Besaid Island
The First Aeon
Today I became a Summoner. After ten long years I have finally begun my journey to follow in my father's footsteps. When my father's Calm ended I felt betrayed by Yevon, after that first attack by Sin I locked myself into my room and cried and cried. My father had given his life, but to no avail. I pray that I will bring the Calm again, and that this time it will last.
The Temple Summoner gave me this diary soon after I emerged from the cloister of trials. As a fully fledge Summoner the people of Spira will now look to me for hope, for reassurance. I can never be sad; I can never reveal my doubts or fears to them.
"Use this diary to record your journey, to express your trials and fears. Your road will be long and hard but should you remain pure and focused you will achieve your goal." I thanked him and accepted this diary; I have only just been able to write in it now despite the late hour.
The strangest occurrence happened as I emerged from the Chamber of Fayth. I had grown cocky thinking that as I was the daughter of High Summoner Braska the Fayth would see me as worthy straight away. I had thought to simply walk into the Chamber and walk straight back out; the Fayth corrected me on this although I shall never record the goings on inside the Chamber of the Fayth. That is sacred and must remain so. But it is exhausting praying for days on end...
But as I emerged from the Chamber weary, yet exhilarated, I saw a strange young man who I had never seen before. I feel quite sorry for him as he is being shunned by the village for entering the Cloister of Trials when he is not even a guardian! Yet they have no pity for him. His name is Tidus and he is...well he is quite handsome. He has golden hair that reminds me of sand and the most bedazzling blue eyes...his appearance in itself is not strange, but his story most certainly is! He claims to be from Zanarkand – and the son of Sir Jecht! Can it be a sign of fate? Sir Jecht was one of my father's guardians who helped him to defeat Sin...surely the appearance of his son, in almost quite similar circumstances, is a great sign? Perhaps I truly will defeat Sin, with him by my side...
Wakka says he is to accompany us as far as Luca where Tidus will join him in the Blitzball tournament, he is sure that with Tidus on the team the Besais Aurochs will finally win a match! But after that he is bound to go on his separate ways, Lulu believes it is impossible that he comes from Zanarkand – how could he when it was destroyed one thousand years ago? But then again what about Sir Jecht? If only he or Sir Auron had not disappeared...I had hoped one of them would come back for me, to give me word of my father...
Wakka is certain that once we reach Luca, Tidus will find someone he knows and go back to his life. It is selfish of me I know, and Yevon please forgive me, but part of me hopes not. I want him to stay with us...perhaps to join our pilgrimage as a guardian...
After getting over the initial shock of encountering this stranger I took a small break in the Temple Summoner's chamber where he gave me the diary and a cup of tea. Once I had regained my strength I undertook my first test as a Summoner – summoning. Valefor is a beautiful Aeon and I am grateful to her Fayth for bestowing her upon me. It is strange this connection between a Summoner and an Aeon. Once the Fayth gives you their Aeon there is a spiritual companionship, perhaps because Valefor is my first we have quite a strong bond. Or is it because she would have been one of the last Aeons my father acquired? Whatever the reason...once I summoned her in the small circle I did not want to dismiss her, I wanted to keep her by my side.
I wonder what is must be like to become an Aeon? To encase yourself in stone for eternity, caught between the living and the dead...
It grows late and tomorrow I begin my journey, for the first time I will have to tackle fiends. I am glad I will have Khimari, Lulu and Wakka by my side...and now Tidus too. I wonder how my father felt the night before his pilgrimage began? Was his stomach full of rocks and butterflies? Could he keep anything down or, like me, did he suffer from being unable to drink a cup of tea without being sick two minutes later. What if I fail? What if I change my mind halfway? Please Yevon, guide me along my pilgrimage and give me the strength and courage to defeat Sin. Please.