AN: Ok, at the request of a great review I have revamped the first chapter. Chapter 2 to come soon. Hope you enjoy!!

The sun was just beginning to slip west over the world of Ivalice. Dusk's light danced over Ivalice's flora, deeply concentrating her colors not seen during the scorching mid-day heat.

As the sun dipped farther past the horizon, all of Ivalice's children were retiring for the evening-all that is, but one.

High up in the clouds, nestled the sky city of Bhujerba, a pen danced across the pages of a journal as it echoed throughout the dark, quiet halls of Marquis' estate.

The Lady Ashe's coronation is quickly approaching; she will finally be queen of her kingdom. Once again, the promise of peace can be felt throughout Dalmasca.
Already a year has passed since the downfall of the Empire, a year since the cold and unyielding grasp of the judges has been lifted.

Lord Larsa Solidor has become a breath of fresh air as he continues most nobly to ensure the peaceful relationship between the Rozarrian and Archadian empires.
But these changes only bring about a desperate new hope that must struggle to exist in our world; for as long as man rules here, whether it be in alliance or opposition to the gods, collision of disagreeing hearts will forever be an enemy to us all.

For as long as our lives are short and time long, peace will be but a blink in eternity. With a heavy heart I write these words, but of their truth I am most certain.

Memoirs of Mqs Halim Ondore IV
Chapter 24: Of Restoration and Peace

"Hey Vaan, wait up! I g-got you your…stuff you-wanted"

"Take it easy Kytes. Which stuff did you get?"

It was difficult to keep track of all of the tasks he gave to Kytes. At first a pang of guilt would hit him every time he asked Kytes to do something new. This guilt faded quickly when he realized that, like Vaan was when he was a sky pirate neophyte, all Kytes wanted was to feel useful to anyone that would mentor him.

Breathless Kytes, clutching his knees, took a few deep breaths before continuing.

"The parts you needed for the Serpico!"

"Great Kytes, thanks! You work pretty fast."

"Fast enough to be part of your crew?"

"Ehh, soon Kytes. There's still a whole lot more you gotta learn before traveling with a real live sky pirate such as myself."

"OK, I get it," Kytes said disappointedly, kicking in vain at the ground.

"But you're doing great. Now lets get those parts and maybe I'll letchya help me test her out."

Kytes cheered and punched his fist in the air.

"YES!"

The streets of Dalmasca were bright and bustling; jovial conversations could be heard around every corner. Gone were the days of the oppressive rule of the empire. Gone were the black clouds, the imperial guards, that hovered over the once peaceful, carefree Dalmascans. The only evidence that the Empire was ever a part of Dalmascan life could only be found in Ivalice's pages of history.

When Vaan and Kytes reached Migello's they were greeted by Penelo who was wearing an expression of suppressed excitement, and her hair back in a braid, which really showed off her cheekbones, Vaan noticed.

"What's got you in such a good mood?"

"Nice to see you too," Penelo raised an eyebrow and uncrossed her arms. "Come inside, I'll show you," gesturing to towering, ornate doors, of which were common to most shops in the city-streets.

As they made their way past the bustling customers to the back of the store, Penelo's pace seemed to quicken slightly. She approached the desk in Migello's office pulled out letter from the top drawer and handed it to Vaan.

As Vaan read the letter quietly to himself, a smirk spread across his face, as did Kyte's, who watched Vaan eagerly.

My Fellow Sky Pirate,

It would seem our paths have been destined to collide once again.
I am in a situation that would require some assistance, a mission if you will.

But this mission is not without its rewards. I am afraid there is not much more
I can divulge, for my employer requests the utmost discretion.

Have I caught your ear?

Meet me in Balfonheim if this piques your interest.

B

P.S. Bring your girlfriend along, I'm sure Fran would like to catch up on her
gossip from someone who is…better at it.

"What's it say! What's it say!" exclaimed Kytes, tip-toeing to see the letter.

"It looks like your ability to work fast has worked out just in time," said Vaan, still looking at the letter.

Kytes' fell back on his heels, his brow furrowed into curiosity. Vaan looked down at Penelo, perched in Migelo's desk chair like a proud Dive Talon admiring her catch.

"We have our first mission," Vaan said, ending in a great grin.