Prologue: A Bitter-Sweet Ceremony

On the narrow isthmus between northern and southern Wilderia, there stands the majestic and mighty city of Bevelle. Despite its vulnerable position on the inner sea, nestled between the ice sheets of Macalania to the south, with the cool breezes of Mount Gagazet and the Calm Lands to the north, this metropolis nonetheless remained a beacon of light and civilization, the beating heart of the whole world of Spira. Today this heart was enlivened with the celebration of young love, and a joyous new union.

Crowds of people from across the known world had flooded the streets for the parade and public wedding ceremony between Lady Yuna and her long-lost lover, Sir Tidus. The street lights were hung with garlands of red and white flowers all along the route that was prepared for their procession, and soldiers of Yevon lined the streets. It was in mid-morning, while the dew was still glistening and the golden sunrays shone magnificently upon the sea and the crimson city. This was when the parade began, from its starting point at the entrance of the High Bridge. The road upon this bridge was completely closed to traffic and cleared of all pedestrians, and crowds of citizens watched from the plaza as a marching formation came toward them. Trumpets sounded then, and the beating of drums and metallic rustle of chimes could be heard as the parade came strolling into Bevelle. The first wave was a formation of Yevon knights in shining armor, keeping time with proud discipline to the beat of a marching drum. The float behind them was carrying a statue of Lord Braska, having recently been sainted by Yevon, along with the statues of his companions, Sir Auron and Sir Jecht. These statues were made of alabaster, but versions made of marble were already erected in the central plaza of the city and decorated with wreaths and garlands, as well as surrounded by offerings.

After the float came a line of Yevon priestesses in their ceremonial costumes. They wore long skirts and colorful twirling sleeves, their supple bellies were bare with flowers encircling their waists, and flowing strings of pearls, gold coins or precious stone beads covered their bosoms from collars encircling their throats, and halos of flowers rested upon their heads. Their hair was braided in locks or flowing freely down their backs. They danced together hypnotically to the haunting rhythm of a flute, played by a minstrel who accompanied them. A float behind them carried a vivid painting of the Aeon Bahamut, the guardian Fayth of Bevelle. Flowers lined this float, and many fine offerings were laid upon it, and incense and candles were lit upon it.

Next came a striding force of giant Ronso warriors led by chief Khimari himself. They held their mighty spears high and sang the Hymn of the Fayth with deep and booming voices in unison. Behind them followed a line of Ronso women carrying a tapestry of colorful woven fabric that depicted the final fight of Yenke and Biran upon Mount Gagazet, and an image of Kelk Ronso. It was a work of wonderful detail and amazing vibrancy; the pride of the Ronso people. After them followed a yellow float carrying the Besaid Aurochs team of blitz ball players. They waved to the cheering crowds enthusiastically. Floats for all of the blitz ball teams came along as well, with some new additions to the tournament which would be held in Bevelle one week after the wedding ceremony. Behind the team floats there was a troop of Chocobo knights, riding in dignified and regal attire.

Next in line, a little bit further behind, was a large gang of machina riders known as the Sisterhood. This was an all-girl gang who rode atop large steel machina, with two or sometimes three wheels. These machina were very fast and agile, and sported sleek designs and custom paint jobs. They rolled slowly down the street and their engines roared loudly. These girls were clad in black leather riding gear and long riding coats or dusters, all uniform. Their coats were red with white letters embroidered upon them, and golden sun armbands on their upper right sleeves. This gang was led by Paine, who rode in front of them all in a crimson red duster, upon a sleek black and gold machine that rolled gracefully and proudly over the High Bridge and through the plaza, onto the streets leading to Bevelle temple. The look in her blazing red eyes was dignified and bold as she commanded the respect and loyalty of all her fellow riders and sisters in the gang.

Finally there was the wedding procession. Yevon priests marched in front swinging censers of burning incense back and forth before them. A handful of armored knights marched on the outside of the procession. The wedding company was dressed in exquisite suits, frilled shirts and bowties, with their shoes shined and voluptuous flowers in the left breast pockets of their jackets. The bridesmaids wore brilliant gowns, with fresh makeup and their hair done in lovely buns atop their heads. The men were on the right, and the women on the left, in a line with Lulu as the maid of honor in front, wearing a rich dark purple dress. She was followed by Rikku, Dona and Lucinda, with the young girl Calli as ring-bearer, all wearing yellow dresses. On the men's side, Wakka strolled in front dressed in a black tuxedo as the man of honor, followed by Gippal, Barthello, and Cid, all in tuxedos. Behind them lumbered a giant Shoopuff with a covered carriage upon its back. Inside the carriage stood Tidus and Yuna, holding hands and waving to the crowds who went wild with cheer and glee as they passed. Tidus was clothed in a splendid white suit with a blue rose in his pocket, and Yuna wore a magnificent white dress detailed with flowery ribbon stitches, and her legs were covered with silky white stockings and garters. She wore brilliant white boots with high heels, and a tiara upon her head with radiant white wings on each side. Her hair was cut to mid-length and braided finely, and coiled up in a bun atop her head. Red lipstick and dark mascara made her graceful features more pronounced and lovely. She smiled unabashedly as she clung to Tidus' arm, and he grinned with contentment and pride, with pure joy for the day of their union and his official return to Spira.

The people cheered and shot confetti across the street all around the wedding procession, flower petals were dropped from towers and overhead walkways, and fireworks were shooting into the sky across the city. Horns were blasting and people were shouting in almost riotous mirth. Yuna, having saved the world twice, was a cherished treasure to the people of Spira. In a way, it was as if she was everyone's sister or daughter. All the people loved her greatly. There was even much discussion in the councils of Bevelle and Yevon itself, of making her a canonized saint. Yuna did everything she could to delay the decision, however. She had not appeared outside of Besaid since Tidus returned, until today.

The parade went all throughout the city, and finally arrived at a new temple near the shore, on the outer rim of Bevelle. The shoopuff tamer led the giant creature up next to a raised dock, whereupon Tidus and Yuna could step down walk across the platform of the temple courtyard to the pedestal upon which they would take their vows and be wed by the current high priest of Yevon himself, Maester Reylan. The couple stepped onto the platform and waited as their wedding company assembled, surrounded by knights and crowds of people on either side of the massive platform on the roof of the temple. All were silent then as the groom's men and the bridesmaids assembled beside the couple, and then abruptly the music of an organ began to play loudly from tubes coming up out of the temple at the steeple before them, where the Maester waited atop the pedestal. Yuna and Tidus began to walk forward and all the crowd observed quietly, barely able to contain their joy. Many of them wept or cried in happiness, others simply glowed with visible mirth.

Tidus and Yuna reached the pedestal and stood before Maester Reylan, who was clad in vibrant dark blue robes, and held a staff in one hand and a bough of green leaves and red berries in the other. One of his attendant priests brought a bowl of pure water, in which the Maester dipped the bough, and then he shook it three times over each of them, showering them with droplets.

"I purify and sanctify this couple, that their union may begin in clean ritual today, and their love be made holy in the eyes of the Fayth and all gathered here today." Maester Reylan said, in his weathered but firm old voice. He then pronounced their vows.

"Sir Tidus, do you swear to love and cherish Yuna, from this day until your last?" He asked.

"I do," Tidus replied.

"Do you swear to protect and provide for her, with all your might and worldly substance, from this day until your last?"

"I do,"

"And Lady Yuna, do you swear to love and cherish Tidus, from this day until your last?"

"I do," Yuna said passionately.

"Do you swear to honor and obey him, with all your devotion and fidelity, from this day until your last?"

"I do,"

"The rings, please!" Maester Reylan called gently, and Calli came striding along with the open box that contained their wedding bands. The Maester reached first for the white gold ring, studded with glistening diamonds, and he handed it to Tidus.

"Tidus, with this ring, do you claim your wife and swear a sacred oath of love and matrimony to her alone, forsaking all others?"

"I do," Tidus answered, and he took the ring and placed it upon Yuna's delicate finger. Then Reylan took the silvery platinum band and handed it to Yuna.

"Yuna, with this ring, do you claim your husband and swear a sacred oath of love and matrimony to him alone, forsaking all others?"

"I do!" Yuna said eagerly. Maester Reylan raised up his staff and touched it upon each of them, on the crown of their head.

"Then before the Fayth, and with the authority vested in me by Yevon, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Tidus, you may kiss the bride!" The Maester said with a smile. Tidus took Yuna's hand then, and he leaned in to kiss her. As soon as their lips met, Lulu chuckled and Rikku squealed with delight, and the whole crowd erupted in cheer and laughter. An intense shower of confetti was released on both sides of the platform, and from everywhere around them, fireworks shot up into the sky and sparkled brightly everywhere.

Yuna and Tidus assembled with their men and maids, along with a host of their friends, to have a sphere recording made together. The recorder had been following their parade and their wedding ceremony, and now took a scene of them collected together. Yuna waved for the camera, and all of her friends did as well, and she kissed Tidus again with love and gentle passion. As they parted their embrace, she gazed dreamily up into his beautiful blue eyes and handsome young face. Tidus smiled upon her with innocent charm, and for a moment all was perfect and at ease. They basked in the warmth of their union and the brightness of a day of peace for Spira and all her people. Yet it was not to last.

As their friends cheered around them, and Rikku danced around Gippal in uncontrolled exuberance, and all the people shouted, for a moment there was bliss, and then abruptly the air changed and the toll of a great metal bell sounded from the gates of Bevelle at the High Bridge entrance. Then suddenly an explosion erupted from one of the distant towers to the north, shaking the whole city with a fiery blast, and it crumbled down upon the streets and buildings below it, creating an earthquake. They felt the platform shaking beneath their feet. Instantly the whole crowd was shrieking with terror and they immediately began to disperse in panic. The city was full of chaos as a large smoke plume filled the sky. Yuna looked back to Tidus with fear and dread, and saw his expression now marked with shock and sorrow.

"What's going on?" She asked him. Tidus was hesitant to answer.

"We must be under attack." He said finally.

From across the city, trumpets could be heard and shortly after the crack of gunfire and canons. Commander Lucille came rushing across the platform then, having spoken to her lieutenants and knights. She found Yuna and Tidus among their friends.

"The city is breached by raiders! We're under a full scale attack! Lady Yuna, you should take your friends to safety, and let our knights handle this." Lucille advised her. Yuna nodded, but she had no idea how they might exit Bevelle safely.

"Yunie, what should we do?" Rikku asked her desperately.

"My gang can get us through the back alleys and out of the city if that's what you want…" Paine volunteered her services.

"I'll call my crew, and have them bring down the airship to pick us up!" Cid offered. They all stood watching Yuna, waiting for her reply. Yuna clenched her hand into a fist and suddenly became stern.

"No! I won't abandon the people of this city." She said with determination.

"Then we fight!" Paine declared confidently.

"Yes… we fight for Bevelle!" Yuna affirmed.

"But we have no weapons!" Wakka interjected.

"Yes we do…" Paine said, and she strolled across the platform to the table of gifts that had been brought for Yuna's dowry. She pulled a large chest from under the table and lifted it open to reveal a cache of weaponry. She took out a pistol and tossed it to Wakka. He looked at the weapon as if it mystified him.

"You better figure out how to use it, quickly." Paine said to him. Yuna then lifted up her skirt and took a pistol from a holster above her white garter. Tidus gazed upon her in bewilderment.

"You were packing this whole time?" He asked, stunned.

"A girl needs to have protection… and I'm not losing you again." She replied firmly. Tidus looked upon her with ardent wonder.

"Alright then… we'll fight together. We won't be separated this time." He assured her. Paine strode up to them with weaponry for their use.

"Give that to him, and take this," She said as she handed an assault rifle with a long magazine and bayonet to Yuna, and a broadsword to Tidus.

"You're well-prepared; did you know this would happen?" Yuna asked her.

"I've known for a while it was coming, but not when or where. I just wanted the two of you to have plenty of self-defense." Paine answered.

"What was coming? Who are they?" Yuna asked desperately.

"Forgotten tribes, from the highlands and hidden places of Spira. They were pushed out by Yevon; now they want revenge, and their old lands back." Paine said shortly. Before any more questions could be asked a volley of gunfire blasted nearby, and as they turned to the steps leading down from the end of the platform they saw a large band of warriors charging up onto the courtyard to meet them. They were wiry and muscular people, of various builds but of generally the same features and stock. They were dressed in dark brown and dark yellow, and wore armor made of leather or scales, with some scant metal plating. The men had their heads shaved or else cut their hair into mohawks, and the women had long braided locks. They were tattooed and covered with dark blue or red war paint. They carried hatchets, spears, spiked clubs, and old bolt-action rifles, as well as small shields or bucklers. A few of them carried banners of black and yellow fabric, with the face of a wolf patterned on them in dark red.

These warriors fiercely clashed with the Yevon knights and made brutal battle with them. A group of half a dozen of these raiders broke off from the group and came charging at Yuna and her friends. These tribal warriors could sprint with startling speed and power, and they were soon upon them.

"Get ready, here they come!" Paine shouted as she drew her sword and her pistol at once.

Paine and Kimahri took the front, fighting with sword and spear, while Wakka and Tidus reinforced them. Rikku took a sub-machinegun from the chest and came to Yuna's side, while Lulu conjured up black magic into her hands and Lucinda summoned a protective aura. Cid took a scatter gun and loaded it with slugs, while Gippal took a pistol. Dona and Barthello took bolt-action bayoneted carbines from fallen guards. Thus they went on the assault against their enemies, and crushed them thoroughly. Tidus and Paine were wielding their swords in a wide arc and firing rounds from their pistols, while Kimahri routed enemies with his spear, and Rikku and Yuna provided suppressing fire. Lulu cast bolts of lightning from her fingertips into her enemies. When all was said and done they stood together victorious, and their foes were strewn across the floor.

"Good job everyone… now what?" Yuna said.

"Let's meet up with my gang, and make our way through the alleys. We'll try to reach the gate and see if the knights need our help there." Paine replied decisively. Together the band descended the steps and walked onto the street in front of the temple. A crew of a dozen riders came blazing down the street to meet their leader, Paine. They stopped their machina and dismounted. One of Paine's lieutenants reported to her.

"Paine, we have our sisters spread out across the city, and it seems like everywhere we go we're running into these raiders. They must have gotten into the city by disguise or found a secret entrance somewhere. They're trying to get reinforcements through the gates right now. We need to help Lieutenant Elma and her knights, or the city will be flooded with tribal raiders." She said.

Then that's where we'll go. Take everyone at your disposal and ride to the gate immediately. We'll be going there on foot. We'll meet you soon." Paine ordered her. The lieutenant nodded and got back on her machine. She rode with the rest of her group, back down the street on the way to the High Bridge. Paine and Yuna took the lead of their friends and marched down the alleyways behind the crowded streets of the panic stricken city. Most people had run home to hide or hid in the alleys and shops, warehouses and various buildings. In some places the city was eerily quiet and still, apart from the distant sounds of battles and explosions. Yuna spoke to Paine as they walked side-by-side.

"Who are these people, and why would they attack us now of all times?" She asked.

"They are all of the tribes who were driven from their lands by Yevon, for heresy or heathenism, or to take their properties for the uses of Bevelle and Yevon. Some of them fled from Sin in the early days after it appeared. They've lived in the mountains and high rocky climbs of Spira, or hidden in caves and ravines high in the north. Now that Sin is dead they want their lands back, and to continue the worship of old gods and goddesses. They practice dark rituals and associate with fiends." Paine explained.

"How do you know all of this?" Yuna asked, overwhelmed.

"They've been coming down into the lower lands for some time now, since you defeated Sin. They've been quiet about it so far for the most part, but my gang of sisters overhear everything that happens in Bevelle. We have a few women in our ranks who defected from their tribes. They told me… that the tribes all want to conquer Bevelle in order to destroy the remnants of Yevon. They want to take back all of Spira and return it to the old ways they still live by." Paine answered.

"Why didn't you warn anyone?" Yuna asked, somewhat outraged.

"I did. Why do you think they haven't made it through the gate yet? Yevon has had their knights on standby for months now. They couldn't keep all of them out, or figure out all of their plans. Obviously they've detonated one bomb in the city already… I'm sure they have more. We need to be careful, Yuna." Paine replied.

"Why didn't you tell me this sooner?" Yuna asked, still not satisfied. Paine was silent. "Why, Paine?" Yuna insisted.

"I didn't want to upset you. And I hoped that it could wait until after your wedding. I'm sorry. It was a mistake on my part. I regret it now…" Paine said ruefully, and she looked away.

"Why is this happening?" Yuna muttered under her breath. Before she could find time to sulk, another explosion thundered across the city from behind them. They immediately dropped trembling to the ground as a quake shook Bevelle. Yuna looked back down the alleyway and saw a tower blazing in the distance, and then it crumbled down to the ground with a crash. Yuna stood upright as soon as she could and gazed into the distant cloud of smoke with grim detachment. Suddenly she clenched her weapon in both hands and strode down the alley, calling on the others to join her.

"Come on! Whoever they are, we'll drive them out!" She vowed, and together they all marched onward to the plaza at the end of the High Bridge. When they finally reached their destination a scene of carnage awaited them, with armored knights fighting desperately to hold onto the plaza, which was swarming with tribal raiders. As they stepped onto the plaza Yuna looked to the High Bridge and saw it full of marching warriors, flooding into the city. Yuna quaked then, and her heart seemed to be pulsing into her throat, choking her, while all her nerves burned and her skin crawled. The day seemed hopelessly lost. In that moment her spirit was tested, perhaps more so than ever before. She swallowed her fear then and took hold of her assault rifle with a glare of wrath on her fair face.

"Gullwings, attack!" She shouted, and as soon as she spoke Paine lunged forward with her sword drawn, and from behind them dozens of Sisterhood riders came charging into the plaza armed with clubs, axes and some firearms. Yuna and Rikku strode together toward the fray, blasting bullets into the throngs of their enemies. Savage screams and war whoops filled the plaza and echoed from the High Bridge. The knights of Bevelle were holding a thin glimmering line against the dark painted masses of warlike brutes and muscled barbarians. Tidus rushed in front of Yuna and threw himself upon the raiders who had pushed through the defenses and into the plaza. Cid, Gippal, Dona and Barthello formed a team for the battle and guarded each other's backs as they went into the fray. Lulu conjured up a storm of lighting bolts and hurled it in a spiraling maelstrom toward the High Bridge. Dozens of raiders were caught in this elemental torrent and thrown back across the bridge. The onslaught was paused for a moment then, but Lulu was too exhausted for any further such spells and she retired behind Yuna and Rikku.

"I can't keep going, girls. I'm sorry…" Lulu said.

"Just get out of here Lulu, we'll take them!" Rikku urged her. Yuna kept walking toward the High Bridge and passed through the line of knights to face off against the horde still marching toward them. Paine and her band were already there, waiting for the next assault.

"They're still coming…" Paine gasped.

"We have to hold them back, no matter what happens." Yuna said firmly. At that moment reinforcements from the seaside garrison arrived at the back of the plaza. These soldiers were led by a huge man in heavy armor, carrying a large battle-axe. He strode through the knights' line and walked past Yuna and Paine. He was a handsome young man, surely their age, yet he was clearly of muscular build and very powerful. His head was shaved, but he had a full blonde beard and bright blue eyes. His face seemed to smile naturally with confidence, even in such dire circumstances.

"Ladies, perhaps you will allow me?" He said with a gentle yet deep and strong voice, affable and charismatic in tone. Paine and Yuna watched as he charged forward, not caring if his men followed closely or not, and he went to drive back all of the raiders from the High Bridge out into Macalania woods. They watched as he collided with the throngs of oncoming raiders, and he smashed through them as easily as if they were manikins. He cleared wide swaths with his great axe and was soon covered in blood up to his shoulders. As valiantly and skillfully as he fought, he was nonetheless soon surrounded, and his men could not keep pace with him. Paine immediately rushed in to his aid, and Yuna followed her with Tidus and all of their friends beside her. They went in among their enemies and the bloodletting was like a sanguine flood. Yuna went into close quarters combat and engaged targets skillfully with her weapon, putting them down before they could touch her, but when her weapon was emptied she began fighting with her bayonet and Tidus fought beside her with his sword, while Rikku fought with daggers and Wakka picked up a spiked club to join them in the melee.

To all of them in the battle it soon became a blur, and time no longer entered their thoughts, but in only a few moments of intense fighting the remnants of the tribal horde turned and fled, wishing only to escape the fury of Bevelle's defenders. They ran down the High Bridge in a sprint and disappeared into the trees and glistening overgrowth of Macalania. As their enemies dispersed, the heavily armored hero raised his axe with a shout of triumph, laughing at their backs. His men all raised their weapons and shouted his praises, congratulating him on the total rout of their foes. He turned then and strode back to speak with Yuna and Paine.

"Lady Yuna, and Miss Paine, forgive my manners earlier. My name is Brock Boru, I'm a squire on the path to knighthood, and it is a pleasure to meet you both. I'm afraid I must attend to my men and the needs of the council, but if you should require any assistance do not hesitate to ask for me. I am very sorry that this tragic assault has marred your wedding day, Lady Yuna. At least you and your friends were not hurt. And Miss Paine… sometime I might have a word with you on matters concerning your role in the protection of Bevelle, and the service of Yevon, if you would allow it. Please forgive me, Ladies, as I must take my leave. Farewell for now." Brock said to them, and then he strode past them and back across the High Bridge to the plaza. Yuna and Paine stood together watching as he strode away, and abruptly Yuna collapsed to her knees and sat on the floor of the bridge. Tidus immediately knelt beside her and took her hand.

"I'm sorry Yuna… I know it's too much right now, but I don't want you to feel discouraged. I don't want you to regret…" He said solemnly. Yuna's white dress and winged tiara were reddened with splashes of blood, torn and tattered, as were all of the suits and dresses in her wedding company.

"I just can't seem to have a proper wedding." Yuna remarked with a sigh.

"Proper or not, our love will last just the same." Tidus comforted her, with his hands resting upon her upper arms.

"I don't regret anything. I have you, and we have our friends, we have a home… that's all I ever wanted. I just wished for a Calm for us. I wanted it to last for the two of us and for everyone in Spira. Now it's being torn apart by pointless fighting and hatred. I can't believe this… I don't want to believe it." Yuna lamented, and her eyes became damp.

"We still have the Calm, people just can't get along all the time, but eventually they'll learn. They can't keep fighting forever." Tidus assured her. Yuna was silent for a long moment. When she finally spoke again her voice was trembling.

"We still have Besaid. I want to go home. Uncle Cid, please call your ship. Please, take me home. I want us all to go home." Yuna said, and she wiped her face with a blood-stained glove to dry her eyes. Paine stepped beside her then and placed a comforting hand upon her shoulder.

"Yuna, don't give up hope. You brought the Calm, now the rest is up to us. Not everyone can appreciate the beauty of a daring dream. Those of us who can must prove ourselves worthy of the world that we wish for. I wish you peace and happiness for the rest of your days… you've earned it. Don't worry about the rest of Spira now; eventually, we will win. Just give us time." Paine said softly.

"Won't you come with us, Paine? I don't want to lose you…" Yuna beseeched her. Yuna gazed up at Paine in despair, and the look on her smudged and blood-spattered face, dripping with tears, was something that would never leave Paine's memory. She gave out a long, sad sigh, and spoke softly to her friend.

"Go home, Yuna. I wish you all the best, truly in my heart I do, and I'll miss you, but I think this is my journey now. I'll take it from here." Paine said to her, and she patted Yuna on the back gently, then she turned back to the plaza and strode away into the city. Her red duster flowed in the gentle breeze coming through the city from the sea. The back of her duster was embroidered with an image of a white-winged angel, armed with a lance and shield. The words 'Redemption for the Brave' were emblazoned in gold letters above the image.