Prologue
A figure stood on top of a high cliff overlooking the sea. It was at the
far edge of Spira in a small settlement called Besaid. He had his arms
folded in front of him, the wind blowing through his long dark ponytail. He
was clad in a black leather vest that had a striking resemblance to the
shell of a tortoise, and dark pants with a thin white striping along the
front and sides, typical of the Warrior Monks to which he belonged. He wore
high military boots. The top of each boot displayed an intricately designed
golden medallion. As well, a metal shield covered each instep and was held
in place by leather strapping around the heel and arch. Two rings dangled
from a gold chain encircling his neck.
Footsteps approached from behind, and, even as he turned his head slightly
to look, he already recognized the familiar cadence of her walk.
"Yuna, you wanted to talk to me?"
"Sayje, I've something here for you." She handed him the crimson coat that
was bundled in her arms.
He smiled, taking it carefully from her and letting it fall open to it's
full length. He had finally come of age and was proud to put it on. She
buckled a series of wide belts around his waist to hold it closed.
She stood back, smiling, her hands resting on her hips. He could see she
was admiring the finished look.
"I had it made in the exact style of your father's. Every detail is there.
You look almost identical to him."
He flinched, "Almost." He couldn't hide the disappointment. Everyone used
that word or variations of the same thing. He was . almost his son.
"Sayje, I understand how you must be feeling. We've all had to contend with
losing our parents at an early age, but you aren't responsible for what
happened. No one is." She paused a moment. He was shifting on his feet.
"You miss them, don't you?"
"I just want to know something about them." His hands clenched together. He
felt a dull ache at the bottom of his heart, " It's not fair, Yuna. I never
even had the chance."
"I think, since you are now sixteen, it is time you went on a journey, to
the library in Bevelle. She dropped her head slightly. "Lulu and I have
discussed it and we're in agreement. They've built a great library there
since the death of Sin. All the spheres have been collected, stories are
being recounted, and the history of Spira is being recorded. Perhaps
they've started the story of your mother and father."
Sayje thought for a moment, then nodded his head. Yes, perhaps this was a
way to answer his questions. He had heard about the library the last time
he went to Bevelle to study, and somehow the idea of going there now lifted
his spirits.
He turned and looked into Yuna's eyes, and she smiled calmly at him. Then,
giving her a weak smile, he walked past her. He stopped and, without facing
her, decided to tell her now. before he lost the nerve. what she meant to
him.
"Aunt Yuna?" He began to smile. "I don't know why I call you that, after
all you are not really my aunt," His thoughts drifted. "You know that I've
never called Lulu, 'Mother', even though she raised me and trained me in my
skills, Anyway, you've always made me feel, well, like family. Thank you,
for everything." He winced; it was an awkward attempt, but an effort none
the less. He found it difficult expressing himself, but she always seemed
to understand his meaning.
He walked away, leaving her in silence. He had the same long, powerful
stride as his father, but his moves were faster and more fluid,
unmistakably like his mother. He sensed she was watching him, and he heard
her release a long sigh. Sayje knew they would miss him, even if he was
only gone a little while.
He made the trip to Bevelle, taking the time to visit all the places he
knew his father went before him, but it turned out to be a rather tranquil
journey. Having travelled this route many times in the past to study with
the Warrior Monks, he now travelled with only Dane, his trusted guardian,
beside him. Dane had always been there, for as long as he could remember.
He knew that his mother had been protected by him when his father died and
he just seemed to stay on. There were few fiends to bother them on the way,
now that Sin was gone. His father was one of the ones responsible for that
and Sayje proudly carried the huge sword that had belonged to him. It had
been left in his mother's care when his father passed to the Farplane.
Sayje claimed it as soon as he was strong enough to lift it. He now was a
skilled warrior, having trained for the last six years as a Warrior Monk,
in combination with his study with Lulu. Following in his father's
footsteps, he developed in stamina and strength but, unlike his father, he
also had powerful magic skills, some of which he still hadn't the time to
develop. He had been offered a very unique opportunity to continue his
training in Guadosalam and he was seriously considering going To his
knowledge the offer had never been made to any non- Guado before and he
often wondered why he was chosen.
When he reached the vast city, he went straight to the library. Entering
the great hall, he could see countless people working at different tables,
all writing and viewing spheres. He walked over to an old man at a large
desk. The old man looked up and a momentary spark of recognition crossed
his face. He looked away, caught the memory and turned back, this time with
an expression of awe. Sayje shifted uncomfortably. People often did a
double take when they first saw him and, now, with the new red coat, he
expected it even more.
"Excuse me, I'm interested in the summoner Yuna's journey, specifically one
of her Guardians. The old man waited patiently for him to continue. "Sir
Auron is the one I speak of. Do you have anything on him yet?" The man
still said nothing, but pointed to someone else working diligently in the
corner. Sayje thanked him, walked over and began again.
"Excuse me, Sir, but are you recording the story of Sir Auron?" A mature
man looked up. Fair haired, he was now mostly grey. He had been a very
handsome man in his youth and he still maintained a certain air about him.
A broad smile ran across his face. Sayje started again, "I'm sorry, I
haven't introduced myself. I am."
"Sayje," the man finished the sentence for him. Pointing to a chair
opposite him. he continued "Sit down over here, Son, I've been expecting
you.
Sayje's eyes widened. "How did you know?" This man knew him but he couldn't
remember ever meeting him before.
"I think everyone in Spira can guess just from the look of you who you are.
You are quite an enigma, my boy. The child of an unsent, you are my
sister's son." Sayje was momentarily stunned, but the man just smiled back.
"I am Raphel, your uncle." He held out his hand and Sayje shook it. " Come
on, sit down," Sayje sat down uncomfortably waiting for Raphel to continue.
"I'm sorry I haven't been to see you, but I have watched your progress
carefully. He glanced at the sea of notes and spheres on his desk. "I have
been occupied with this for a long time. Your mother had her life stolen
away from her, you know, and I'm here to make sure it becomes known," Hs
face clouded; obviously her memory still caused him a lot of pain.
"Now listen, you shall be the first to hear. It is a story of strength, of
undying hope and unfathomable love. People have come from all over Spira to
tell what they know, and from their stories and the spheres I've put
together almost the whole account. Look at this, Sayje," and he handed him
a broken sphere. It displayed the image of two people, hand in hand. He
recognized them both from what everyone had described to him. They seemed
so happy together. His father wore the scars of past battles, but still he
was a powerful and handsome figure of a man, and his mother. No one really
could do her justice. Looking at her image here in the sphere, her face
smiling up at his father, he thought she was perhaps the most beautiful
thing he had ever seen. The sphere was crushed and the image frozen.
"What was this?"
"Let's start from the beginning, and eventually I'll show you the whole
sequence. Raphel settled in and began.
"As you probably already know, for one thousand years, Spira suffered,
first by war and then by the birth of Sin. Every ten years Sin was reborn
to wreak havoc on the population. With numbers dwindling, Spira was reduced
to numerous small towns and villages, and only a few cities were strong
enough to remain standing. Their survival was due mostly to the protection
of the Warrior Monks. The lords in power set up special temples and houses
for worship, and also for the safekeeping of their precious children. One
such institution was the Houses of the Covenant, of which only two
remained. They sent their daughters there for protection, and to learn the
healing arts. These houses were exclusive to the richest and most powerful
and only the most beautiful and talented girls were chosen to go there.
They were trained in the arts and politics, and would eventually become
consorts to the lords, thus ensuring the continuance of good strong
bloodlines. The great High Mistress Lita ruled the houses with an iron
hand. Her own chapter resided in Bevelle, the greatest city in Spira. Your
parents story began in a time just after the calm. Sin was destroyed by the
High Summoner Braska and his two guardians, Sir Jecht and Sir Auron. With
the loss of both Braska and Jecht , in the battle with Sin, Sir Auron, the
last remaining guardian seemed to disappear from Spira. Ten years passed,
and, once again, Sin was reborn.
Your mother, Syan, was a daughter of the House in Bevelle. This was the
only home she ever knew. Unlike the other girls, she didn't go there by
choice. Her family signed her over to the Great High Mistress at the age of
two. She was virtually owned by the house and the only person who could
give her freedom was Mistress Lita herself, but Syan was an exceptional
beauty and the High Mistress had special plans for her. Syan tended to be
very headstrong and rebellious so she didn't mix well with the other, more
docile girls. She had few friends that she could trust, but the one she
trusted most was Mistress Primula from the house in Luca, who visited every
once in a while. Although it was forbidden, it was Primula who revealed the
story of Syan's parents to her.
Sayje sat back to listen, the scene unfolding in his mind.
"Prim, did you ever know my mother?". Syan sat with her hands quietly
folded in her lap, looking relaxed and unruffled, but her heart pounded
uncontrollably, betraying her true feelings.
"Everyone knew of your mother," Primula said in her usual calm, comforting
voice. "I think Kara was one of Mistress Lita's most prized girls. Mistress
Lita had been planning a very important union for her as soon as she came
of age." There was a slight bitter edge to Mistress Primula's voice; only
Syan knew her well enough to notice it.
"So, what happened?" Syan's fingers began twisting together as she
listened.
"A young man came to the house to serve a year of duty. His name was Taro.
He was from a small village off the coast of Spira. The son of the leader
of that village, he was not exactly rich and powerful, but, I must admit,
he was a beautiful young man, tall and fair. As fate would have it, he and
Kara met and, well, it was love at first sight." Primula gave a long sigh
and shook her head. "They both knew that Mistress Lita would never approve
a marriage and so Taro refused to even ask for her hand. They were very
careful and kept their love a secret from everyone." Syan could see Primula
tilt her head to the side. She knew that gesture and realized Primula was
watching for some glimmer of resolve in her. Reading thoughts was one of
Primula's talents as a Mistress. Syan felt a slight intrusion as Primula
was trying to probe her mind, but She was clever enough and knew how to
block her by closing her out. Primula released her hold and continued, "His
term was soon coming to a close, so Kara devised a plan to force the issue.
The dances are steeped in ritual and tradition, as you well know. You also
know that to perform the Warrior sword dance in the presence of a Mistress,
with the sword of the man you chose, is a request for him to consider
marriage. If she performs the capture at the end of the dance, it forces an
immediate reply."
"Did she do it; did my mother actually do the capture?" Syan could not
contain the excitement in her voice. It was rare anyone would even try, and
those who did usually wore nasty scars to show for it.
"Be patient, girl!" Primula smiled, "and let me tell you. Through trickery,
Kara arranged that Mistress Lita herself would witness the event. First, I
must tell you, that your mother was one of the finest dancers I've ever
seen, much like yourself, and, like you, she was almost technically
perfect. I watched her practice on a few occasions. Mind you, I was still a
young girl at the time and that's probably why she allowed me to be
present, but I have seen her do the capture perfectly."
Syan gasped. The idea was a shock to her.
"It wasn't until it was too late that Mistress Lita realized what was going
on. Even Taro was caught unaware until the dance was underway. It was the
most beautiful performance I think I'll ever see in my lifetime," Primula
said with a sigh. "Right to the end, and when she kicked the scabbard into
her waiting hand a gasp went up all round." Primula's face tightened as she
remembered. "I knew as soon as Kara threw the sword that something was
wrong. Her face anticipated pain, even before the sword bit into her
flesh." Primula lowered her eyes, trying to control the emotion within
them. "I will never know how she held onto the scabbard but she completed
the movement. The sword had severed her thumb completely, and cut her arm
deeply. She was now disfigured for life. Syan's hand went to her mouth to
silence a gasp. "Taro was horrified, but he understood immediately, and he
asked for Kara as his wife. Mistress Lita was livid with anger, but under
the circumstances Kara would be unsuitable for her plans now.
Disfigurements are unacceptable. Lita was forced to consent. She warned
them both that the price for their union would be extremely high. The
ceremony took place quietly, but, Syan, you have never seen such a
beautiful, happy couple in your life. I knew the offspring they would
produce would be breathtaking," and she reached over and patted Syan's
face. "I was right."
Syan smiled weakly, but her eyes revealed the deep hurt and Primula could
see it.
"Your parents loved you, Sy. They had no idea what treachery Mistress Lita
was capable of." Primula tried to comfort her. "It was considered an honour
for the daughter of a leader to go to the House of the Covenant,
eventually, anyway. When your parents signed the papers they thought that
it only insured a good marriage for you. They were stunned when the
Mistress took you away at the age of two.
Your mother tried to get you back, but her efforts were futile. You were
lost to her. She was heartbroken; the price of her love was high, indeed."
Primula's eyes flashed with anger,
"No one should have the power to take a child like that. Some laws
definitely need looking into." Syan was watching her closely, surprised at
the outburst. Primula relaxed and smiled.
"Sorry, Sy. Nothing they did had any effect- the Mistress is far too
powerful- so they resigned themselves to the hope you would be joined in a
good match some day. They tried for other children, but to no avail. Your
older brother Raphel is all they had left. If Sin hadn't taken their lives
early.Primula turned her eyes away, biting her lip.
Syan could see something was eating at her and she suspected it had to do
with the death of her parents. Even for her it just didn't add up. Why
would Sin attack a whole village and then travel such a long distance just
to destroy two individuals? It just didn't make sense. Sin always attacked
with purpose.
Syan nodded her head, but the hurt refused to go away. She didn't want to
hear anymore.
"Its time for me to go, Prim, thanks for telling me. Perhaps one day.," she
started to say, but then she just shrugged.
"Planning to run away again anytime soon?" Primula said with a half smile.
Every time the choosing rolls around you find a way to disappear. What I
don't understand is why Lita allows your disobedience." She paused studying
Syan's face.
"You refuse all the matches that come your way. Ever since you were fifteen
you have been selected by so many, but after that day in the garden, she
lets you refuse, overlooks when you run away, and never asks what you have
been doing. It's so unlike her." Syan shifted nervously. "Her punishment is
usually very harsh." Primula glanced at Syan, and put her hand to her mouth
and whispered, "Never as harsh as that one day, mind you."
Syan shuddered. "Enough, Prim. Don't talk about it again. I don't know why
she lets me run away. I often feel even when I'm in hiding that I'm being
watched the whole time, but I seem to manage to stay away longer and
longer. Maybe I'm just getting better at it. I don't know." She shook her
head. "Frankly, I'm afraid to know."
"Well, if you do get it in your head to go, here is something for you."
Primula walked over to her closet and removed a large nondescript grey-
green cloak.
"Prim!" Syan exclaimed, that is the ugliest cloak I've ever seen!" She
grabbed it up in her arms. "It's absolutely perfect!"
Primula laughed aloud. "It's meant to keep you hidden. Your problem is your
beauty gives you away too much. Here." She handed Syan a bundle wrapped in
silk cloth. "It's a sword. The only thing I kept from my family. I don't
need such things anymore. Perhaps you might learn how to use it."
Syan threw her arms around Primula's neck and hugged her. "I will gain my
freedom somehow. I can't stand this prison for much longer."
"Just take care, Sy. Don't get yourself killed out there."
As soon as night fell, Syan gathered up her things, threw on the cloak and
escaped out the window. It all seemed so easy. The cloak made her virtually
invisible. This was probably the first time that she actually escaped
without feeling as if eyes were on her. She decided not to travel overland
and so, caught a ride on an Al Bhed ship heading home. They seemed to
understand her need for privacy and promised to drop her off on a small
island off the southern coast of Spira. There was a village there that
might offer some respite from the constant searching by the soldiers sent
to find her.
Raphel interrupted the story with his own thoughts. "If Syan had only known
it was the island of her birth things might have been so different, but
that part of her life was kept secret from her. I had no reason to suspect
that she had run away. I received word that she was joined in a very good
marriage. It never occurred to me that our mysterious visitor was, in fact,
my sister." He wiped the sweat from his brow. Sayje was convinced that he
was haunted by guilt and he was still trying to justify his lack of action
on Syan's behalf. Raphel started back into the story.
She hid herself on the far side of the Island, a good place to find shelter
and food. There was a deep depression in the rocks and she set it up as a
temporary home. She could cover it at night to keep out the chill and, once
it was covered with brush it was virtually invisible.
We often had visitors from the mainland, and from the Al bhed. Our island
sits right in the middle between the two. Syan had managed to stay
completely out of sight, although rumors of a thief circulated
occasionally. Things were taken, but always money was left behind." Raphel
hesitated momentarily and lifted up a large manuscript. "
First I should tell you something that may or may not surprise you." Sayje
paid careful attention. "Sir Jecht was not from this world. He came from a
Zanarkand of ages past. Your father was bound by a promise, and he
travelled back in time to that Zanarkand to retrieve Jecht's son, Tidus. He
watched over Tidus for ten years, until Sin arrived at the appointed hour
and destroyed the city. Through the power of Sin, Sir Auron and Tidus were
swept forward through time to land on the shores of Spira as you know it
now, and that was when your mothers life changed forever."
"This is where the real story begins; I have written most of it down on
these pages." He handed the heavy book to Sayje. "Go ahead and read it.
When you are finished you can view all the spheres.
Sayje made himself comfortable. This is what he had waited for all his
life. He brushed his hand smoothly over the front page of the manuscript,
then, flipping the page open, he began to read.