Disclaimer: The world of Spira and the name of Ellone belong to Square Enix and SquaresSoft in Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy VIII. I claim no rights except to the story itself.
A Moment before Calm
Ancient ruins cluttered the valley below, remnants of a wondrous city long destroyed. Breathing heavily on the cold thin air of the mountain above, three figures emerged, the smallest, Kaira, looking down at the broken city then turning to smile at her companions, her guardians who had protected her throughout her journey, determined to keep the atmosphere light.
"Come see the end of our journey." Kaira said, hand outstretched.
"Don't," Ellone warned, "make it harder on us that it has to be."
"Ellone…"
For years Kaira knew it was her destiny to become a summoner and so she journeyed and yet fear invaded her thoughts and she looked to Xypher for reassurance. Gone was all cheerful pretense as Kaira realized Xypher was already making his way down the mountain.
"Heaven knows we are here to help you." Ellone said, holding the girl by the shoulders. "I know it is difficult for you, but it is also difficult for us…for us to just stand by when you perform the Final Summoning. Just know, we are supporting you… until that time."
Kaira sighed. Light flickered out of her normally energetic eyes at the mention of the Final Summoning, leaving a blank stare, even though it was the objective of every summoner – the only way to defeat Sin, the perennial cause of havoc and destruction in their world, Spira – if only for a few years of Calm when none had to fear Sin attacking their villages and ruining and taking lives; only the Final Summoning performed at the ancient city could hope to defeat Sin, though at a high cost: the life of the summoner was spent, drained by the Final Summoning.
Movement brought Kaira out of her dark thoughts as Ellone passed by her to join Xypher, waving to Kaira to follow them. Never had Kaira questioned or disobeyed Ellone's order but her legs stood fast, glued to the earth. Opening her mouth, Kaira tried to call out to Ellone and Xypher, to beg them to wait for her but her voice came out soft, wavering. "Please… wait…"
Quietness blanketed the air when even the winds died out, as if the mountain waited to see how the guardians would respond: "Having doubts?" Xypher challenged.
Resolution began to reform; yes, the doubts were there, but it won't prevent her from completing her task. "Sin… must be destroyed." Kaira answered. "Together, we will defeat Sin."
United again, the summoner began her descent to the valley. "Very well. We will guard you until the end." Xypher and Ellone smiled. "You will perform the Final Summoning and defeat Sin. Zanarkand, the city of the dead, awaits."