilart clothing with a strange eye piece appears. He is recognized as Nag’Molada, the chief envoy of Jeuno. Demanding the boy be released to him, Monberaux has no choice, but as the guards go to grab him they fall through him, as though he were not really there. Suddenly the boy is gone. Left behind, is a small pendent, which the doctor quickly picks up and hides. The Ducal Guards run off to search for the boy.. all but Nag'Molada.. who recognizes him..from somewhere..

It is at this time that strange rumors begin to surface through the towns people around Vana’diel. Fishermen tell tales of a great dragon rising from the ocean floor. Other travelers tell of crystals at the crags shattering into a million pieces. Nag’Molada wasting little time assigns Wolfgang and the Ducal guards to examine of the other crystals, he will deal with the the other 2 personally. Nag’Molada explains that deep within the core of a crag is a mothercrystal. These crystals have the light that keeps the world alive. Nag’Molada enters the first crag to find nothing wrong, but just then the little boy appears. Suddenly the entire crag begins to seep with a dark oozing glow. With the blinding flash of light, a vision of the Dawn maidens is seen. They discuss a final battle between Altana and Promathia, one that will destroy Vana’diel. With a poof, Nag’Molada finds himself outside the crag.

Meanwhile the commotion at the crags has drawn the attention of Cid, who has spent some time in studying them. Along with Mythril Musketeers Ayame and Naji he arrives to investigate another crag. It was just then that Wolfgang and the Ducal Guards arrive. Cid says he has received readings that the energy flow from the crystals has been rapidly fluctuating and reports of a great winged beast appearing in the north sea have alarmed him. He explains he’s here to see if these events are possibly connected. Wolfgang tells him that he should leave now, Jeuno will handle it, but this only leads Cid to assume Jeuno had a part to play in this. Wolfgang simply ignores the threat of Cid’s theory and says many who have tried to explore the crags so far have gone missing. Suddenly the shards of the crystal begin to glow as if affected by their presence. Suddenly they a knocked back off their chocobo’s by a brilliant light.

Meanwhile at the last crag, Nag’Molada rushes to see if the crystal inside is safe from the mysterious boy. The boy appears just as Nag’Molada predicted he would, but this time Wolfgang and his men are there. Nag’Molada orders Wolfgang to kill the boy, but the guard captain is hesitant at first. Angered Nag’Molada says to do it, or he’ll end up like his father. Wolfgang sighs with little choice and lunges at the boy. The boy stands their silently as the blade stabs into his body. Collapsed on the floor, the boy lays there silent. Wolfgang stands back in shock, as the boy slowly moves his arms, pushing himself up off the ground. Under him a dark empty light begins to ooze toward all corners of the room. The group stands back and with flash of light, he’s gone…and so is Nag’Molada.

23. The Isle of Forgotten Saints

In a lush foreign looking field Nag'Molada lays silent, 3 tarus in the distance watch in awe as the sky above them rips apart as a great dragon soars through the air. Noticing his body, they watch as he gets to his feet and stumbles towards the nearby caves to the west. As he enters, he slowly gets the feeling he is being watched, turning quickly he finds several soldiers in strange armor behind him. From the back of the soldiers appears a hume named Justinius, the captain of the Tavnazian Kights. He introduces himself the the 3 tarus who have been following him - The Chebukiki triplets. These three trouble makers are simply dismissed by Justinius for bugging their new guest. Nag'Molada seems as unable to believe he is in the destroyed city of Tavnazia as they are unable to believe he is of a good nature. Justinius explains for the last 2 years, these few survivors of the fateful battle here have held up in the Tavnazian Safehold, thelast refuge of escape. Though they were unable to flee the island,

the location is a perfect one, as it is easily defendable from the remaining beastmen who spot the island. Wanting to learn more, Justinius believes he can arrange a meeting with their leader, but first Nag'Molada must prove himself. Despachiaire, an old elvaan man explains the local aquaducts have been plagued by a dark minotaur, if he could help kill it, their leader will see his deed and let him stay in the safehold. Nag'Molada seeing this as more of an opportunity to explore accepts the deal. Using his zilart powers he easily defeats the minotaur, but continues exploring. Deep within the catacombs he discovers a mysterious room with only a small box. Though unopenable he knows there is some importance to it. Returning to town he is greeted by the leader of Tavnazia, a young girl.

Known to the people of Tavnazia as the "Abhorrent One", Prishe, to her new ally that many monsters have been gathering near Cape Riverne, following the path of a great dragon. Nag'Molada notices the amulet around Prishe's neck is the same one as the mysterious boy wears. He explains how he arrived in Tavnazia, and questions where she got hers. Prishe simply questions if it wasn't a young burnette girl who gave it to him. He tells her of the strange Emptiness which is eating away at the mainland, but they know nothing of it. Retiring to think the sitation over, Nag'Molada leaves the stronghold. Just then Despachiaire enters to speak with Prishe about the dragon she has seen. He wants to know if the dragon is the same one as seen in the murals and paintings in the old cathedral of Al'taieu. The dragon's name - Bahamut.

In a nearby cliff, Ulmia, granddaughter of Despachiaire plays her harp and sings a lovely melody - "Lay of the Immortals". Nag'Molada listens in the distance humming along. Startled she turns to him. He explains to her that the song is not called "Lay of the Immortals", but is an ancient song with magical purposes called "Memoria de la S^tona". And there are more verses than she knows. The next verse tells of a great bane devouring Vana'diel and yet the gods will do nothing. He is about to continue, but suddenly his eyepiece flashes and bids her a farewell. Ulmia unable to resist begs him to tell her the next verse, but Nag'Molada simply says, the 3rd verse is for the God's alone to know.

Back on town Justinius reports that the clouds in the sky certainly point to Riverne. Prishe believes that if the dragon they saw was Bahamut, then the only reason could be that the gates of paradise have been opened as the legend says. Still unsure, she decides that perhaps the only way to find out for sure is to just go and ask Bahamut himself. Calling for people to go with her, she notices the 3 tarus are gone and so is Nag'Molada. Together, Ulmia and Prishe rush to Cpe Riverne. When they arrive they find the entire cape destroyed. Giant floating rocks amass within a grey cloud of mysterious energy. A small white light flickers nearby, touching it they are both sucked in.

On the otherside, the Chebukiki's and Nag'Molada are spotted going deeper into the maze of rocks. The two follow them deep into the floating caverns only to hear a strange singing. It is Nag'Molada singing the first two verses of Memoria de la S^tona! Suddenly Bahamut appears and lowers himself down the man. Bahamut and Nag'Molada greet eachother with open arms, as he thanks him for his sacrifice long go to keep the door to the gods shut. Bahamut recognizes Nag'Molada as Kuluu and is happy that his race has survived this long. But, if the Kuluu still exist then the pact they made long ago must still be kept. The opening of the gate shall usher in the end of mankind, as forseen by gatekeeper Yve'noile, who created the chamber of Eventide just for this purpose. Ulmia and Prish listen on in shock, with no clue of what they speak. Suddenly a massive armored airship appears, onboard on many cloaked men, with a strange blondehaired woman in command. Quickly surrounding Bahamut, they cast their zilart magic entangling him in their power. Bahamut screams at the realization that the Zilart still live too. Nag'Molada looks around in disbelief. Prishe jumps onto two of the zilart, knocking another out from behind. With a part of the chain down, Bahamut quickly breaks free and unleashes a furious roar. With a flash of brilliant light everyone vanishes. The last thing heard - "Foolish children, you will never break free of the chains of promathia.."

A vision of the mysterious boy on an icey mountain top can be seen, Bahamut teases him that his people are no more and he should give up hope. The boy screams they are alive, and born to exist as living creatures. Bahamut replies, the paradise od Al'taieu is no more, the Zilart are at an end. Now people will be set free of the chains.

Deep within a strange Zilart facility, Nag'molada approaches the strange woman from the armored airship. She scolds him for going there alone and seeing Bahamut, but questions his motives, becuase it was his fault it escaped. He asks her if she thinks becuase he is Kuluu that he is not a faithful servant of the Zilart. She simply replies, he has failed 3 times to capture the boy, do not fail her again. The issue with the boy must be resolved, and Nag'Molada believes he knows just how to do that and stop the emptiness.

24. A Transient Dream

In North Gustaburg Prishe awakens to see an airship flying overhead. Jumping to her feet she rushes after it believing it to be the one from Riverne. Her running takes her to Bastok, there she harasses the locals into telling her of Airships and their creator, Cid. Just as she arrives at Cid's lab Ayame and Naji capture her and throw her into a holding cell. Conrelia decides to keep her company though, and talks with Prishe about who she is. When she hears of what transpired, she takes her to Cid. Informed of the armored airship and the hooded figures Cid realizes Jeuno has been secretly building armored airships since the first one was designed at the end of the Crystal War. Cid tells how 20 years ago he recieved an invite from Duke Kam'lanaut to work on a secret project that would win them the war. Cid took to watching the many Jeuno scientists and engineers, many of them hooded figures who rarely talked. He saw them conducting strange experiments around the crags of holla. He also explains that, it was indeed him that sent the mission north those many years ago. Someone had brought him a crystal from the northlands, and the power was so emense that he was convinced there was something up there that would be of great use. He was told, the piece he had was but a small bit of the stone they found there, now in Tavnazia, called the Star of Tavnazia. Prishe tells him of the return of bahamut, and Cid soon come to believe that the shattering of the crystals and the return of bahamut must all be linked... linked to Jeuno. Prish says she knows of someone in Jeuno who perhaps can help them, a friend in Tenshodo.

In Jeuno she enters Tenshodo asking for Grezzo, but Aldo greets her asking how she knows Grezzo. She tells him long ago she was told that if she were ever on the mainland and in trouble, to ask for the help of Grezzo. Aldo explains Grezzo was his father and sadly is dead. Prishe saddened by the loss asks Aldo instead to help her, she needs a way to return to her home. Aldo shocked says that she is not the first person to ask, there has already been someone to see him with a request to go to Tavnazia. She could easily join him.

In the Duke's Palace, the strange Zilart woman from the airship stands before a samurai from the far east. Her name Esha'ntarl, his Tenzen. He kneels down and asks why the Duke is not here himself. She dismisses his question with the fact that the duke is a busy man. She will take any issues he brings up to the duke when she sees him. Tenzen angered, believes this is no simple matter. The empitness which has begun to spring up here, has already begun devouring the 4 corners of his empire to the east. Those who see it have dreams of the keeper of the apocalypse. Esha'ntarl says she knows as little as he does, and they are working on a solution. Furious with her obvious lie, he tells her that they must know of the 5 shards of legend which rest in these lands. She is taken back by the outburst, asking him if he believes Jeuno is behind the emptiness. Explaining that Jeuno has protected the crystals for a very long time, and now with the eastern empire knowing of their existance, it would be bad for them to "fall into the wrong hands". Realizing the implied war against his people in her words, Tenzen backs down. She sys if he truely wants to help he can help them find the mysterious boy who seems to be linked to the empitness. She believes he is the keeper of the apocalypse and since he has appeared at the 3 other mothercrystals at the crags, it is possible he will appear at the 4th crystal in the northlands. She suggests that if he wishes to go there he had best find a guide.

In San d'Oria Ulmia slowly walks through the sister city of her homeland. Seeing the church she approaches and asks the the priests about the the song she had learned and the gateway to the gods. The priest explains that as pusnishment for attempting to open the gate long ago, the ancients were cursed by Promathia. He tells her that in San d'Oria they teach that to enter the gate of the gods and seek paradise, you must seek it and hold it within your heart. She asks about the curse, and the priest explains that they do not speak of the abhorrent one, for those who forget him, will forget the curse and it will lose it's power. But, if she truely wants to know to speak with a relative of the San d'Orian knight who went to the northlands of the infamous missions those 30 years ago.

In Carpenter's Landing, Louveracne a Knight of Mistalle, the outcast knights tells her that the count is dead, but that his wife still lives. If she wants to speak with her to go to the manor in town. Back in San d'Oria, Ulmia begins to recognized the manor, she had been there before. Inside she meets with Hinaree, the countess of Mistalle. Ulmia had only been a little girl when she was here last, but remembers her family and theirs were very close friends. Hinaree explains that perhaps if she wished to know more of the Gate of the Gods to speak with Cardinal Mildaurion. Ulmia explains the people of Tavnazia thought she was dead, but is told that perhaps she escaped. Ulmia shocked, is told that long ago the Cardinal's teachings believed that to reach paradise you must abandon all truth, but truth of what?!? Another question bugged Ulmia too, if the Cardinal was still alive, why had she not returned to her city?

Meanwhile in Windurst, the 3 Chebukikis explore their ancestrial home and realize they have no food, no money, and no ability to leave. SOOOO.. they decide to find their father, believing him to be in the town. First they approach Yoran-Oran, which of course lets Shantotto do what she does best, make fun of people. Yoran tries to explain he's not the father, and that he's only been to Tavnazia once to examine and artifact they had found. The Chebukikis suddenly decide he is far to poor to be their father, so they split during the tale of the artifacts discover in the Sea of Shu'meyo, and go to find their father again. Honoi-Gumoi, the richest taru in Windurst is their next target, as it becomes slowly clear they are looking for money more than a father. Of course the accusation of being their father is not only heard by Honoi, but a local reporter Kyume-Romeh. Throwing cash at the 3 tarus, Honoi runs off after the reporter to make sure the story doesn't get published. Next the 3 end up in the Opistery, where they question Tosuka-Parika about their father, but he says he would be far too old. They explain about their father and slowly it comes to light that their father was the infamous taru founder of the animastery - Karaha Baruha! The same who had saved Windurst 20 years ago, but at the same time went mad with power recently trying to destroy it! Finding their father dead, they decide they had enough with Windurst and head to Jeuno to try and find Nag'Molada.

Deep within the mysterious Zilart facility Wolfgang approaches Nag'Molada informing him the airship is ready for him. Nag'molada says he will not be joining them, he will be going alone, but if the boy appears to detain him. Wolfgang bows and leaves, and out of the shadows appears the 3 chebukikis. Nag'Molada turns to them, "it is all going according to plan".

Meanwhile in Jeuno, Ulmia arrives looking for Prishe at Tenshodo. She meets Aldo who explains Prishe went walking around town til the ship was ready. They talk about Magicite and it's role in the events, as they must be connected to the mother crystals as well. Suddenly one of the Tenshodo run in and inform Aldo and Ulmia that Prishe is at Dr. Monberaux's after collapsing at the cathedral! The two rush to Upper Jeuno. In the clinic, Tenzen watches over Prishe, Monberaux explains he had brought her here. Prishe rambles something about the keeper of the apocalypse... Tenzen's sword begins to shake and vibrate. Prishe covers here ears rolling on the bed. Ulmia and Aldo arrive, and Ulmia notices Prishe's amulet is gone. Ulmia asks the doctor if they can borrow the Amulet he found earlier, and places it around Prishe's neck.

They agree there must be some connection between the two amulets, but what? The amulet given to Prishe was given by the Cardinal Mildaurion herself! Monberaux mentions that the ducal guards have been speaking of seeing the boy in the ruins of Pso'xja to the north. Tenzen quickly embarks to the northlands. Deep within the ruins Tenzen discovers a strange room, though he hasn't found the boy he begins to feel a dark chill. Suddenly his sword begins to shake and in the distance he sees a figure laying on the floor. It's Prishe! Unconcious the girl lays before a glowing portal, from which the mysterious boy appears. Touching Prishe she begins to show signs of life. Just then a dark winged figure appears, Diabolos. Tenzen grabs his sword and backs away from the group realizing that they must be in the "Shrouded Maw" the gateway to the relm of dreams..

and this must be a dream itself. Drawing his sword it ingulfs with flame. Diabolos calls out to the sword recognizing it as Phoenix's Flame. Tenzen says he has come from around the world to request the assistance of Diabolos to defeat their common enemy of light. Diabolos laughs and says he has false hope, Phoenix is not whole and that emptiness is not without its reason. Instead he offers Tenzen the option to join him in his world, Dynamis, the world of dreams. Though the emptiness would consume his body, his sould could live on forever there. Prishe rises to her feet saying there is always hope. Suddenly Diabolos looks around, realizing that perhaps this dream is not his... but that of Prishe. Shocked, a blinding flash of light blinds them all throwing Tenzen back. When he awakes everyone is gone. Deciding it best to talk to consult Prishe on what had happened he heads back to Jeuno.

In town, Prishe is brought up to speed by Ulmia about what she discovered in San d'Oria. Tenzen arrives and realizes Prishe was concious for the entire dream. He explains that Diabolos is the terrestrial avatar of dreams, one of 5 powerful gods born of Vana'diel. Many eons ago, the 5 avatars fought a fierce battle against an evil pressence that attempted to envelop Vana'diel. Along with Diabolos was Phoenix, the bird of ressurection; Fenrir, the hound of the moon; Carbuncle, the keeper of the world; and Bahamut, Lord of the Skys. With Aldos help they decide that perhaps it's best to head back to Tavnazia and one last time try to convinced Bahamut to join them.

25. The Cradles of Children Lost

In Tavnazia Prishe and her friends notices the people seem different. Greeting them Despachiare explains that much has happened since they vanished. The rumors of the Dragon King returning have drawn much attention from the outside world to their small "kingdom". Jeuno has set up trade routes and an envoy lead by Nag'molada has set up residence. Still uneasy about him, Despachiare asks them to join him in his private chambers. There Tenzen explains that he has come to try and reason with Bahamut, but the idea is quickly shot down until Nag'molada returns. Despachiare then answers his questions regarding Prishe. He says that poor Prishe is cursed. Justinius adds that while that may be the case she is indeed a miracle, though in recent days the people of Tavnazia believe her miracle may fade.

Meanwhile, overlooking her favorite cliff Ulmia plays her song once more. Unsure how to best protect her friend, she remembers back to her childhood. On this very same cliff, a little girl, Ulmia stood crying. Behind appeared Prishe, strangely in the same form she is today. Ulmia explains she didn't make it into the Tavnazian Choir. Prishe comforts her explaining that just because she didn't make it now doesn't mean it won't happen. The world is such a big place and there are far more important things than a choir. She says that Ulmia doesn't need to be in the choir to be able to sing, she can come to this cliff and sing all she wants. The distance the hinted figure of the Cardinal appears calling Prishe to come home.

Standing over the cliff, present day Ulmia gives thanks to Prishe speeking to herself how she did indeed get into the choir. Looking to the sky she prays to the Dawn Goddess for protection and guidance. Suddenly the shape of a dragon soars through the sky. She rushes back to the safehold to meet the others. Agreeing now is not the time to wait, Justinius and Ulmia head off to Riverne to find Bahamut and once more tempt fate. Tenzen seeing his opportunity tags along too. Behind them in the shadows the 3 Chebukikis follow.

In Riverne the 3 fiendish Tarus pop out of the shadows saying they've been sent to stop them from getting to Bahamut. Cherukiki decides to just cast warp on the 3 adventurers, but mistakenly casts warp on herself. Justinius yells for the others to continue on, he'll deal with the remaining Chebukikis. Deep within Rivernes floating rock fortress Tenzen and Ulmia fidn Bahamut, approaching himto question his motives. Suddenly portals begin to open, as dragons from all across Vana'diel begin to appear. Bahamut asks them to unite to defend the crystal. Tenzen stands before them and appeals Bahamut for help. The Dragon King laughs and simply mocks him. Unsheething Phoenix Tenzen blasts one of the wyrms. Tenzen says that although in size they are over insects, together there is nothing the people of Vana'diel can't do. Bahamut shocked calls out to Phoenix for an answer as to why it helps him. In reply it sings to him the new 4th verse to the now infamous song. "Long ago there was a child who came seeking Bahamut, a pact was made with that boy, and now it was to befulfilled. The light would be given to the crystals once more. Innocent blood spills onto the plains of Vana'deil. The world shudders as she is thrust into chaos and despair. Niether power nor destiny can bring an end to what has begun. However, through the storm of night, a star of glory shines brigt. Through the howling of the beast the sound rings clear. Shining star, echoing song you are our dreams and prayers." With that Bahamut is gone.

Back in Tavnazia, Tenzen explains that Phoenix gave him a vision, of long ago when the Ancients battled the Avatars and Bahamut fought in the greatest of all the battles at the gates of paradise. It was during this battle people would learn of the emptiness, the will of the twilight god, Promathia. Just then Nag'molada and Despachiare enter the room. Despachiare explains the connection between Promathia and Vana'diel. He calls him the Lord of Chaos and that he has cursed all the peoples of Vana'diel. The only way to rid themselves of it is to forget Promathia, which explains why Tenzen's people knew nothing of Promathia. The group shocked, bickers with eachother about the possibility of the end of the world. Tenzen tells them not to worry and that Jeuno will deal with Bahamut. He then demands that Prishe's amulet be turned over to him. Tenzen and Ulmia quickly go to find her.

In her room, they warn her of Nag'moladas demands. It is here the history of Prishe is revealed. Long ago, she was the victim of an accident. Her family dead she was the only one left. Ageless, after touching some artifact deep within the church catacombs. She has immortality. Tenzen doesn't seem to understand though, why her people would want to hide her away and call her such things as "The abhorrent one". Out of ideas, but wanting to keep Prishe and the Amulet safe, they begin to go over ideas on what to do next. Prishe then offers a suggestion of her own, why not take this to Promathia himself. And she just happens to know how, deep within the Sacrarium.

The Sacrarium, an old temple and school deep within the mountains, it has for some time been left to it's new inhabitants, the undead.

Though Raogrimm had given up his life to save his old friend Zeid and hold off the corrupted crystal warriors it turns out it was too late for his spirit. The Shadow Lord now reborn could not be so easily defeated. Once Raogrimm had controlled the Shadow Lord, now the Shadow Lord controlled Raogrimm. Deep within the world of nightmares guarded by the power of Diabolos, the Shadow Lord rebuilt his armies of darkness. Using the power of the dark elements his fallen beastman army was now reborn in the dark world.

The spirits of his 5 allies on the expedition north, led by Cornelia decided they would not let their friend suffer anymore. They would make up for the wrongs they had done him, and together save their friend from the hellish existence he was fated with in the afterlife. With the help of brave adventurers they found their way through the dream worlds alternate realities and together met the Shadow Lords armies on the snow-capped peaks of Xarcabard's dream realm. (to be continued)

ARTIFACT ARMOR

APPENDICIES

I. Although unknown when it is known that before airships and the great war, the scientists of Bastok had developed other flying devices such as giant hot air balloons to survey battlefields and possibly drop explosives from above.

II. Sometime between the attacks on their lands to the east and the first battle of the Highlands, San d'Oria began to institute female knights into the two orders. This could either be because of change in politics or possibly the countless deaths of their officer corp at the hands of the beastmen, taru invasion, and hume push from the south.

III. During sometime after the arrival of the Galka but before the rise of Bastok as a world power the city was built of wood, not the stone town we see today. But, there was a great fire which destroyed much of the city. In the aftermath the current president asked for donations from the citizens to rebuild the town, however none came. Senator Karst offered the proposal to rebuild the shops and merchants homes first, which though didn't sit well with the citizens eventually led to the quick rebuilding of bastok, Karst's presidency, and the nation that is the super power today.

IV. At some point, Windurst was the home of a many great warlord leaders. I can assume this is before the first starsybil, but there is talk of them fighting the San d'Orians, so perhaps this is a command position of the "military" which no longer exists.