This is my first serious fanfic, and I'd appreciate any reviews. Criticism is okay as long as it is constructive. If you read, please drop a word or two; I would really be grateful for it.

Sitting in lonely skies, Crescent Isle bathed in the oblique shine of the red moon as the people within its cradle awoke from the night.

Out of its inhabitants, the one legend stepped out of his quarters, and took joy in his surroundings. With light steps, he entered the cantina.

"Vyse!" His red haired companion was both excited and sarcastic with her exclamation. "We have a voyage for Nasrad today scheduled to leave in 15 minutes. I knew you were lazy, but you're the captain! You should be waking us up!"

Vyse chuckled a bit. He'd overslept again. Never the less, it had felt good to laugh once more.. It had been roughly a year since the defeat of Ramirez, and he had been oddly affected by it. He had been spending much more time alone; finding a way of contemplating his thoughts which ran rampant throughout his head. All the blood shed he had seen. All the lives foolishly lost. Although his crew thought of him as almost invincible, Vyse knew the truth. He had feelings of regret and sorrow. He wished, somehow, he could have convinced Ramirez and Galician to turn away from their dark paths. He had to come to terms with these emotions, and he knew that maybe someday he'll be able to finally put his sorrows and regrets to rest.

Those thoughts were unimportant now. Vyse quickly wolfed down a quick breakfast of eggs and coffee. Upon a distant call from the docking bay, Vyse quickly reacted.

"Coming!" Vyse responded, as he stuffed a small bottle of loqua and a small sandwich in his coat. He ran down to the bay, his crew already at their positions.

"Okay, people, start up the engines. This is just a routine supply trip, nothing special."

Vyse was very impressed with the way the Dawn had been constructed. Based on the blueprints of the Albatross, the Dawn had an engine that could outrun any naval cruiser, with almost double the firepower. It had Vyse's flag, but Fina and Aika collaborated on the body work. It truly was a joy to ride.

After all minor inspections were complete, Vyse went up to the bridge, Fina and Aika both waiting for him.

"Vyse, all systems are go," Fina informed Vyse, "and we are waiting for your command."

Vyse sure was surprised at Fina's attitude. It seemed like just yesterday when she didn't know what "buy" meant, but thanks to him and Aika, she'd transformed into quite the pirate, not to mention the change of wardrobe (which Vyse particularly liked)

As the gates opened, the Dawn shot out into the open blue skies.

"Captain," Aika started, "Visibility is great. Wind is traveling at around 15 Kph going southwest, with about a temperature of around 70. Perfect day for sailing."

Vyse couldn't help but agree. With the improvements made to the Dawns' engine, a trip to Nasrad took hardly anytime at all. And with the wind at his back, he would only get there faster.

In the open skies, Vyse was truly in his glory. Whenever he sailed, he remembered off all his former battles, discoveries and exploits that he had achieved in the open blue. Escaping from the Valuan fortress, piercing the dark rift, sailing around the world itself; it all seemes to come rushing back whenever his hand grasped the helm.

"Nasrad within sight Captain, slowing engines power to 50. Preparing for docking."

"You can take the wheel from here Aika." Vyse said to her, "I'm going to go out on the deck for a bit.

Vyse went outside, taking out the sandwich and loqua he had pocketed earlier. His gunners were on the deck already, trying to keep up with the maintenance needed to keep the cannons working smoothly. If the cannons are not kept up to spec, they could explode during battle, making defeat imminent.

To his surprise however, Fina was also out there, leaning over the edge. She, like Vyse, was greatly affected by the confrontation with Ramirez. She had seen, her once best friend, killed, at her and her comrade's hands. Vyse remembered how much she cried in the weeks after, often coming to him for comfort. She would eventually get over it, but like Vyse, needed some time alone.

"Hey Fina" Vyse said in a very low voice. "Are you feeling okay?"

"I suppose" She replied calmly, "I just feel something wrong. Like a great evil or change is about to happen. I'm not sure why, but I think we should be on our toes right now. Something isn't right."

"I'm sure it's nothing Fina." Vyse said confidently, "Come on, let's go into Nasrad. I'll buy you something pretty, If you want."

Fina just smiled back, and walked off the ship, with Vyse's arm around her.

It had been a while since the fall of Nasrad, and things had not changed much. With the Nasultan killed, the government had fallen into crumbles. Those who served him and survived the atrocity took what riches still remained and hoarded it for themselves, leaving the poor to remain in the decaying remnants of the Nasrad of old. Luckily for them, Prince Enrique had sent some relief funds to help rebuild the city, but there was much work that needed to be done.

"Man, you'd think that they'd try to fix this place up a bit." Aika remarked, while looking over the filth and rubble that still laid near the docks. "I wouldn't be surprised if the people here do so about it."

Quick to change the subject, Vyse butted in. "Hey, who wants to go get a drink? I'm sure the tavern here is still open."

"Fine," Aika said, always up for little fun, "we'll relax for a bit, and then we'll get our supplies. Not like we're in any hurry on anything."

As they walked through the central of the city, Valuan relief teams worked to erect what was once Osman's loans shop. As they toiled over what remained, droves of people seemed to be flocking to the central courtyard. The group seemed to get caught up in the commotion, as they were nearly trampled by the stampede.

"What's going on?" Vyse asked, with an obviously confused complexion upon his face as he looked around him, trying to dodge the people trying to run through him.

"I say we see what's going on." Aika suggested, trying to make sense of the situation. "The bar can wait for now, and I'm way to curious to just ignore this."

"Listen to me people! The times of our oppression ends now! We must rise up against this tyranny, before it crushes us forever!" The voice was coming from a man, standing on a wooden box, surrounded by a crowd of Nasr citizens. The crowd cheered wildly, as the man continued to speak.

"The world is still living in darkness, and I plan to bring back the light!"

At that moment, a jolt of fear ran through Fina's body. Her countenance was in a sheer state of shock, as she trembled mildly.

"Th..Th...The evil. I...I feel it. That power, that wind of change. It's just like on the Dawn, but it's even stronger." Fina said to herself, as the myriad thoughts ran through her mind.

"You okay Fina?" Aika said with a worried and puzzled look on her face. "You look like you saw a ghost."

"Oh, it's nothing Aika. Thanks for your concern." Fina said, now with a worried look on her face.

"Come on guys," Vyse stated, clearly irritated "Let's get out of here. I don't want to listen to this nut anymore."

The gang finally reached the local cantina, which seemed to be back on its feet. Vyse had been a regular patron here ever since the fall of Soltis. As they entered the pub, they saw a familiar sight. Gilder, standing near the bar, leaning over near a Nasr hottie, obviously trying to work his undeniable charms.

"Hey, if you want, you can touch my Gilder's special." Gilder said, with a confident look on his face, "But be careful, if it gets to excited, it might just go off in your hair."

The woman, clearly disgusted, slapped him and went off.

"Ah, no biggie, I'll just find some other... Wait a tick, Vyse? Is that you? Aika, and Fina too! Wow, you're just as hot as ever! Nice outfit to, Fina."

"It's nice to see you to Gilder" Aika said with a wink and a smile.

"Good to see you Gilder" Vyse commented, while reaching out for a handshake. "How's life treating you?"

"Not bad, not bad," Gilder responded, taking a sip from his Relik loqua, "Hey, why don't we just sit down and get a table? We could use the time to catch up a bit."

"Sounds great Gilder!" Aika stated enthusiastically "There's an open table in the corner, let's take it!

The group quickly sat down, and waited for their server. The atmosphere was exquisite, with beautiful paintings and wonderful music flowing through the air. Their waitress came quickly and took their orders. Vyse ordered kabal and sunfish skewers, Aika the koketa and guapa pizza, Gilder the hamachoa and rice medley, and Fina ordered the sizzling sardis fajitas.

"So," Gilder started, his mouth stuffed with food, "what brings you to Nasrad? This is a dangerous place to be you know."

Dangerous?" Aika said, curiously, "How so?"

"I trust you heard the man speaking in the central courtyard, yes?" Gilder began, at long last taking a break from his ravenous gorging. "His name is Anakin Vera, who used to be a high ranking official in the Nasrean navy. He was ejected from the navy, for they feared he might become to powerful. He's mad at the way the government has handled the situation since the attack, and he's determined to bring about change. His purpose seems noble enough, but I don't trust him a bit. I think he's violently dangerous, and that he's doing this for other reasons."

"I sense something wrong with him to Gilder," Fina commented, after taking another bite of her Sardis fajitas. Aika was listening intently, oblivious to Vyse's continued reaches for her food. "Unfortunately, we are not in the position to do anything. He seems to be gathering widespread support, and we have no proof he's done anything wrong!"

"Come on guys!" Aika said spontaneously "Let's not talk about such serious business! Come on, relax, drink up, and live a little!"

The group were quick the join the cause, and after a loud toast, faded into a sea of friendly banter and spirits. They devoured their meals, guzzled their drinks, and before long were leaving the tavern in the best of moods.

"Wow that was good!" Vyse proclaimed contently, "And Aika, that pizza you got was amazing!"

"Yeah, I know, it wa... wait a second, how do you know how they tasted? I didn't give you any? Aika responded, with her hands on her hips.

"Well, I, umm.." Vyse was abruptly interrupted by a slap across the face.

"Heh. I probably deserved that." Vyse thought to himself, as his handed tried to nurse the minor injury.

After a few stops throughout the town, the group had already picked up all their supplies, and was on their way back to the docks. As they walked towards their ship, Vyse leaned over near Fina's ear.

"Hey, I did say I'd buy you something pretty, right?" Vyse whispered to her. Fina's eyes immediately lit up, and Vyse and Fina broke away from Aika and Gilder when they weren't looking.

As they ran off to the bazaar, they noticed its great contrast to its surroundings. Many of the remaining merchant's banded together, sharing their profits in order to rebuild the once central hub of their formerly spectacular capital. The results were obvious, and it's new earned beauty undeniable.

They walked along the strip, ooooing and aaaing at the quaint stalls that they passed. As Vyse was walking, however, he couldn't help but notice something strange.

"Hey Fina," Vyse spoke out, as his eyes glared over the Bazaar, "I know its sunset and all, but aren't their usually more people here? We're like the only ones here."

"Heh, heh, Vyse the Legend, with his girlfriend, how convenient."

Vyse and Fina heard the voice coming from the shadows behind them. A group of desperate looking thugs skulked out of the shadows, holding small knives and daggers.

"HA!" Vyse yelled, holding his gut, "You guys try anything, and we'll bury you here!"

As they stalked closer, Vyse, with a sly smirk across his face, drew his cutlasses, which shined in what little sun light remained. "So, who's first?"

As the first of the thugs lunged at him, Vyse's cutlass went to work. The first two attacked from behind, but were quickly on the ground in a world of pain.

The ones who hadn't fallen by Vyse's blade had been over powered by Fina's magic. Before long all but one lay beaten around them, painting the area with blood stains, and littering the ground with their bodies. The leader of the pack, blood dripping from his face, cowered towards the corner, weak and defenseless.

"You, you, animal!" the thug cried out, trembling with fear and cowardice. "You monster!" All my comrades, Dead! ALL DEAD! I'll avenge them! I swear!"

He quickly got up and charged at the pair, while he continued to ramble.

"This is it! You die! You won't get away with. AHH! UHHH!" The man fell to one knee, breathing heavy, and in great pain. His mouth was wide open, yet he seemed have trouble breathing. He looked shocked; his eyes glaring, showing his great anger and anguish. "What is this? I...cough...I".

With that he fell to the ground, at Vyse's feat. Vyse looked over to see Fina, arm outstretched, palm facing where the wretch once stood, panting heavily.

"Good to see you've been working on that eternum spell, Fina." Vyse said to her, with a bright smile on his face. Although he regretted the death of these men, he knew it was unavoidable.. He'd been taking steps to help himself realize this, that sometimes you must either kill or be killed, but it could be a hard lesson to learn.

Fina just lowered hand and wiped the sweat from her forehead. She nodded at Vyse, but showed obvious signs of fatigue.

Before leaving to go back towards, they were thanks by all the merchants at the bazaar. They claimed that those men were former black pirates that were recently terrorizing the neighborhood. As a sign of appreciation, one of the merchants offered Fina a beautiful bracelet.

"Missy, There's more to that bracelet than you'd think. Entrust yourself to it. See its power." The merchant's voice gave so sense of malevolence, as he was truly interested in seeing his gift fully utilized.

"Okay" Fina said with resolved, and closed her eyes. Slowly, energy began to flock to her. And then more. Her body began to tense up. Vyse looked on with concern, but dared not speak. Fina focused her strength, both body and mind. The burden grew heavier. More weight seemed to fall upon her. And in culmination, she let out a powerful scream, and the power took form."

Vyse was knocked back by the energy burst. When he arose, he saw Fina standing there, silver energy radiating around her. "Whhh…what? Fina, you okay?"

Fina stood examining her body and the aura around her. "This…this is incredible."

Finally, the merchant spoke up. "That bracelet will give a shield of silver energy to protect you from magic and explosion based attacks. It's what saved me in the bombardment, but for saving me now, its is yours."

"thank you so much" Fina said gracefully with a bow, "I will put it to good use."

"Well, I guess we should see where Aika and Gilder are." Vyse suggested "We've been away for quite a while now."

As they were on their way to the docks, Vyse was approached by what seemed to be a member of the Nasrean army. He wore the traditional brown tunic, and held a dagger in each hand.

"Vyse the Legend, correct?" The man started, standing up very tall with perfect posture, "Master Vera has ordered me to find you and bring you to him. He wishes to meet with you."

Vera? That crazy street preacher? Since when does he have command of Nasrean soldiers? Maybe there's more to this guy than I thought.

"What if I refuse?" Vyse responded, lifting an eyebrow.

"Then you will not be allowed to leave here. We currently have control of your ship. You cannot leave here until he speaks with you."

Vyse was surprised at the lengths that this Anakin was willing to go through in order to speak with him. Knowing it wasn't worth the fight; Vyse complied, and followed the guard.

He eventually reached a beautiful mansion on the west side of the city. Surrounded by small rivers and trees, it was quite the piece of property. Armed men roamed the area, as if they expected an attack. Nasr citizens were out near what seemed to be a storage building, receiving some food and supplies from the soldiers under Anakin's command.

They reached the main gate, surrounded by two men, armed to the teeth. After some formalities, Vyse was admitted entrance.

Vyse couldn't help but be amazed as he walked into the building. Their were men everywhere, conversing and whatnot. They all quickly turned to see Vyse, alone, at the door, standing out like a green hat with an orange bill.

"Master Vera is waiting, Mister Vyse" One addressed him, giving him a respectful salute. "Follow me, please."

As they traveled through the halls, Vyse was fully engrossed in his surroundings. Murals covered the walls, depicting some of the greatest battles of our time. One even showed the Delphinus, as it took down Zelos in the battle over Soltis. He did love his new ship, the Dawn, but that Delphinus was in an entire different class. Nothing could match its firepower, or its speed. As much as he missed it, he knew it was better off in Enrique's hands then his own.

"You may proceed inside." The guard told Vyse, as the finally reached a door leading into a grand parlor.

After building up his confidence Vyse slowly treaded into the room. It was an ornately decorated with beautiful furniture and golden chandeliers. A man leaning away from Vyse, hunched over a glass table, stood the middle of the room.

"Ah, so you finally made it. Splendid." The man stood up, holding a small cup filled with scotch. "Vyse, the Legend, is it? I've longed to meet you."

Anakin finally turned to see Vyse. He stood at around 6'10, with shining blonde hair. He wore a gold and white tunic, and had a huge scar across his left eye. As Vyse looked into his eyes, he felt as if he was under attack.

"Those eyes," Vyse thought to himself, as his face showed the fear running through him. "I feel like he's looking through me, as if he can see my soul."

"Something wrong Vyse?" Anakin asked his piercing stare still relentless as ever.

"No, nothing." Vyse said, hiding the truth that his face declared.

"Exactly what is it you want of me, Vera?" Vyse said bitterly, "I don't have one bit of trust for you."

"Oh really?" Anakin said, taking a sip from his liquor. "And why is that? Have I done something that upset you?"

Vyse was at a loss for words. Although he sensed something evil about this man, it was intuition, based on nothing.

"Well...I...um" Vyse try to grasp the words he wanted to say, but they simply eluded him.

"Exactly" Vera remarked, with a sense of great pride "My cause is perfectly noble, and you'd be at fault to oppose it."

"What exactly is you purpose anyway?" Vyse remarked, growing more and more suspicious.

"Balance, my friend, balance." Anakin finally finished his scotch, and proceeded to take a cigarette from his coat pocket. "I wish to bring equilibrium to this world. I wish to do what is best for all of Arcadia."

"You expect me to believe that garbage?" Vyse said angrily. He wasn't getting the answers he wanted or expected. "And you never did say why you brought me here."

"Ah, yes, I nearly forgot." Vera finally drew the match from his pocket, and proceeded to light the fag dangling from his mouth.

"I have grown many followers, but if I'm to make the impact I wish to make I'll need the full support of many more. That's where you will come in. People know you. "Vyse the Legend" savior of Arcadia, blah blah blah. People will associate with you. They'll figure anything your involved in must be worth joining."

"So I'm supposed to be some stupid marketing gimmick? Forget it! I refuse to sink to that low!"

Anakin just shook his head in shame. "Oh Vyse, you just don't know what's for your own good, do you? No matter, you will soon see your error in this."

At those words, 2 guards barged into the rooms, swords at the ready.

"Escort him back to his ship men, without a scratch on him."

Vyse knew this meeting hadn't gone well, but it didn't matter. He didn't want anything to do with this man, and he had held his ground for what he believed in. He had no regrets over what had just transpired.

They finally arrived back at the docks, the red moon illuminating the night sky. Aika stood at the docking ramp to the Dawn, and ran to greet him.

"Vyse! Where were you, we were worried sick!" Aika jumped at Vyse, swinging her arms him. "Don't do something like that again, and you'll be one head shorter!"

They both laughed. Over the years, Vyse had learned over the years when Aika was joking, and it was all to obvious to him in this instance.

"Okay, everyone, it's too late for sailing. Let's stay here for tonight. We'll leave first thing in the morning." Vyse had sailed for years, and night time draws all kinds of black pirates. If they we're to fly to Crescent Isle now, they'd be sitting ducks.

Although the rest of the crew would simply stay on the Dawn, Vyse, Aika and Fina would usually sneak away to a local hotel. Vyse figured since he was the captain, he can get away with something like that every now and then.

"Ah Vyse the Legend!" the excited innkeeper proclaimed, pleased to have a man of Vyse's stature at his humble Inn. "I have a room ready for you all. And don't worry, it's on the house."

Vyse lied down in his bed, but his attempts to sleep were futile. He couldn't stop thinking about his meeting with Anakin Vera. He had no idea what was in store, but he knew it couldn't be good. Galician proved that those who try to make huge changes to the world around them are usually driven by all the wrong motives and instead bring destruction and chaos to the world.

"Something wrong, Vyse?" Aika sat down at the foot of his bed. Fina was already fast asleep.

"I'm not sure Aika," Vyse started, staring down at the sheets, "I just don't trust that man. I feel that we're all in great danger."

"I don't see why your worried Vyse." Aika said assuredly "The man has helped so many people already. Whatever his motives are, the results are certainly impressive. But I will admit, there's something about him I just can't put my finger on."

"Exactly!" Vyse interjected "That's what I'm talking about. Aika listen to me, under no circumstances do we trust that man, understand?"

Aika simply nodded. She really didn't understand Vyse's qualms, but she'd come to trust his judgment. She'd stick by him, no matter what path he took.

Vyse's head finally lied back on the pillow, as he attempted to finally slip into a peaceful bliss. As much as he wanted to avoid the thought, there was no way to evade it. He had not heard the last from Vera, this he was sure of.

Okay, I hope you guys liked it. This is just the beginning, so tell me if it's worth continuing.