A/N: Welp here it is. The beginning. Hopefully I don't disappoint too much. Please review, I need the criticism to improve!

Also, I do not own any part of FFXII

Vossler's last memory was aboard the Shiva, on his knees and reliving every moment of the past two years of his life. Where had he gone wrong? When did he start losing sight of his ultimate goal, to see his Majesty regain the throne and free Dalmasca of Archadian control? Why did he ever try and make a deal with the Archadian empire in the first place? He should have realized it was a fool's gambit, but he was so desperate to see Dalmasca free again. Not to mention his duty was to protect the princess, not hand her over to the enemy! If only he could turn back time, think things through a little better, trust his men more, not be so damn paranoid, maybe the whole situation could have been avoided, and he would still be at Her Majesty's side.

"Your Majesty...Lady Ashe... I'm so sorry."

Vossler closed his eyes as the ship crumbled onto him, and the world was engulfed by a flash of light, before everything went dark.

Vossler was dead. He was sure of it. So why did he keep getting flashes of - what he assumed was - life? Not his life either, but flashes of Ashe and the sky pirates she was travelling with.

First they were in Jahara, with the garif, then in what he assumed was the Golmore Jungle. Yes, it had to be, there they were in the viera village. Before he knew it, Ashe was in the Paramina Rift, the freezing weather taking its toll on Humes used to warmer climates, then on Mt Bur-Omisace, meeting with the Gran Kiltias. The scene blurred into the next, showing Ashe and her party faltering at the mist flowing out of a piece of nethicite, then a man jumping in and destroying it in a brilliant explosion of light. The next scene showed Ashe and her entourage on an airship, headed towards the biggest warship he had ever seen. Vossler saw Ashe defeat the monstrous, nethicite-enhanced Vayne, and he felt her sadness as her airship flew away without the sky pirate Balthier and his partner. He wanted to reach out and console her, tell her that Balthier had done his part, and ensured the safety her and all of Rabanastre. But the image faded, and he was overcome with a sense of calmness, before the glowing figure of a woman appeared in front of him.

The woman, dressed in simple white robes, held herself with an air of grace, her long blonde hair falling gently over her shoulders. Though she radiated with peace, there was no mistaking the undertone of a fierce power that flowed through her every movement. Her eyes, filled with an immense wealth of knowledge, locked onto Vossler, and he began to feel panic rising. As if she knew this, she smiled and her voice echoed through his mind.

"Do not be afraid, Vossler York Azelas, for I mean you no harm. What you have seen is indeed the events following Princess Ashelia. Though you have been dead for some time now, you have yet to fulfill the purpose placed upon you. As such, I return you to your world. Good luck."

Before Vossler had a chance to respond, to ask why, ask who she was, the image of the woman faded, and it was dark once more.

Slowly, Vossler became aware of his body, the weight of his armour, of the sun radiating unforgiving heat upon him. His mouth was dry, so dry, and he could feel hunger gnawing at his stomach. The next thing he sensed was the howls of wolves in the distance, and getting closer by the sound of it. Trying to move was near impossible, and when he managed to open his eyes a crack, the wind blew sand into them.

"Great," thought Vossler, "I'm brought back from the dead only to be blinded and die either at the hands of exposure or eaten alive by wolves."

Wondering what gods were so keen on his torture, though he deserved it in his opinion, and slowly slipping into unconsciousness, he almost missed the sound of voices, and gave a grunt of surprise when he was hoisted to his feet.

"Perhaps the gods' favor shines on me still." was Vossler's last thought before darkness finally overtook him.

Well there it is folks! Remember to review please!