Final Fantasy X: Rebirth
Chapter One
Even since his earliest memories, there had always been something about watching the distant sunset that captivating him, those wondrous moments in which those cotton clouds and burning sunlight shifted between the brightened afternoon and the shrouded evening. Around an hour earlier the stratosphere had been painted in an unending cerulean and those few present clouds seemed crafted from the purest cotton, without even the slightest whisper of unwanted weather. That burning sphere was now beginning to descent into the distant waves and the horizon was slowly becoming touched with that fiery mixture of color. Within those same few moments those warm colors would surrender into shades of blue and purple as it moved into the majestic twilight. The ominous horizon would then become dominated by the evenings shadows and those celestial beings would begin speckling the darkened sky alongside the silver illumination of their single moon.
Another sunset happened everyday and had somehow remained impressive now as in his younger years, since then he had stopped to watch the western horizon's transformation in over one thousand evenings. It was something beautiful which could have been appreciated by anybody, regardless of where their personal destinies had carried them. Considering these rather unique beliefs, it was understandable that he would feel sympathy for those incapable of witnessing this endlessly repeating even from the ocean, upon the waves and were so far from the obstructing glow of the northern metropolis.
These moments were something that he had always savored during his infrequent, ritualistic training voyages that usually carried him several miles into the unclaimed waters of the northern oceans, usually lasting for several days between those arranged confrontations. He had discovered earlier in his unusual career that while floating upon the open sea and your body was burning from another day of extreme training, there was no better moment for one to witness the perfection of this recurring majesty.
Although he possessed unending opportunities, he had never expressed personal desires to travel to any of the other exotic civilizations that existed beyond the horizon of the northern oceans. Although he regularly traveled alongside his homeland's finest blitzball players, his attention always remained focused on those arranged confrontations. Although he often wondered about their different societies and different cultures, he never doubted that these distant countries possessed the same sunrise and sunset. He never doubted that there were other worlds either, these personal beliefs being justified by the countless celestial sparks that dotted the shadowed horizon. Perhaps there would be other people there and perhaps there would be further natural beauty that couldn't have been sculpted by mortal artists. In those moments however, he would question whether or not these different worlds would share the same horizon.
Of course, those moments of twilight had already passed and those celestial sparks were dotting the northern horizon. The observant and appreciative individual in question found himself piloting his floating home through the twisting straights that would lead to the central stadium. Skillfully maneuvering through the sparkling waterways of the northern metropolis, recognized by the rest of the world as Zanarkand.
While the majesty of the machina city's existence might have eventually been lost upon the citizens, those from other parts of the world quickly took notice that the entire civilization had practically been constructed upon the northern waters. Regardless of where one might have found themselves looking across the civilization, there was nowhere throughout the entire metropolis where one could not identify the impressive level of co-existence that existed between the metropolis and the elements. Doubtlessly the most technologically advanced civilization upon the planet, the northern metropolis flaunted their achievements somewhat drastically.
Should anybody have been fortunate enough to arrive via airship, they would quickly notice that the city had been painstakingly constructed upon an extensive collection of waterfalls that collapsed downwards in the shape of a massive crescent. Intimidating skyscrapers sprang up from the mists of the falling water and were interconnected through an overtly complex system of levitated highways, water surface bridges and subterranean tunnels. Across the three levels of the civilization existed an impressive variety of buildings which were often constructed upon the surface of these waters. The private mansions of the civilization's most prominent individuals could often be seen build onto the edge of the waterfalls, allowing the greatest views of the proud city.
Towards the central level of the civilization one could see the enormous stadium that resided in the northern districts of the grand civilization while the tallest buildings of government resided within the center of the metropolis and towered over even the highest falls. Throughout the world it was realized, there was absolutely nothing that couldn't be found in the northern metropolis which offered promises of both freedom and pleasure. Those visiting the northern paradise would often question how anywhere could afford the necessary energy until they realized that those crushing waterfalls served as an unending energy supply through an incredibly complex system of hydro-electric generators. Those were also those eight enormous pillars of cerulean that could be seen from almost any part of the metropolis were one component that operated to ensure that the flow would never encounter problems. Truly, Zanarkand was an orchard of pleasure and everyday was filled with promises of a brighter tomorrow.
Zanarkand was absolutely alive with excitement and impatience as the ultimate competition in the history of Blitzball was steadily approaching with only another hour remaining. Blitzball fanatics numbering nearly one hundred thousand had gathered within the almost sacred walls of the world's most technologically advanced stadium to witness the battle that would soon take place within the sphere pool. Those that had been unable to obtain tickets to this historical event had packed themselves into every open restaurant and tavern that would have them, while countless others had organized gatherings in their homes to watch the competition on the telecast.
To the inhabitants of the northern metropolis, there was absolutely nothing more important that evening than the competition that would be taking place within the hour. However, there were many that had managed to obtain their tickets and were awaiting the arrival of the young man that had doubtlessly become the most popular players amongst all sixteen teams.
At least one hundred of these same dedicated fans had gathered on the docks that were situated near the same levitated skybridge that would carry them to the main entrance of the colossal stadium. The small mob of sports fans standing near the section of the docks that served as the address to the infamous player during the blitz season. These people were those hardcore fanatics that distinguished themselves amongst their peers that showed their loyalty to their favorite players by personally wishing them luck prior to the competition. These were the most dedicated admirers and currently several of them were awaiting the arrival of their own living legend.
They had not been waiting long when suddenly somebody appeared from down the dock where they had been awaiting his arrival and shouted out to the crowd that had been socializing with one another "Hey everyone! He's coming!"
Whatever conversations had been established quickly dropped from attention. Whatever concerns that had been addressed were bluntly ignored. Whatever conflicts had been established were swiftly severed. Everybody suddenly found themselves moving without hesitation towards the end of the harbor where they spotted the same infamous luxury cruiser reestablishing an ominous presence in the assigned location. These hardcore fanatics were practically trembling in anticipation as the powerful engines of the floating home were abruptly silenced and the illumination on the inside of the vessel darkened into nothingness.
The random chatter quickly reverted to speechlessness as the entry ramp lowered to touch the stone of the harbor and the door on the other side of the vessel was sharply brought into closing. The sound of heavy footsteps could be heard somewhere on the hardwood deck of the floating home and seemed to echo the heartbeats of the fanatics until the source stepped across the ramp and into the illumination of the harbor lights.
The silence remained as everybody found themselves looking upon the unprepared persona of their favorite blitzball player, who now stood before them dressed rather casually considering the arranged confrontation that he would inevitably be moving towards within the hour. He was wearing a simple pair of lightweight black slacks and shoes that he had been wearing during his afternoon training session, while his torso was covered by a dark blue sleeveless shirt and an official black jacket that bore his team insignia on it.
The crowd remained silent as he stepped forward carrying one black duffle bag under his left arm and everybody became suspicious when he suddenly stopped. There was then an explosion of cheers as he suddenly thrust one clinched fist into the air and smirked with an established confidence that would have inspired any team towards victory. This was to be expected from the star player of Zanarkand's A-East Abes.
The Blitzball Ace stepped forward with polished bravado as his loyal fans screamed and cheered for him to bring them that ultimate victory that both teams would be fighting tooth and nail for within the hour. The official sports bag remained hanging over his left shoulder as he approached the crowd, secretly hoping that the musk of his afternoon warm-up session had not stuck too broadly to his athletic physique. Perhaps good fortune looked upon him with favor as the pleasant scent of the foaming seawater easily overpowered his own embarrassing natural odors.
He retained possession of the sports bag that contained his uniform and other miscellanies supplies as he moved towards the three little leaguers that had secured the front of the line and had brought along their own blitzballs. To his amusement he found that these dedicated fans were a trio of youths that couldn't have been any older than nine or ten. These children immediately approached him carrying three of the many blitzballs that were officially recognized by the northern league, which could be determined by the blue and white color scheme. They were also wearing officially licensed clothes that bore the insignias of the Zanarkand Abes and that seemingly ancient rune that had been worn by the team's MVP for the last ten years.
Despite the considerable time management crisis that would have caused many of his comrades and opposition to simply push their way through their adoring fans, the prodigy blitzer casually retrieved the waterproof sharpie that rested in his pocket. He looked to the first child and with a smile motioned for him to pass the ball.
The blitzball struck him in the chest and he quickly secured the heavy orb with his arm before scratching his name under the official logo of the northern league and in one smooth movement returned the ball. Considerably excited by the unorthodox approach that was being presented to them, the second child tossed his own blitzball to the blitz ace with fierce gusto. The blitzer effortlessly snatched the ball from the air and bore his mark into the surface before dropping it to the ground and softly punting it back into the child's grasp
The third child narrowed his eyes before he suddenly drew back the ball and tossed it at the blitz ace who allowed the orb to strike his hand in the palm. He couldn't help but smile when he noticed that this third blitzball had gone through some considerable usage and was painted in the signatures of four other teammates. This third youth obviously understood the sheer value of having any league-used blitzball, not to mention the signatures of some of the highest scoring players in the league.
"Nice throw there short stuff." the blitz ace chuckled before moved by the trio and suddenly rested the ball on the third child's head before swiftly scratching out his name on the ball. The humbled boy was quick to retrieve the heavy blitzball and found himself somewhat prided by the superior player's compliment and gazed at the name that had been written out in heavy black ink.
That name was Tidus Ashtear. Team Captain and Star Player of the Zanarkand A-East Abes.
"Can I have your autograph?" another one of the fans suddenly questioned him as he found himself confronted by two rather attractive young woman around his own age. The initial speaker, a leggy brunette in pink attire, offered him her own ball with much less gusto than those three children that had come before her. Tidus wordlessly smiled as he took the clearly unused blitzball from her grasp and calmly scratched out his name rather quickly. Although appearing enthralled by the attention of his loyal fans, he already realized that the clock was ticking
"Good luck tonight." her heavily tanned friend stated as she passed him her own blitzball and he was forced to accept it and spend another few precious seconds scratching out his name. Tidus quickly noticed that the ball that he had been presented with possessed the same color patterns that had been replaced around twelve years ago and was absolutely covered in various signatures. The astonished blitzer almost clamped his teeth down on his tongue when he noticed the opposing signature above the official logo, the surname of the other marking matching his own and giving him an urge to send the precious sphere sailing into the shadowed horizon. The young blitzer's unresolved problems having driven him to memorize the patterns of this signature in the attempt to remove any similarities from his own. The young woman eventually noticed his hesitation to return the blitzball "Something wrong?"
"Nothing to worry about." Tidus responded as he spun the ball off the tip of his index finger and then gracefully returned it to her before his marker could be brought to obliterate the senior signature from existence. This young woman was either completely dedicated to the affairs of the massively popular sport or she was planning on someday selling the autographed blitzball. These unfortunate situations rarely presented themselves, but there was nothing which the prodigy blitzer would have rather avoided. Whatever she was planning, it really wasn't his business and questioning the young woman wouldn't have been in his best interests. Tidus forcefully brushed off this encounter by turning his attention to the other supporters that had surrounded his floating home.
"We'd better get moving ladies and gentlemen, we all know that the clock is ticking." the captain announced around twenty-four handshakes and seventeen autographs later. The recent arrival casually adjusted his duffel bag before those surrounding him began moving off, clearly not willing to have their registered seats stolen from them. The star player of the Zanarkand Abes was quick to begin putting some distance between himself and his floating home, thrusting his unoccupied fist into the air and inviting forward even louder cheers from his adoring public.
Those roaring screams vanished into the distance as he turned and began running towards the massive highbridge that would carry both the star blitzer and the audience to the main entrance of the colossal stadium. It was within this intimidating architecture where this arranged confrontation would be taking place. The two northern champions would be battling in the sphere pool tonight, fighting without restraint in their struggle to receive their ultimate victory. Tidus continued running until his pace carried him beyond the sight of those that had been attempting to follow him all the way to the stadium entrance.
It wasn't much later that the prodigy blitzer found himself just down the highbridge from the magnificent stadium and slowed into casual walking. The immediate situation was breathtaking, the young blitzer stopping momentarily to adjust his duffel bag before proceeding forward, allowing himself to take in the views that were presented by a night shrouded Zanarkand. The skyscraper apartment buildings and luxurious hotels that had been constructed around the stadium were regularly the most cherished living quarters, one especially beautiful sight was the artificial waterfalls that rushed down the sides of some buildings and back into the reservoirs. There was obvious some manner of celebration taking place on a number of the penthouses that he could plainly see from where he stood on the overpass. The outcome of this match would be going down in Blitzball history and just about everybody was eagerly awaiting to see some considerable effort from both sides.
The prodigy blitzer was prepared to deliver.
Tidus found his movements brought to an abrupt halt, suddenly finding himself confronted with an ominous presence which could have shattered his most flawless evening. An infernal frustration materialized within his heart, an enormous electronic billboard positioned in the middle of the nearby skyscraper building upon these negative feelings. There was no surprise that this one monolithic building served as the headquarters of the northern blitzball league. Tidus seethed as he glared towards the billboard, one of the countless publications that could have been found scattered across the metropolis. Following around two months of being around, there was surely nobody in the northern capital that had not heard about the arranged confrontations that would be going down within the next hour.
It was this specific publication that possessed the necessary information which included the title of the approaching tournament and the official seal of the league. There was even a holographic clock included below the massive billboard that was counting down to the opening match of the upcoming tournament. The various spectators and blitzers would have doubtlessly been checking their watches and attempting to arrive at the stadium even quicker. Tidus Ashtear was different. Instead, he found himself particularly interested in the main article of the publication which almost seemed to be mocking him with it's innocent presence
The meat and potatoes of the tournament's advertisement was the broad image of a middle-aged man who stood in defiance of the camera that had taken the picture, two muscular forearms crossed and his tattooed chest proudly pushed out like an invincible shield. The man on the billboard possessed an imposing athletic physique that had most definitely been crafted through endless hours of grueling physical training and ambitious practice. He possessed overgrown chocolate brown strands that was held back from his vision by a tattered crimson bandanna. The imposing individual was completed by an unshaken expression of superiority was accompanied by an unshaven stubble on his chin. There was a metallic armguard on his left arm which was also crossed over his chest and although one couldn't recognize it from the picture that was cropped off near his chest, there was a large bladed tattoo across his muscular chest. The publication remained ambiguous concerning his standard clothing, but gave considerable attention to the golden emblem and matching chain which looped around his neck.
It seemed rather unbecoming that while countless citizens might have discovered inspiration from this powerful advertisement, the prodigy blitzer discovered nothing beyond that same relentless indignation. Anybody might have noticed the young man glaring up toward the proud with an unmistakable expression of unresolved negative emotion. Simply allowing his sapphire gemstones to cross over the main article of the publication's central figure brought about these unwanted feelings of deep-seeded loathing. Then there some slight depression, another reminder that despite various promises and constant therapy, the young blitzer had failed to peacefully resolve these inner conflicts. Without any other recourse available to him, he found himself suppressing these feelings by pushing himself wholeheartedly towards the game and attempting to forget the horrible person to whom this tournament was dedicated.
The legendary blitzer known worldwide and considered to be the greatest blitzball player to have ever participated in the international championship. Notorious amongst countlessly blitzball players, both freelance and professional, as an unstoppable and unblockable force under the translucent waters of the sphere pool. Infamous throughout the countless businesses connected to blitzball as an extremely shrewd negotiator and uncompromising businessman. Incredibly popular amongst interviewers and celebrities for the incredible existence which started with an unfortunate childhood. Recognized around the northern metropolis as the deceased husband of the governor's daughter and the biological father of their three children, including their newest prodigy blitzer. . . Jecht Ashtear.
The frustrated offspring remained entranced by his own introverted struggles for several moment, inwardly battling to maintain his composure upon himself. His attempts dramatically increased upon noticing the hundreds of hopeful spectators moving down the highbridge and towards the stadium. The found himself thankful that these people were much too focused upon securing their reserved seats to acknowledged the lamenting blitzball player. Tidus eventually regained himself and started running down the highbridge, one hand lashing out towards his father's digital portrait that had naturally become the advertisement for the tournament.
He managed to restrain himself from shouting out any of the venomous insults or degrading remarks which were rushing through his consciousness. Once again his fingertips were crushing into his palms and his molars were grinding lightly in the back of his mouth. He actually found himself wanting nothing more than to enter the sphere pool and slam himself into somebody. He managed to continue forward without difficulty after turning his back on the promotion, moved down the skybridge towards the stadium. Hopefully, everything would continue this smoothly.
The blitzball player grasped the shoulder strap of his duffel bag as he moved down the highbridge where many others found themselves watching the large monitors that were outside the main entrance of the stadium. Apparently, these loyalist had been unable to obtain proper seating. Primarily decorated with two ancient statues on either side, depicting valiant and powerful warriors preparing for an imminent battle that would ultimately determine the greatest champion. Countless banners depicted over five decades of blitzball championships decorated the exterior of the massive stadium and brought forth the realization that anybody entering the superstructure already possessed some fragment of that legacy. Tidus breathed, feeling some underlying sympathy for those that found themselves unable to be closer to the action.
"Coming through! Coming through!" Tidus shouted as he casually pushed through the various fanatics that were waiting on him, carefully moving people aside an approaching the main entrance. The prodigy blitzer was honestly hoping that these fanatics would remain civilized concerning his presence, but soon found himself monitoring his personal belongings from these grabbing vultures. Unwelcome fingers brushed across his black jacket and another apparently believes there would be some unofficial souvenirs in the exterior pockets of the duffel bag. Tidus moved forward once more, stepping between people and eventually stopping before another unintentional barricade "Hey! I'm gonna be late!"
"Hey! Get your hands off me!" Tidus shouted when he took notice that somebody was suddenly standing before him and reaching for the platinum necklace that was never removed from around his neck. The blitzball player instinctively squeezed his hand around the precious platinum charm that dangled around his collarbone and attempted to continue around the ambitious fanatic.
"Hey! Back off!" Tidus shouted before pushing the would-be bandit backwards. Prepared to protect his most precious possession, the blitzer quickly removed the necklace and slipped it into his inner jacket pocket. There was some obvious hesitation before the man suddenly made another move for the younger man and attempted to rip the expensive sports jacket from his shoulders. Confronted without cooperation from the younger man, the fanatic grabbed the prodigy by the collar and prepared to become physical with the young athlete.
"Knock it off! Damn it!" Tidus demanded loudly before lashing out his left arm to push the man back into striking distance. Without even considering the consequences, the assaulting fanatic attempted to close the distance when the blitzer's closed fist suddenly struck him in the mouth. The man screamed random profanities in response before rushing again, much to the shock of the surrounded crowd and security personnel. Tidus Ashtear deflected one careless punch and retaliated by introducing his right fist to his opponent's stomach.
The opposition coughed as he dropped to his knees and then rolled onto his side, cradling his punished abdomen and groaning something about lawsuit. The security guards immediately stepped forward from the main entrance, realizing there could have been potential violence in the honorable admirers. Tidus breathed heavily before he straightened his jacket and proceeded uninterrupted into the stadium, unwilling to tolerate the approaching newscasters. Shortly following his dismissal from the main entrance, both security personnel and the furious fans began escorting the ambitious pickpocket away from the hallowed grounds that he had so shamelessly violated
The blitzball player roughly exhaled once he had managed to escape the gaze of the public and hesitantly removed the precious platinum necklace that almost everyone suspected had once belonged to his father. It was another rumor which the newscasters were tossing around, especially considering that it had been presented to him by his mother several years earlier. Tidus couldn't understand these people constantly attempting to make connections between the deceased father and surviving son. The ancient emblem was something discovered several generations earlier and eventually inherited by his deceased father. Tidus believed more than anything, that these people simply couldn't recover from his unforeseen passing around one decade earlier, and it was becoming more pathetic with these memorial tournaments.
Several moments passed before Tidus reached behind his neck and reconnected the chain, huffing sharply before proceeding into the stadium and hoping that his opponents might provide the opportunity to blow off some steam. Considering the amount of tension that was being created within his mind and body simply by figuratively playing in his father's shadow, there was some considerable negative energy that needed release. While it remained unknown to him, that this tension was only destined to become much greater and no amount of throwing physical blows would be capable to relieve him of it.
END OF CHAPTER ONE
Author's Note: Prospective readers that have either played the actual game or read other novelizations have doubtlessly noticed the manipulations to the normally cheerful and upbeat main character of Final Fantasy X. Perhaps you have already guessed, but this novelization is essentially another author's envisionment of the original game which will probably involve further changes to the original plotline that will hopefully be enjoyable to everybody. I have been wanting to either novelize FFVII or FFX as an emotionally powerful fantasy epic, eventually settling upon this wonderful game because of the recency and because there is more that can probably be enhanced. I am currently requesting reviews from prospective readers containing their impressions in the opening chapters, perhaps constructive criticisms and perhaps suggestions for the future. Thank you in advance for your responses.
Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy X. It belongs to Square-Enix.