Welcome all readers to my second story here in the Final Fantasy section. The response to my previous story, Dark Esper, received such excellent reviews that I was inspired to try my hand again. However, instead of a sequel to Dark Esper, I decided that many of the older characters of Final Fantasy VI needed more of a background and history.

And so we have this story, a prequel, focusing most notably on Duncan, Banon, and Gestahl, but also on the royalty of Figaro and Doma, the future Elder of Narshe, as well as Cyan and Strago.

This story begins 45 years before the beginning of FF VI, in the year 987 A.M. (After Magi). Following that timeline, the game would have begun in 1032 A.M., and my story Dark Esper would start in 1037 A.M.

As always, I appreciate it when you, my readers, take the time to review my work. Not only does it give me an idea of what I need to focus on, but reviews have in the past managed to keep me out of writing slumps. I appreciate ALL reviews, both good and bad.

Dramatis personae

Duncan Ironhand – the young heir of his family's martial arts technique, this warrior is destined to win fame as the world's greatest warrior

Gestahl Emprius – the new lord of Vector, this honorable young noble will be consumed by his obsession for magic and form the most powerful Empire in the world

Banon Teshar – a simple merchant's son, he learns how one man can heal the hurts of the world, and will one day form a resistance group known as the Returners

Myra Teshar – the younger sister of Banon, she is intrigued by the mighty warrior Duncan, but will their feelings lead to doom?

Kendrik Dorn – a guard in the service of his home of Narshe, his brashness could lead to the end of Narshe

Iris Dorn – the happy wife of Kendrik, she worries how her husband's actions have consequences

Arvis Jetter – a soldier of Narshe and friend of Kendrik, how far will he go for friendship?

King Andris Figaro – the young king of Figaro, his choices will shape the course of the world

Queen Raehel Figaro – the queen of Figaro, an intuitive diplomat who will leave a legacy for a new generation

Chancellor Paulus – advisor to the king of Figaro, he will go to any length to aid his king

King Randal of Doma – latest in a long line of noble kings, he is never one to shirk his duty in battle

Queen Shaera of Doma – providing the soft touch to her husband's iron mail, much of Doma owes her for her kindness

Sir Donnor – Retainer to the king of Doma, this elderly warrior must put aside the warrior and become the teacher

Cid Highwind – master of science, his creations can do great things, or terrible things

Hidon – a mage of Thamasa, to what lengths will he go to pull off the prank of the century?

Strago Magus – one of the most talented mages, he will be changed for all his life by a mistake

Cyan Garamonde – a young child in the thrall of slavers, freedom becomes most precious to those who have lost it