6: The Four Powers
"Back in the time of the Summoner, long before Gaia had flourished into the world it has
become, the Summoners of Madain Sari held a large gathering, longing to commemorate their
past. Together, the Summoners selected four individuals, one from each continent of the earth.
These Summoners had to sacrifice their powers for the greater good of Gaia.
"Each represented a different element, a different plane of reality and a different side of
the moon, or Terra, as it is now known. These elements, through the release of their powers
were welded together into a giant, glowing crystal. The streams of life were said to flow within
it, and it became known as the heart of Gaia.
"For many years it rested atop a platform, surrounded by the Eidolon Wall. The chosen
would take turns guarding the treasure, and as time went on, so would their children, and their
children's children. But one day, less than three decades ago, disaster struck the Summoner
kingdom that was Madain Sari.
"A large, red glowing eye shone down through the clouds that stormy night, and shot its
blood stained ray of light down into the heart of Gaia. At first, the Crystal was able to deflect
the glow, destroying many of Madain Sari's people and homes. But when it could hold off no
more, the red beam sunk into a divided the Crystal, into not four, but five parts. Each held the
spirit of an element of Gaia, although the fifths purpose remains a mystery.
"Lost throughout Gaia, the five crystals would no longer be able to defend the planet in
the way they once had. The guardians tried desperately to hunt them down, but to no avail.
They were forever lost in Gaia's wilderness.
"This is where the problem has arisen, for Lindblum, Burmecia and even Cleyra. After
the reign of Kuja, the people of Gaia thought there would be nothing left to fear. However, a
year ago, the earth, the air, the sea and the flames of every fire began to cry out in pain. The
weather would change drastically, and all was not well for the planet. And then, the moon...
"Terra began to show similar signs. Even from the ground it was evident that both
planets were sick. Everything that has happened to Gaia, will either happen or already has
happened to Terra. Recently, there has been a shift on Gaia and Terra's axis, causing the Four
Elemental Temples to arise tall and strong once more. With them, came the four powers, dark
and evil spirits searching for the five crystals so that they might reign in human form once more.
"A group of warriors ventured off to fight the powers, but have never returned. Many
believe that their souls have been captured by the evil spirits. I don't know what to think...
"But this is all we know. And as soon as Terra changes, so will Gaia. It could take
seconds, days or months, but Gaia will follow its lead. Terra has become our mirror.
Somewhere we went wrong, and now we have to pay the price. There is only one who the
people believe might have the answer... Queen Eiko. But no one can visit her anymore... So
we are doomed..."
"Back in the time of the Summoner, long before Gaia had flourished into the world it has
become, the Summoners of Madain Sari held a large gathering, longing to commemorate their
past. Together, the Summoners selected four individuals, one from each continent of the earth.
These Summoners had to sacrifice their powers for the greater good of Gaia.
"Each represented a different element, a different plane of reality and a different side of
the moon, or Terra, as it is now known. These elements, through the release of their powers
were welded together into a giant, glowing crystal. The streams of life were said to flow within
it, and it became known as the heart of Gaia.
"For many years it rested atop a platform, surrounded by the Eidolon Wall. The chosen
would take turns guarding the treasure, and as time went on, so would their children, and their
children's children. But one day, less than three decades ago, disaster struck the Summoner
kingdom that was Madain Sari.
"A large, red glowing eye shone down through the clouds that stormy night, and shot its
blood stained ray of light down into the heart of Gaia. At first, the Crystal was able to deflect
the glow, destroying many of Madain Sari's people and homes. But when it could hold off no
more, the red beam sunk into a divided the Crystal, into not four, but five parts. Each held the
spirit of an element of Gaia, although the fifths purpose remains a mystery.
"Lost throughout Gaia, the five crystals would no longer be able to defend the planet in
the way they once had. The guardians tried desperately to hunt them down, but to no avail.
They were forever lost in Gaia's wilderness.
"This is where the problem has arisen, for Lindblum, Burmecia and even Cleyra. After
the reign of Kuja, the people of Gaia thought there would be nothing left to fear. However, a
year ago, the earth, the air, the sea and the flames of every fire began to cry out in pain. The
weather would change drastically, and all was not well for the planet. And then, the moon...
"Terra began to show similar signs. Even from the ground it was evident that both
planets were sick. Everything that has happened to Gaia, will either happen or already has
happened to Terra. Recently, there has been a shift on Gaia and Terra's axis, causing the Four
Elemental Temples to arise tall and strong once more. With them, came the four powers, dark
and evil spirits searching for the five crystals so that they might reign in human form once more.
"A group of warriors ventured off to fight the powers, but have never returned. Many
believe that their souls have been captured by the evil spirits. I don't know what to think...
"But this is all we know. And as soon as Terra changes, so will Gaia. It could take
seconds, days or months, but Gaia will follow its lead. Terra has become our mirror.
Somewhere we went wrong, and now we have to pay the price. There is only one who the
people believe might have the answer... Queen Eiko. But no one can visit her anymore... So
we are doomed..."