Chapter One: Fragile Dreams

Blinding sunlight filtered through the transparent white curtains, casting bright spots on the sleeping boy's small frame. He stirred, but didn't wake even as saliva dripped from his gaping mouth onto his pillow. The Summoner had fallen into a deep slumber after thoroughly studying up on spells the previous night. So far, he was able to cast beginning Black Magics, in addition to calling forth a few Aeons. He still struggled to learn simple healing tomes, though his mother attempted to teach him White Magic.

Snoring loudly, Seymour rolled onto his side as he dreamed of the future– a future that he longed for. He was an adult who could accurately cast even the most complex of spells. The people looked to him as a leader, just like his mother and father said they would. Wherever he went, a group of loyal religious folk followed him, the New Maester of Yevon. He turned from his followers to see both his parents' smiling faces. His father had retired, and his mother had helped him bring about the Calm. His parents had aged considerably, but they remained in good health. It was as if Yevon had blessed them all.

However, it would seem that his dreaming would be cut short. Lord Jyscal knocked on his son's closed door, and when he didn't get a response right away, he decided to enter the room. "It's nearly afternoon, Seymour. We were supposed to meet up with your mother and Tromell at the Thunder Plains." His father said clearly, startling the boy awake.

"It's afternoon? Oh, no! Father, why didn't you wake me sooner?" The blunette demanded, hastily sitting up. "Is mother safe? What if the Lightning Rod Towers don't hold much electricity?" The Summoner-in-training held onto his fragile dreams, no matter how faraway they were. A world without Sin wasn't impossible. If Summoners throughout the ages could put a stop to Sin's destruction then so could he.

Jumping out of bed, Seymour landed on his feet, and then looked up at his dad. His gray-blue hues widened slightly and he murmured, "Couldn't I take a break from my pilgrimage, if only for a day?" He knew stopping for a short time went against everything his parents believed in– they always told him to see something through to the end. While summoning Aeons, traveling, and the like were exciting at times, it didn't do much to entertain him. More often than not, the boy found himself bored, and wishing he could play with children his age.

"Tromell and your mother are waiting for you. They've promised to guard you in my stead."

The boy's lips formed into a pout before he whined out, "You haven't answered my questions! We will be okay, won't we? Mother hasn't had much time for herself. She's almost always aiding someone! And Tromell, well.. he's getting a little too old to protect anyone."

Jyscal sighed softly and made his way to the child's side, bending down so he was eye level with his son. "Now, Seymour. You must remember to take your pilgrimage seriously. I, too wish you had more time to rest, but you're fighting for the good of the people of Guadosalam– no, all of Spira. Your mother and I share your dream of a future filled with hope and happiness." His smile faltered briefly as he reached out a hand to gently pat Seymour on the head. If only I hadn't have fought for your return, Seymour. You'd still be safe in the ruins of Baaj Temple. The elder Guado thought sadly, as tears welled in his eyes. It was his fault the citizens of Spira and Maesters had made an exception, allowing his family to escape that secluded place.

Jyscal had taken it upon himself to go to Luca, and give an anti-prejudice speech among a large audience. The very words he'd spoken then haunted him to this day, "You would keep a family separated because you cannot stand the fact that a human and a Guado love each other? What of our child? You do realize that banishing an apprentice Summoner without allowing him to complete his pilgrimage is an act of selfishness?" Many Guado standing in the crowd cheered, and the most powerful Maester of Yevon, Mika was rendered speechless. It was later decided that Seymour would be allowed to return to the nation, but conditions were set. Jyscal wouldn't be permitted to guard his son because his people "needed" a strong leader such as him to guide them. Reluctantly, he accepted the rules. Nothing was said about his son coming home to visit him briefly though, and some rules were made to be broken.

It wasn't until he'd looked over a book in his study recently that Jyscal came to a realization: a Summoner could only call forth the Final Aeon if one of their Guardians became a Fayth. The power of doing such an act would prove fatal, ending the Summoner's life instantly, or so he'd read in a volume that documented Lady Yocun's journey. It was likely his son and his wife didn't realize what they were getting themselves into.

"Father?" The boy inquired softly. He was puzzled by his parent's odd behavior, but decided not to question it any further. "Let's go! Mother needs us both."

Jyscal shook his head as his thoughts were interrupted. "I can only escort you to her. I have a duty as a Maester to remain here in Guadosalam. Our people need me. Get ready, and we'll leave shortly." He trailed off, and stood up to his full height before exiting Seymour's room.

What could be bothering father? He's been acting strange lately! The blunette thought while he quickly made his bed. He gathered up a few of his belongings, and then hastened to find his father. Joining up with his mother and Tromell would be difficult, especially if Seymour trudged across the Thunder Plains alone. He was secretly thankful that his father would accompany him for a short time. Making his way up the stairs to his parent's room, he called out to his dad, "Father, I'm ready!"

Jyscal had just finished organizing his jewelry when his son burst into his room. "I've bought a few accessories that ward against Thunder. We're going to need them, seeing as how the storm never lets up." He handed his son a necklace that had a yellow topaz pendant in the shape of a lightning bolt.

The child eagerly received the jewelry, holding the small pendant up to the light. The beautiful lightning bolt shimmered brilliantly, earning a broad grin from Seymour.

"Come, Seymour." The middle aged Guado announced, startling his son for a second time.

The Summoner almost dropped the necklace, but quickly grabbed it before it fell to the floor. "Yes, father. I'm ready." He repeated, his face reddened from embarrassment.

Jyscal beamed back at the boy, and led the way out of Guadosalam, into the stormy plains. It would possibly take all afternoon or longer to catch up with his wife and Tromell.