In the nation of Bastok, A Small clan (Linkshell) Will soon learn the dark past of one of its members. But as the puzzle pieces fall into place they see that much more is at stake than just the clan. The fate of Vana'diel is now in the hands of these misguided adventurers.

Chapter 1

"Winters in Bastok are never fun." Thought Yamada to himself as the cold wind bit harshly into his face. "Why did we have to meet so early in the morning? Gaah, its so troublesome." Yama quickened his pace as he bee-lined to the residential area. The stone roads and houses of Bastok seemed eerie and unwelcoming this morning. Even the Auction House was empty, but Yama wasn't paying attention to any of these things. All he was worried about was making it to meeting.

After pacing around the streets, he finally stumbled upon the right house. Yama sighed. The ancient building had probably been around since the last Beastmen war. But it still stood sturdy. He ran a gloved hand over the sign, feeling the letters. Khaos Factor... It had been almost 5 years since Yamada joined the clan. A lot of things had happened since then. But the rustic meeting place had always remained untouched. Without any further hesitation Yama opened the door and stepped in.

"Glad you found the time to make it here Yamad" teased Kaoric. Looking up, Yamada had a clear view of the whole room. At the center was a fireplace, keeping the whole room enveloped in a warm glow. Over the fireplace hung the Clan's crest, a blue rose being pierced by a great sword. A few feet from the fireplace was a large table upon which the members were crowded around.

At the head was the Hume Kaoric; his onyx armor gleamed red from the fire behind him. Kaoric's scythe hung from his left shoulder, it had become pretty much become a standard for him. Yamada couldn't really picture Kaoric without it or without his trademark grin. Next to him sat the very lovely Desiala, her white hair contrasted with her dark skin. Unlike most of the others she wasn't a fighter, she had chosen the path of the White Mage, one who lived to help others. Her white Healer's Robe reflected this. She was probably one of the strongest members of the clan, with the exception of Nic. But she usually kept to herself. Beyond her sat Tsubaki; one of the last Dragoons, a long forgotten order of knights who commanded Wyverns into battle. Tsubaki gave Yamada a welcoming smile, whilst he petted his wyvern. Tsubaki was type of person who took everything with a laugh, even in the face of death.

Finally Yamada gazed at the chair he usually occupied, right between Seietshi and Michi. Michi cheerfully jumped up to give Yamada a hug. Instead, he picked her and placed her on his shoulders. Michi, being a Tarutaru, would always ask Yamada to carry her around. He figured it was better than waiting for her catch up anyways; Tarus might be excellent mages, but they make poor runners.

"Yama-kun!" protested Seietshi, "You're late as usual!"

Seietshi was Elvaan like Desiala. However, her hair ran red and was tied in a ponytail at the back. The harness she wore always complemented her female Elvaan shape nicely. Yama shook his head, the thought racing across his mind. "Try not to think of that..." he told himself as he grinned and shook his head.

"Well its not my fault my Moogle didn't wake me in time" Yama said with a shrug.

Michi poked Yamada's cheek. "Its not nice to blame others for you mistakes Yama-nii-chan" complained the taru.

Sei smiled and got up and greeted Yama with the usual hug, almost knocking Michi off his shoulder. While taking his seat, Yamada glanced down at the last two members of the clan. Nic Blue and Mia. He sighed to himself. It had been 2 years since Nic and Mia had finally gotten married. But things never felt completely right for Yama. He had known Mia since before Khaos Factor, she was the closest thing he had to a family, and he couldn't let it go. But he promised that he wouldn't be bothered. But Yamada knew too well that those feelings would never go away.

Mia was a Mithra, her tail swung carelessly from under her as she gave Yamada a friendly wave. Her green summoner robe looked well against her fur. She, a married woman... Yamada drew his attention to Nic. Nic Blue sat directly next to Mia. He was said something to her that Yamada couldn't hear, nor cared to hear for that matter. They both laughed, and he put his arm around her waist. Unlike Kaoric, Tsubaki, or Yamada, Nic didn't wear armor; instead he wore his Noclet, the elegant black robes almost made him appear to be a mage, but the bow swung over his shoulder was all the proof one needed that he was a ranger.

Michi was quick to notice Yama's discomfort and tried to cheer him up. Everyone felt the tension between those 3. Although things have gotten better between the two, things are still awkward.

"They were at each other's throats almost a year ago…" Mia thought to herself "soon they'll be friends again."

"well, now that everyone is here I can assign this week's missions" Kaoric said while flipping through papers, parchments, and some scrolls.

"Nic; You and Mia will need to travel to Norg and serve as bodyguards to some bigwig ambassador, you'll receive more information once you get there." He tossed them a packet filled with the official orders. Mia shuddered as she stared into Kaoric's black eyes as she grabbed the packet. They were so lifeless... Kaoric just sighed and grinned back at Mia.

"As far as Tsubaki, Desiala, and I are concerned, we're going to Jueno to meet with the Archduke concerning our reward from our last mission. "

"What about us!" yelled Seietshi in her usual over perky attitude.

"yes!" exclaimed Michi as she pointed a small finger at Kaoric.

"I'm sorry but you 3 are off this week. Believe me, with all the rival clans its hard to get a decent job nowadays… Unless you want to go back to delivery missions?"

Michi slumped down and muffled a no. Yamada looked over to her and smiled.

"Don't worry we could go training this week" he offered. Michi smiled.

"rweally!" said Michi as her eyes widened.

Yamada nodded, he always enjoyed training with Sei and Michi. They had always been a team since they joined KF. And Yamada definitely needed a change in scenery. He shot a sharp glance at Mia and Nic. Yeah he definitely needed a change...

"Master! Master! You have a message-kupo!" said the Moogle as he darted down the stairs, almost crashing into one of the pillars.

"What is it Keichii?" replied Kaoric as he stood and walked over to the panting Moogle.

"A message has been sent with high importance, kupo!"

Kaoric didn't think it could be that important. But for some reason Keichii was worked up, so it had to be something.

"Master a specific job order has been sent to KF, kupo"

Great... thought Yamada this means its a job for Kaoric's team. Usually specific job request were high profile. Thus, only intended for stronger teams. Even though Yamada's team had grown significantly, they were still considered 'average'.

"But... its addressed to Yamada, Master..."

"WHAT?" That was the general feeling in the room. Even Des raised an eyebrow.

"Well, it has to be a mistake..." Nic replied sharply at the Moogle.

"Maybe you're just jealous that Yama here got a specific job request before you?" Jested Tsubaki.

Everyone chuckled. Nic did not look pleased at this.

"What does the mission specify Keichii?" asked Yamada.

"Well, kupo. You are to go to Konschant highlands alone and meet with someone at B-5. Its leveled as a Rank 1 Mission, kupo"

"It has to be a trap. Why would anyone send a specific job order for a Rank 1 Mission? I don't like the sound of it," hissed Mia.

"Wait Master Mia, there is one last part. It says don't be late this time Senju... signed with a G.Q. Kupo"

Yamada turned cold... those words haunted him... Don't be late... Could it be? No, no. It was impossible. "But still I have to know..."

Yamada stood up and set Michi down unto the table, against her protests, and took the mission orders from Keichii. As soon as he read and memorized the time and date he casted a very small fire spell in his hand, burning the papers and any proof of their existence.

"This is my mission, I want you to stay out of this. Whatever happens, this is my problem." Yamada said, turning his back to the rest.

"You can't be serious. You're going alone? This has to be a trap... probably a rival clan. You're going to get killed! And what did that last part mean? Who is this Senju or G.Q! YAMS!"

"URUSAI!" barked back Yamada in the language that only he and Mia knew.

The whole group was shocked, they never heard Yama talk to Mia like that. As he stepped closer to the door, tears rolled down his cheeks.

"I haven't been called that in almost 6 years now..." And with that; he stepped out into the Bastok winter, once again.