CHAPTER ONE
Father told me that the world was just as confused as a child my age, or, that was what he used to say when we went to pray at the Temple every day. He said it was trying to find its way, just as I was; and that it, too, would some day make mistakes. He told me to pray for the world, to pray and keep hoping that it would learn from its mistakes and make itself a better place.
And so, I prayed.
When I did, I felt connected somehow, I felt whole when I prayed for the world. A warm feeling grew inside of me as I felt that I was saving it, protecting it, guiding it like a lost child in a crowd of Sin. I would lie on the ground, caressing the grass between my small fingers, and pray that the world would find its way. Mother and father never scolded me, or told me it was wrong to act in such a way. But they did wonder why I behaved so, and I answered honestly.
"I want to help the world."
Mother would choke on a tear, holding back her tears, and would turn away. Father would smile lightly and kiss me on the forehead, leaving me to lie back down and keep on praying.
Children would ask for me to come and play, and I would consent, and go along with their games. But more often than not, I would wander away and find myself wading in the water of the beach, feeling the world between my toes and beneath my feet. The feeling was wonderful, to feel so connected and at peace, I never wanted to leave. But to no avail, I was always pulled away.
"Lenne, Lenne! Time to go home!"
I obeyed, being the proud daughter of a High Summoner of Yevon. I loved my father, and I loved my mother, and I loved my world that I found so soothing and warming. I loved it all.
Praying turned into more than just words as I grew older, it turned into tunes and melodies. The odd discovery flowed through me naturally, and my voice erupted into something just short of inspiration for the people of Yevon. Sure, I had heard plenty of people sing in the Temple, just not the way I interpreted it. The Temple priests chanted, it was dull and lonely and without feeling. But my songs, they were filled with hope and prayer, always intended for my world; and it was always for my father.
I sang for him every night with the playing of the piano behind me. But I never heard it, for in my head, I heard the rustle of leaves; and the gentle breeze, or the rolling waves pushing me. I heard my world, my precious world I prayed for every day.
When I finished my song, my father and mother applauded me, praising every single thing about my performance; my courage, my charisma, my passion. I felt blessed.
But a time did come when I could no longer sing at night for my father for the audience dwindled down to the company of my mother. For you see, my father was loyal to Yevon, and had become increasingly busy. Yet I felt sad at first, I grew used to his absence in my life as I was growing and becoming independent. But I still sought to pray for my world, to keep holding its hand and guiding its way along the right path. And my time came when I told my mother I wanted to embrace that life of a Songstress, to spread the healing word I had to offer with my voice and music. She understood, allowing me to do as I pleased. And I did do as I wanted, but it had done me not one ounce of good. And so, I prayed for a sign from the world to give me an opportunity to share my voice and love.
The next morning, my prayers had been answered.
"Lenne, darling, you love this world, don't you?" my mother had asked as we sat together in the early morning grass.
"Of course."
"Then why not train to be a High Summoner?"
"Like father?"
I felt a pang of desire and sadness; I loved my father, but I also loved to sing. How could I sing if I were to be a Summoner.
"Yes."
"I…am not sure."
Sensing my hesitance, mother sighed and pulled me into her lap, cradling me in her arms.
"Close your eyes."
I did.
"Do you feel that breeze? Do you hear the sound of the ocean and the swaying of the leaves?"
"I do."
"As a High Summoner, you are connected with this world than any one normal person could be. Music will never leave you, it is in everything that you are surrounded by, all you have to do is listen."
"I will be able to help the world?"
"More than you are now."
"And I can still sing?"
"Of course."
I pondered the thought of such a thing happening. Summoning had not been a topic we discussed so lightly. My mother and father did not want to push me into anything I did not want to do, they wanted me to choose for myself.
"Will father help me?"
"If you wish."
Again, I thought once more, taking it in. Summoning could be no worse than school, and if I were connecting with the world through a deeper purpose, there was no greater reward. I would try, and I would do my best.
"When can I start?"
I felt a light chuckle escape my mother, ringing against her chest and tingling against my back.
"This is your life Lenne, I'll understand if you do not want to do this. I only suggested."
"I know mother, I just…want to help."
She patted my head.
"You are such a good girl. So loyal and obedient."
In her words I sensed a hint of sadness and disappointment. I was unsure why she sounded so morose about it. I had done nothing wrong my entire life, always doing as I was told. How could she be disappointed?
"I love you mother."
"As I love you."
She held me tighter to her until we felt the rays of the sun beating down on us, burning our skin.
I was sure, at this moment in my mother's arms, that I would be a Summoner no matter what…and I would find a way to sing my songs.
