A/N: You all are going to think I'm the fastest writer in the known universe, but actually almost all of this chapter and the next have been written for a long time. The next update may be a ways off; we'll see how it goes.

Shattered Calm: Part I

I crawled out of the tent pitched next to Djose Temple and blinked in the dawn light as I secured my armor, then pulled on the heavy orange coat that signified my rank. The rest of my squad was up and finishing breakfast. I walked over to them and accepted the biscuit and mug of coffee that Kal handed to me. He was my Lead Archer and had served me in that role for nearly three years. During his time in Besaid, he gained quite a reputation for his skill with the bow. I'd specifically requested him when I was first promoted to captain, of Kilika Garrison's Second Squadron. When I'd been offered my current position, I made sure that bringing him along was part of the deal.

"Morning, Captain," he said. "Sleep well?"

"Just fine, Lieutenant. Yourself?"

"Not bad, considering all the rocks under the tent." He rubbed his neck, and I chuckled. "Think you'll have time to see your sister on the way back?"

"Probably not," I replied, sipping the strong beverage. "The Maester wants to return to Bevelle within the week, and we're stopping in Guadosalam along the way. I have some leave coming up next month, so I'll get plenty of time to visit then." I felt a pang as I said it, though -- my latest promotion had kept me so busy that it had been a long time since I'd made it to Tzeki Village. I tried to spend a few weeks there each year over a visit or two. But lately we'd all had to make do with letters and spheres. I hadn't seen Relle except in recordings for over a year. "Are you prepared for the morning?"

"Almost. We just have to finish cleaning up breakfast."

I nodded, bit into my biscuit, and surveyed my troops. Twelve swords, including myself, five archers, three mages, and all among Bevelle's finest, as befitted Gray Squadron. I glanced up at the standard hoisted over my tent, flapping in the gentle breeze. A gray banner, edged in green, the sigil of our Maester's office emblazoned on it in orange -- the same banner that had caught my eye on my very first day in Bevelle six years ago. Had it really been six years? I took another gulp of coffee and shook my head to clear the last cobwebs of sleep.

My Lead Sword, Jass, finished putting out the fire and walked over to me. He'd taken his oath just over two years ago and had already risen to be my right hand, as Kal was my left. I'd also brought him along from Kilika, where he'd started as just another swordsman. But his obvious skills, our easy rapport, and a well-timed vacancy had earned him the promotion to Lieutenant within months. "Ready for the ceremony, Captain?" he asked.

I nodded. "Looking forward to it," I said. "I'm so pleased for Kinoc." We hadn't served together since that year in Gray Squad, but we'd kept up and were still good friends. He was being promoted to Commander and transferred to the Crusaders to lead three squadrons, including the Chocobo Knights. I finished my drink, dropped the cup to my feet, and pulled on my leather gloves. "Gray Squad!" I shouted to the group.

"Aye, Captain!" they replied in unison, falling quickly into formation.

I took my accustomed place standing in front of them. "You all know why we're here today -- to fill our traditional role as guard to Maester Brac as he performs the swearing-in ceremony for all the Crusaders receiving commissions. Our role is largely symbolic, but as always we should be prepared for anything. Whatever happens, your first duty is to protect the Maester, then the temple. Understood?"

"Aye sir!"

"Very good," I said. "Now let's break camp; we don't need to go anywhere, but these tents will be in the way once the Maester gets started."

The ceremony actually took place outside the temple, in the open expanse before the entrance. Nearly a hundred men and women stood before Maester Brac to watch or participate in the event, a flock of armored chocobos preening and squawking off to the side -- many representatives of the mounted force had come to meet their new leader. First the Maester welcomed the new recruits, and then he worked his way up through the promotions. It was my second time watching Crusaders as they were blessed by the Maester, and this ceremony warmed my heart nearly as much as observing the swearing-in of new warrior monks. Our work protecting the priests and the temples was surely a sacred duty, but the Crusaders served all the people of Spira. In some ways, I thought that to be an even more worthy cause, and hearing these fighters accept such an important responsibility made me proud to be a part of Yevon.

As the person being granted the highest rank, Kinoc went last, and alone. He'd grown a short beard, but otherwise he looked like the same eager young man I'd met six years ago. My friend stepped up to the Maester, grinning broadly with pride. I caught his eye and smiled back.

Kinoc knelt before Maester Brac, handing him his sword as the ritual demanded. The Maester had just began to speak the words when he was interrupted by a cry from behind me, the one we had all been subconsciously dreading for years.

"Sin!"

My head whipped around, in unison with scores of others, to stare at Jass, who pointed a trembling arm out to sea. I turned again, in the direction he indicated, to see a massive gray shape swimming far out in the ocean, and my heart crashed down into my stomach.

The Calm was over.

No time to mourn, though. If we were to protect the Maester and the temple, not to mention ourselves, we needed to swing into immediate action. Not only was Sin approaching, I could see a swarm of Sinspawn coming at us through the water. "Attention Gray Squad!" I shouted.

Their training served them well -- it only took a second for the shock to pass. "Aye sir!" came the almost instant response.

"Archers and mages to the bluffs!" I ordered. "Get as many of them as you can before they hit the beach. Go, now!"

Kal gathered his troops together, and they started scrambling for the high ground.

"Brother Rickard, escort the Maester into the temple, then get me Commander Gibson if he's not already roused." Gibson was now the leader of Djose Garrison; I would need to coordinate the defense of the temple with him. The swordsman I had addressed walked over to Maester Brac and took his arm as they hurried away. "Swords, you're with me. Hold the bridge to the temple until I say otherwise -- stop anything that gets past the arrows and spells. Understood?"

"Aye, Captain," they called, and we started to move over to the area I'd indicated, when I heard one of the archers call my name. I craned my head around to see Kal indicating at the Sinspawn.

"Captain!" he cried. "It looks like some of the Sinspawn have broken away from the main group. I think they're headed up the Moonflow!"

"The Moonflow," I whispered. My blood turned to ice in my veins and my voice rose to a shout. "No!"

I didn't have time to react further before Kinoc noticed my distress. He broke away from where he was organizing the Crusaders into squadrons and jogged over to me. "I see it! I'll send two squads after those Sinspawn -- the Chocobo Knights can probably even beat them to Tzeki. You need to stay put. Sin still appears to be heading for the temple, and your duty is to protect the Maester. You'd never make it in time anyway. Let the Crusaders take care of the shoopuf stations and the village; it's our job."

Struggling to control my feelings, I threw him a look of desperation. "Tzeki... it doesn't have a Crusader outpost... my home..."

He placed a calming hand on my arm and lowered his voice. "We'll keep them all safe, Auron." Anyone overhearing him would assume he meant my family. I knew that he was also referring to Arelle. "I'll see to it personally. You have my word."

I took a deep breath and looked at the sky, centering myself as I had been taught, clearing my mind of the emotions paralyzing me. The moment of terror past, I returned my gaze to him and nodded gratefully, unable to speak for a moment. He squeezed my arm and returned to his soldiers, shouting orders all the way, then swung himself up onto a chocobo. The Knights followed suit, and the herd thundered across the bridge as they headed for the river. One Crusader squad followed on foot, marching quickly. Two remained, and their leader ran up to me. I recognized her from the ceremony as a newly-made captain.

"Captain Auron? I'm Captain Ishika," she said, saluting. "These Crusader squadrons are under your command by order of Commander Kinoc."

I saluted in return, but before I could answer, a group of warrior monks burst out of the temple doors: Djose Garrison. Or part of it, anyway, I thought, frowning as I counted heads. Rickard followed on the heels of a captain who was a stranger to me. The two men strode through the crowd and joined me on the bridge.

"Captain Barrin and Second Djose Squad, sir," the officer said. "Commander Gibson and First Djose are away at Mushroom Rock, so Maester Brac has temporarily transferred command to you."

"Understood," I said. "Send your archers and mages to the bluffs. Swords will back us up behind the bridge."

"Yessir." Barrin saluted and went to convey my orders to his men.

I looked around at the men and women who would fight for me today. "Gray Squad, orders are unchanged. Hold that bridge! Crusaders, take the beach! Second Djose, guard the entrance. Nothing gets through to the temple. Understood?"

"Aye sir!"

I faced the ocean and unsheathed my sword in one smooth motion, holding it out in front of me as I stepped onto the bridge. "Yevon be with us!"

'Yevon be with us!" the warrior monks behind me chorused in return. It was the traditional battle cry of our Order, but as we said it that day, it was also a heartfelt prayer.

Assembled, we stood in silence, waiting for the Sinspawn to approach close enough for the attack. Sin itself hung back in the distance, almost as if it was waiting for some signal. I had never seen the mighty monster itself, only its spawn, and those not since I was a youth. But I found that I was not afraid. Nervous, yes, but also almost excited. The moment I had been training for all my life had finally come. Part of me had been hoping that it would never arrive, but now that it was here, I welcomed the opportunity to test myself. I glanced over to Jass, standing on my right, the light rapier he favored drawn, and caught similar anticipation in his pale blue eyes.

"Ready?" I asked him under my breath.

"As I'll ever be," he said, a ghost of a smile flashing across his face.

"Fire!" Kal shouted from atop the bluff, and a fleet of arrows passed over our heads and into the sea, cutting down Sinspawn. Magical thunder and fire blazed through the teeming mass as well. But for every one that fell, three scrambled out of the water and onto the beach, where Crusader swords and spears were waiting for them. They held the line for several moments, and I took the opportunity to assess the enemy. The beasts we were facing were bug-like in appearance, with many-jointed legs, hard carapaces, and antennae, all covered in sharp spikes. Wicked-looking mandibles snapped in front of their gray heads. I watched the Crusaders in battle and noticed that only the heaviest swords could pierce the exoskeletons -- lighter blades seemed to bounce off.

"Go for the eyes and underbellies!" I yelled. "Use magic if you have it." Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jass nod and repeat the advice to the swordsmen standing around him. Then there was no more time for talking as we were rushed by the first wave.

Everything went so fast that I didn't really have time to make conscious decisions. I quickly learned that my katana was heavy enough to crack the Sinspawn's natural armor, but it took too long to hack through. Much more efficient to stab it in the eye, or find the gap between head and carapace and decapitate it, or to kick it over and slash through the soft underbelly. Spikes ripped at my arms and legs, and once a sharp mandible caught my chest, but I beat the monster back and stayed standing. I was dimly aware of Jass fighting beside me and of arrows and spells whizzing past my head, but mostly I concentrated on killing whatever creature happened to be in front of me.

Eventually, I had a moment to breathe. I looked around at the diminishing horde of Sinspawn -- were we actually winning this battle? Why hadn't Sin attacked? I turned out toward the sea, checking on the fearsome monster. It seemed to be pulling into itself, perhaps in preparation for something. A dimly remembered lecture suddenly popped into my mind. "Everyone get down!" I shouted, and in a moment that was half training, half instinct, I started to duck. Halfway to the ground, I was hit by a huge shockwave. Thrown backwards with great velocity, I felt an explosion in my head and then knew no more.

"Auron. Auron!" A familiar voice called to me through the blackness, and I felt an odd tingling in my chest. "Open your eyes."

I did so, and immediately regretted it as intense pain shot through my head. The world swam before me, and I started to retreat back into unconsciousness.

"No, Auron, stay with me! Come now, it's time to wake up."

I groaned but obeyed the order -- something told me that the voice was right. I squinted against the brightness, and a face that I knew came into focus before me: long gray hair, concerned blue eyes. "Braska?" I said weakly as I tried to sit up.

"Yes, it's me," he replied, supporting my head as he helped me into a sitting position. His other hand rested over my heart, and I realized that it had been the source of the tingling sensation. "I arrived a few minutes ago. Just in time, apparently."

Memories of the morning flooded back to me. "Sin... the Maester? My men?" I tried to look around, but every move sent another wave of agony through my body.

"Relax," said Braska. "Sin is gone, and the battle is over; the Maester is fine. You were knocked out, and I had to use a revival spell on you. Don't try to move yet, you're still quite weak." He produced a small flask of green liquid, lifted it to my lips, and poured a few drops in my mouth. I swallowed and immediately felt a little better. He placed the flask in my hand and a water skin next to me as he stood. "Here, drink the rest of this -- slowly. It's probably stronger than the healing potions you're used to, and you don't want to shock your system."

I smiled at him, or tried to. "Like drinking sake?"

He returned the smile, but it did not extend to his eyes. "Finish that, then have some water, but don't go anywhere -- I'll come back to check on you in a minute."

Obediently, I drained the flask in very small increments. Each sip helped the pain recede a little more, and by the time I finished it I felt strong enough to stand. I knew Braska meant well, but I couldn't just sit here when I hadn't seen to the safety of the Maester or the soldiers under my command. I was awake and had all my limbs; anything else could wait. I gulped some water and took in the grim scene.

Broken bodies littered the beach, both human and Sinspawn. A few priests wandered among them, healing the injured, praying for the fallen. I thought I saw Father Shon laying his hands on a young woman. My heart sank at the sight. How many Crusaders had died here today?

I couldn't spare many thoughts for them, though -- my own men came first. I glanced around the spot where I fell and saw no one, although I did find my sword and helm. There was a serious dent in the back of the latter. "No wonder I was out," I muttered, picking up the now-useless piece of armor. "Must have hit my head on a rock when I went down." I tossed it back to the ground and grabbed my sword instead, cleaning it as best I could, and sheathed it. I turned toward the temple entrance to see the Maester standing there with Captain Barrin, as well as Kal and several other Gray Squad members. Suddenly my breathing came much easier, and I started to move towards them.

Kal saw me coming and ran to intercept me. There was an ugly gash on his left cheek, but he looked otherwise unharmed. "Auron! Praise Yevon you're awake. Father Braska said you were badly hurt."

"I was, I think, but he patched me up. I'll be fine. How about you?"

"Just a few scratches. Aren't you supposed to be resting?" He rested a hand on my arm, but I shrugged it off.

"I'll rest later," I said. "What about the rest of the squad? Where's Jass?" I could see Kal's hard swallow. "Kal? What is it?"

He closed his eyes and turned away. "Auron..."

Dread settled in my soul as I realized what the truth must be. "Take me to him," I said. "Now."

He led me to the tent reserved for the dead and dying. With every face I recognized, my heart became heavier. Captain Ishika gave me a particular pang -- promoted to captain only a few hours ago, now she would never have an opportunity to enjoy her success. Kal stepped gingerly over the bodies, stopping short at one point when he saw one of his archers lying there. He stooped down and laid a hand on the dead man's forehead, dipping his head in prayer. Then he looked up to me and pointed toward the back. Braska was there, kneeling over a pallet. He saw me coming over and stood quickly, halting me with a hand against my chest as I approached.

"I'm not sure you're strong enough to be up and about yet," Braska said.

"Your concern is appreciated," I replied, "but I must see him."

He saw the determination in my face and stepped aside with no further comment.

Jass lay on the pallet, unseeing blue eyes looking up to the sky. His brown hair was matted with blood, and his breathing was labored. I knelt beside him and, taking his left hand in mine, said his name.

"Aur..." It was barely a whisper.

"I'm here." I squeezed his hand and thought I felt a flicker in response. "It's all right, Jass. Save your strength."

He might have smiled. "I... won't need it... much longer. Brac?"

"He's safe," I assured him. "So is the temple. You did well."

A small nod and a sigh. "So thirsty..."

I took the skin from my belt, then held it to his lips. As he swallowed, I searched for Braska and found him standing on the other side of the wounded man's body. I met his eyes and asked the silent question.

He held my gaze for a moment, then looked at the ground with a tiny shake of his head.

I returned my attention to Jass. His breathing grew ever more shallow. I spoke quietly to him, meaningless words that I hoped were a comfort. Kal was kneeling behind me now, a hand resting on my back; I was grateful for his presence. Before long, Jass jerked with a rattling gasp, and his hand suddenly tightened in mine, a dying man taking one last grasp at his life as it slipped away. Then it went completely limp, and he was gone.

I looked at the face of my friend for another moment, then gently drew my hand over it, closing his eyes. Bowing my head, I said a silent prayer for his safe journey to the Farplane. Then I released his hand and stood.

"I am sorry," said Braska, and the regret was plain in his voice. "His head injuries were just too severe. I used a healing spell for the pain, but there was nothing more I could do."

I nodded, feeling strangely empty of emotion. "Thank you for making him comfortable." I turned to Kal. "Are any other Gray Squad members still alive in here?" He shook his head mutely. "In that case, we should return to the Maester." We left the tent, and Braska followed.

Maester Brac stood in front of the temple, deep in conversation with Barrin and a Crusader. The survivors of Gray Squadron looked on in the background -- only half remained. "Auron, you're wounded," the Maester said as we approached.

I glanced down at myself for the first time -- I'd been too preoccupied with concern for my men to really take inventory of my own injuries. My coat was in tatters, ripped in a thousand places by the sharp legs and antennae of the Sinspawn. The monster that had bitten my chest appeared to have found a gap in my armor, resulting in a long gash. Dozens of tiny scrapes and scratches covered my arms. I reached up to the back of my head and found a noticeable bump, but my glove was free of blood when I checked it. "All minor injuries, your grace," I said. "I think I hit my head when I fell, but the helm protected me from the brunt of it, and Father Braska took care of the rest." I bowed to him. "I am pleased to see that you are safe."

"Thanks to you and your men," he replied. "I heard that Lieutenant Jass was mortally injured?" I nodded, and he bowed his head. "I grieve for him, along with the others we lost today."

"Thank you." I wasn't ready to think about that yet. "Your grace, I have a request."

"Make it," said the Maester.

"Now that your safety is assured, I wish to check on my family in Tzeki Village. The swarm of Sinspawn that Commander Kinoc followed was headed in that direction. I know that my first duty is to you, but I have a duty to them as well. I must know if they are safe."

Maester Brac nodded gravely, then turned to Braska. "Father, is the captain recovered enough to travel?"

Braska bowed to the Maester. "Your grace, I would advise against it if I thought it would stop him from going. However, knowing Captain Auron as I do, I doubt that my opinion on the matter will make much difference."

"Hmph!" The Maester almost smiled at that -- he knew me just as well as Braska did. "I suspect you are correct. All right, Auron, you may go, as long as you don't overexert yourself. I will leave here as soon as the sending is completed. Meet me at the shoopuf station when you are finished, and we will head back for Bevelle. Some haste will be required – we need to gather the command to discuss the return of Sin as soon as possible. But I can spare you for a few hours."

I bowed deeply. "My utmost thanks, your grace. I will not compel my men to come along."

"No need," said Kal from my left elbow. "We'll join you."

I looked at him, then the remains of my squad. "You don't need to do this."

"You're wrong, sir," said Rickard, who was standing behind the Maester. "It's the least we can do." I saw nods all around.

Maester Brac did smile then. "You should be proud to inspire such loyalty in your men."

"I am, your grace," I said quietly. "I am."