The Yevon family was Zanarkand's image of perfection. The head of the family was Yu, and his daughter was the beautiful Lady Yunalesca. Her husband, Zaon (who took the Yevon name after marriage, for the Yevons were at a much higher class than him), was almost loyal to a fault. Their two daughters were the most gorgeous women the young fellows of Zanarkand had ever seen. Amanda, the oldest at 19, was rising quickly in the ranks of Zanarkand's army. Her own father could only rival her strength. Lenne, the younger daughter at 17, was the most talented songstress in all of Spira. She'd been learning both white and black magic, to feel as useful as her sister. Of course, Amanda doesn't mind being the stronger one. She'd do anything to protect her family.

So when Bevelle and Zanarkand were starting a war with each other, Amanda was ready to fight to the death.

"Mother, what did you wish to discuss?"

Yunalesca had called Amanda away from her warriors. She was training them to better defend themselves. Apparently, Bevelle was going to strike tomorrow night, thinking that Zanarkand had no idea of their plans. While Zanarkand's army was very strong, they knew more offensive tactics, rather than defensive.

"Do you remember when we would visit the witch Esther, all those years ago?"

Amanda nodded. Of course she did. Her mother would bring her and Lenne a few times, whenever she needed to talk to Esther. Esther had 6 children around the ages of Amanda and Lenne, and they always had fun playing with each other during their visits. It had been at least 9 years since their last visit though.

"I need to visit her again, and I wish for you, and you alone, to accompany me," the urgency in Yunalesca's voice was hard to miss. Amanda was never one to disobey her mother, unlike her mischievous sister Lenne. Rumors were circulating that Lenne and a boy from Bevelle were seeing each other. Of course, the older Yevons would never believe this to be true, but Amanda knew that Lenne was seeing someone, at least.

Yunalesca grabbed both of Amanda's hands, and closed her eyes. This was always how they would travel to Esther and her family. Her mother would do some of the advanced magic she knew to transport them to a whole different world. This fact used to amaze Amanda more when she was younger, but now it is a well-known fact that Spira is one of many worlds out there.

This form of teleporting made Amanda feel absolutely weightless for a few seconds. Then she felt her regain her form again, and the scent of woods and fresh air filled her nostrils.

There was a small village built in a very green area. This world was so under developed compared to Zanarkand.

"Yunalesca."

Esther was very shocked to see her old friend again. Behind her was her husband and children, in the middle of doing chores.

"Ah Esther, it's been far too long!"

The two old friends embraced, and gave Amanda and the other children looks as if to say "Let the grown ups talk now, run along!".

The oldest son, Niklaus, rolled his eyes and led them into the clearing in the forest where they would hang out as children. Esther's only daughter, Rebekah, was the first to speak up.

"Long time no see, friend."

She said that somewhat bitterly, and Amanda could guess why. Her and Lenne were particularly close with Rebekah and would see each other more frequently in the past. Rebekah once said she was happy to have the two of them as friends, because there were not many other girls in the village.

"I'm sorry Bekah, we had no control over the situation. Lenne and I did beg mother quite a few times to bring us back, but she would always say 'not today'…"

Rebekah huffed a bit, then just shrugged. Niklaus and his younger brother Kol, however, were staring at Amanda like they'd never even seen her before. Another brother, Elijah, took notice of this as well, and nudged the two of them out of their trance.

"Forgive my brothers, Lady Amanda. As you can see, their maturity level hasn't increased much from your last visit."

Amanda actually giggled at that. She remembered how Niklaus and Kol would always fight to see who would get to play with her. Thinking back on it now, it sounded slightly strange. Amanda would always try to get them to want to interact with Lenne too, but as Amanda was the oldest, the boys didn't want to play with a "baby". That was usually when Lenne would hang out with Rebekah and Henrik, while Finn just sat around silently.

"Oh!" Amanda exclaimed. There was someone missing from this group. "Where's Henrik?"

However, she immediately regretted asking as she observed how everyone's face had a solemn expression on. Amanda knew right away what this meant.

"I'm sorry…how long ago?"

"It's been about two weeks now," Niklaus said, his head hung low. His siblings stared at him with a mix of pity and annoyance.

"You may remember from your last visit, but there are wolves in this village as well. It was during a full moon when they got Henrik," Elijah informed her. The subject was immediately dropped, and rightly so.

Their time was spent catching up. Everyone seemed impressed that Amanda was in a high rank in the army. Her and Niklaus even sparred a bit. He was no match for her though, which amused his brothers to no end.

"One day I'll be stronger than you 'Manda, just wait!"

"Oh that'll be a dark day in the Farplane indeed!" Manda chuckled. Obviously, this phrase was lost on everyone else, so she sighed.

"Alright kids, you are free to come back now." Esther called from afar.

"Kids? Honestly, we are pretty grown now…" Kol muttered in annoyance. Him, Elijah, Finn, and Rebekah ran back immediately. Amanda started to as well, but Niklaus stopped her.

"Promise me something?" he asked rather sheepishly, avoiding eye contact.

"That depends, what is it?"

"Do not die in battle."

Amanda laughed.

"That's a hard thing to promise, Nik."

"Will you at least try?"

He asked this looking straight in Amanda's eyes. There was a mix of fear, sadness, and hope floating around his eyes. His expression made Amanda's heart skip a beat for the first time in her life.

"I'll…certainly try my best."

"Good. Try to come back, after your war then."

"Ha! There's a hard task. Mother's the only one that knows how to commute through the
worlds, so—" The look of disappointment on his face made Amanda stop. She sighed.

"I will do my best, Nik. I promise."

He looked like he wanted to say more, but instead just stared at her. Amanda did the same. It was a strangely intimate experience for her. Niklaus started to lean in a bit, but…

"Amanda, we must leave right now."

Yunalesca had been waiting impatiently for Amanda to return, apparently. Amanda walked towards her mother, and took her hands. She slow turned to Niklaus, who was still staring at her, and mouthed 'goodbye' before departing back to Zanarkand.