Author's Note and Disclaimer: The characters in this fanfic (save my originals) belong to Square-Enix and the makers of Final Fantasy X. The ideas are entirely my own but I'm sure others have thought of the same plots and written similar fics, but it was NOT my intention to plagiarize anyone in any way, shape, or form.

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Final Fantasy X: The Story of Our Predecessors

Now...now is the time to choose. Die, and be free of your pain...or live, and fight your sorrow.

Like many orphans of Spira, Auron was brought up in the temples of Yevon. He had no memory of his family, nor any recollection of ever being raised outside of Bevelle. He had learned that with faith and penance, Sin would eventually be gone from Spira and they would live without fear. Every tenth generation a new summoner would vanquish Sin and for a time, there would be peace. Auron had only lived to see two High Summoners defeat Sin; High Summoner Yocun when he was five, and High Summoner Ohalland when he turned fifteen. He, along with many other young men, had trained inside the temples to be priests, servants of the faith that would travel to the temples around Spira and spread the Word of Yevon, or warrior monks. Auron chose the latter, as he never had much talent for speaking eloquently and seemed more physically apt to wield a sword. Even though the young boy was attentive and obedient, he still had a knack for trouble when he got rowdy with the other children. One of his most trusted and closest friends was Wen Kinoc, who grew up with Auron in the temples and aspired to be a warrior monk alongside him.

Kinoc was four years older than Auron, but the age difference didn't seem to matter. At the age of sixteen, Auron was initiated into the temple magistrate, where he began intensive training to become a full-fledged warrior monk. Even though Kinoc had been in the magistrate longer, he was slower and clumsier than Auron. Nevertheless, the two helped each other and eventually they both excelled in all warrior skills.

Another acquaintance of Auron's was Braska, who also grew up in Bevelle and was five years older. They did not share common interests, however, and as a result weren't as close. Braska's distaste for the sword and his constant studying led him to become a priest of Yevon. He traveled constantly, visiting other towns and cities in Spira, spreading the teachings of Yevon and educating the younger children. As the young orphans grew up, they eventually parted ways to become servants of the temple – many of them left Bevelle for various temples across Spira, but Braska, Auron, and Kinoc stayed in the holy city, claiming it as their home.

It was the third year of High Summoner Ohalland's Calm when Kinoc and Auron were assigned to patrol the Calm Lands, one of the gateways leading to the holy city. For the most part, the Ronso dominated the northern areas of the Calm Lands, guarding their sacred mountain, but there was no need to worry about intruders during the Calm. Nobody was interested in Zanarkand; in fact, they wanted to forget the place, at least temporarily. It was only a sad reminder of what was yet to come – again. There was a mere seven years left and everyone wanted to savor what little time they had in peace. Therefore, the whole of Spira, including the Calm Lands, were a place of much activity. The Calm Lands was especially full of hustle and bustle; for it had the most space, the best view, it was close to Bevelle, and it was also adjacent to Macalania Forest. Many families liked to visit and vacation different areas of Spira to see the sights, but because of this, fiends were ever-present. The Crusaders put forth their best efforts and most of their manpower surrounding the Blitzball stadium, but it was up to the warrior monks of Bevelle to protect the city's gates and the nearby touring citizens of Spira.

At night, campfires blazed and people laughed as they spun stories and sung songs, mostly of happy prayer, and during the day there were children's games, some Blitzball practice, exploration via chocobo, random pilgrims traveling alone to admire the scenery, and various trade comings and goings. Every day was a busy day, but the warriors were to stay alert at all times. Sometimes fiends trickled in through the underbelly of the sunken caves outside of the fields, but at worst-case-scenarios they would materialize from an apparition of pyreflies and wreak havoc if a warrior monk wasn't close by. Auron and Kinoc, however, took the job most seriously and there was hardly ever an incident when they were on watch.

One evening, before settling down for their evening meal, Kinoc had brought up the concept of marriage. They had finished their patrol and were heading back to their small campsite nestled in the Calm Lands. Kinoc took off his helmet, ran a gloved hand through his already-thinning brown hair, and snapped the reins of his chocobo, urging it to slowly walk forward. Auron was pulling his chocobo alongside him, opting to walk.

"Have you heard? Makkar recently took a priestess bride," Kinoc nonchalantly stated.

Auron glanced at him. "Indeed?"

"They're headed to Kilika. Reyes also married a few weeks ago."

Auron nodded slowly, wondering if Kinoc had a point to all this. "May they be blessed by Yevon."

Kinoc nodded with him, then cleared his throat. "'Tis time you think about taking a wife, Auron."

Auron snorted. "I have no time for marriage."

"No time? This is the best time!"

"This is the worst time. I've only been in the magistrate for two years."

"And gaining the most recognition anyone has ever seen! Auron, you are young…you should take advantage of the time you have, while it lasts."

"You should take your own advice, my friend. You're four years older than I."

Kinoc sighed. "My duties surpass those I would have towards my bride."

Auron raised an eyebrow at him. "My duties are as yours; to the temples. Taking a wife may suit others, but it would not suit me. I would place Yevon first."

"That's not what I meant," Kinoc lowered his head. "You're moving swiftly up the ranks, Auron. You've become a renowned warrior monk. I look on as an older brother. I would just like to see you happily settled down with a wife, tucked away in Bevelle, far away from Sin."

Auron curled a lip. "Bevelle is not immune to Sin just because it is the home of Yevon. My goal is not to gain propriety in order to live a good life; you of all people should know that, Kinoc. We do what we do so all of Spira has a chance to atone and to learn the teachings of Yevon."

"Of course."

"Besides, the way you talk, you sound as if you're an old man, reaching beyond your years."

"I might as well be, my friend. My hair is almost gone."

"You are not yet twenty-five. Stop spouting nonsense."

"You're the more handsome one," Kinoc chuckled. "You'll have better luck than me."

"I grow weary of this talk," Auron sighed. "Must I bear you as I would a balding mother?"

Kinoc laughed out loud. "Ah, there's the jest. I knew it would come sooner or later."

"You left me no choice."

"You're going to be angry with me when I tell you I will soon put you in another situation; of which you'll have no choice as well."

Auron stopped his chocobo and crossed his arms. "What are you up to, Kinoc?"

"As you have said, Auron, you leave me no choice."

"I do not like that tone."

"You'll see when we reach camp."

With a reluctant groan, Auron followed Kinoc back to the camp, where they passed by other tents of warrior monks and tourists alike. The people were roasting food on spits and some were playing instruments and humming soft tunes. Their campsite was marked with a small flag of Bevelle to let the people know that they were officially there for their protection in case anything was needed. Auron tied his chocobo to a post, Kinoc did the same, and they both unloaded their gear to make ready for food and rest. Auron sat down on the ground to remove his boots, but Kinoc held up a hand.

"Wait; do not do that yet."

"What?"

"And stand up. Get up off the ground, for goodness sakes."

Known to be a strict man and sometimes downright blunt, Auron heaved an obvious sigh of discontent and narrowed his eyes at Kinoc.

"What in Spira have you concocted up now?"

"She'll arrive any minute – you must remember to be on your best behavior."

"She?" Auron rolled his eyes and shook his head. "I cannot believe you would do this to me. I thought you were supposed to be my friend, Kinoc."

"I am your friend, Auron."

"This childish business of yours trying to find me a match is a waste of time," Auron unclipped his robe in the front, untied his monk's sash, and pulled off the red coat, exposing his armor. As he gathered up pieces of firewood, he threw them into the center of the campsite with disgust. "You've already tried this twice. I will not tolerate it again."

"I am determined to make you happy."

"I am happy, Kinoc."

"You're disgruntled."

Auron scowled.

"You see?" Kinoc pointed at him. "I know you better than you know yourself."

"I'm only disgruntled now because you're being unreasonable."

"Upon the Fayth, Auron, what will it take for you to at least consider my judgment?"

"When it comes to a woman, I will reserve my own judgment. And don't blaspheme."

"Kinoc?" A woman's voice rang out among the camp, and a priestess had emerged from the neighboring sites, putting her hands forward and greeting the monk with a smile and the sign of the prayer. "Oh, Sir Kinoc, it is you! I was wondering about the message. How fare you? Is everything all right?"

Intent on sabotaging Kinoc's plan, Auron paid absolutely no attention to the priestess, knowing that Kinoc was set to match her with him. Instead, he continued gathering firewood and was suddenly very interested in finding some flint.

"Everything is fine; yet I heard you were out here on your duties and decided to send for you. My fellow monk and I have been stationed out here for the next few months or so, it seems."

"Oh! How wonderful!" The priestess glanced over towards Auron at his mention, but his back was turned to her as he was trying to ignite the campfire, pretending ignorance to his surroundings.

Kinoc cleared his throat loudly but Auron refused to acknowledge him. The priestess blinked, but after a split second of an awkward pause, she seemed to immediately catch on.

"Have you received word of my father?" she asked, changing the subject. "How is he?"

"Busy as always," Kinoc replied with a smile. "Your Lord Father spends most of his days inside the temples and in his study, writing manuscripts and tutoring others for Yevon."

She made the sign of prayer again and nodded. "He always was devoted to his work. Truly Yevon will bless him for all of his contributions."

"Of course," Kinoc lowered his head and glanced at Auron, suppressing the urge to kick him in the rear. The fire was in its initial stages of burning, but Auron added a few more pieces for good measure. The priestess suppressed a chuckle at Kinoc's expression and at Auron's rigid figure, but promptly straightened her face.

"And who is your partner that patrols with you?" she asked politely.

"Auron, come and meet a childhood friend of mine," the tone in his voice was almost demanding as Kinoc held out a hand and forced a smile.

Auron groaned inwardly, knowing he couldn't be outright rude to a stranger. He stood and turned, forming the sign of prayer and nodding to the priestess. She was clad in the usual Yevon garb; her little bonnet was pinned to her head and had small tassles on each side. Brown, wavy hair was tucked behind her and she wore the traditional priestess robe; white long sleeves, green etchings of the teachings of Yevon were sewn up and down the length of the robe, blue and green symbols spanned the middle, and she wore an orange stole. To Auron, all the priestesses were beginning to look the same, and this one was apparently no different. However, he chastened himself. It wasn't her fault that she was standing in their campsite, probably feeling just as uncomfortable as he. Placing blame on others would never move Spira forward. She was only doing her duty. She was a priestess of Yevon just as much as he was a warrior monk to Yevon.

"Auron," Kinoc slapped a hand on his shoulder, "this is Yasmina. She's skilled in the white arts and is a healer for the surrounding areas of Bevelle. She also travels on various missions to help the warrior monks and Crusaders."

Yasmina nodded to him. "Sir Auron, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Auron gave her a curt nod in reply. "As it is mine, my lady."

"I don' t suppose Sir Kinoc has told you about my Lord Father, Father Durram?"

Auron's eyebrows arched slightly in surprise. "No, my lady, he hasn't. But I've heard of High Priest Durram…he spends much of his time in the oversight of training other priests, does he not?"

"Yes, indeed. In fact, he was quite disappointed to find that I had not become an official priestess myself, but a healer instead."

"But I am sure he is pleased to know you're still performing the teachings of Yevon through helping others," Auron pointed out.

Yasmina looked at the ground but maintained her smile. "Yes…"

There was a slight pause, as Auron wondered at her statement, which seemed rather cryptic. She suddenly shifted her feet and looked uncomfortable.

"I've known Yasmina from the time she was born," Kinoc grinned, not skipping a beat. "Yet I believe it was she who taught me how to tie my shoes."

Yasmina laughed. "Only because you were too busy with your roughplay than with your fashion. And how long have you known Kinoc, Sir Auron?"

"As long as I can remember," Auron replied. "We grew up together as well. I wonder why I have not seen you in the temples before?"

"I'm sure you have," Yasmina shrugged, "yet we've all been so busy that it's hard to remember everyone's face. Besides, I've been traveling as of late. This is only the fifth time I've been home in Bevelle."

"Yasmina is in her seventeenth year," Kinoc grinned. "And already she excels at the healing arts. She is hailed throughout Spira!"

"You exaggerate, Kinoc," Yasmina smiled and looked down. "I only do what I can for the people."

"And Auron here is becoming quite the warrior monk, only in his eighteenth year," Kinoc slapped his shoulder again and Auron forced a half-smile, glaring at Kinoc with hard eyes. Kinoc ignored him.

"Of course, you're the one the priests have all been talking about!" Yasmina smiled at him. "I hear you already command a unit! Congratulations on all your hard work! Praise be to Yevon."

As she made the sign of the prayer again, Auron bowed slightly.

"Thank you."

"Well, gentleman, I must be getting back to my duties." She turned to Kinoc and squeezed his hand. "I thank you for letting me know you were here. It's good to see a familiar face."

"Likewise, Yasmina. You take care of yourself."

Yasmina nodded and turned to Auron. "It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Sir Auron. May Yevon be with you."

Auron made the sign of the prayer with her and nodded. "As with you, my lady."

After she walked off and Kinoc was sure she was out of earshot, he turned to chide Auron.

"How could you be so insensitive?" he hissed. "You did not even repeat her name!"

"A name which I would forget come tomorrow," Auron replied airily. "Come now, Kinoc, surely you did not expect me to take interest in someone I've not met before."

"I would expect you to at least give her the time of day."

Auron chuckled. "She was no fool, my friend. She caught on to your mischief. She knew as well as I what you were trying to do."

"Mischief," Kinoc snorted. "If you would but realize what I try to do for you…"

"Kinoc, the women that interest you do not necessarily interest me."

"Yasmina does not interest me. She is a good friend."

"She does not interest me, either. Let us make no more qualms about it."

Kinoc sat against a log and sighed loudly. "Auron, you are as stubborn as they come. I hope you know that."

Auron grinned and pulled off his boots. "You say I'm stubborn, but it is you who will not give up this matchmaking business."

Kinoc remained silent.

Digging in a rucksack to pull out some dried meat and fruit, Auron threw Kinoc a few pieces and sat back against a large stone. "Would it be too much to ask, my friend, that you would forget about wives and marriage? Worry about your own future; do not fret over mine."

"I wish I could, but I know too well that you would ignore the issue until you are way past your prime," Kinoc muttered. "I know it sounds foolish, but I had always wished there was something more for you besides fighting and death. It is the least I can do for a friend."

Auron sighed. In a world with Sin around, there was no time for love. Loving someone could mean it would be anguish and pain later over their death. He had seen it so many times amongst others he lost count. Then, of course, they would become fiends if they weren't properly sent. As a warrior monk, Auron would always wonder what poor soul he was really destroying when he killed the fiends that would appear. He was fighting off someone's husband, someone's wife, someone's brother, someone's daughter…would marrying someone mean happiness? Would it be something more to him? No. It was simply better to do his duty as a warrior monk and leave marriage to someone who truly deserved it.

"We cannot afford something more," Auron finally replied darkly. "The only thing we can do is pray and protect the people. We must not put ourselves first. It is everyone else's happiness that we should pray for; not our own."

Kinoc remained silent. After they finished eating, Auron rolled up his red robe and used it as a pillow as he lay down to gaze at the stars above. He thought nothing more of the young woman he met and instead thought about what everyone in Spira was doing at that exact same time, under the stars, under the Calm. They had seven years left; Auron would savor the peace as long as he could and acknowledged that he was blessed to live this long. He recited a silent prayer, asked Yevon to be merciful and good towards others, then fell into a deep sleep.