"Garet wake up! We're leaving!" Mia shouted into his room. Garet groaned and pulled his blanket over his head, "Get up now!"

He stretched and yawned, "We're leaving already? What about breakfast?"

"It's after noon. You slept through breakfast. Now get dressed and come on."

He rolled out of bed and within ten minutes he was dressed. He went downstairs where he found Stella hugging her uncle goodbye, "Good Afternoon sleepyhead." She said when she spotted him.

"Yeah I'm sorry about that."

"It's okay. We can still make it to the Travel Agency before dark."

Marcus and Mia exchanged a discreet glance and he nodded. "Come on ladies we're losing light." Mia said walking out the door.

The other three followed suit, "You three take care of Stella. If you don't I'll kill you!" Marcus said as he watched them disappear around the corner. "Whoa…this place is full of people!" Garet said completely astonished by the sight.

"Yep this is the Mi'ihen Highroad. It connects Luca with Djose." Stella explained.

"Djose?"

"It's where the next temple is. Come on." She walked along the worn path and stopped in front of a statue. "That's Lord Mi'ihen."

"He founded the Crimson Blades or Crusaders now."

"When was this?"

"I'd say about 500 years ago." The voice an old man explained.

"Who are you old guy?" Mia asked.

"Forgive me I am Maechen."

"Maechen?"

"I'm a scholar of sorts. I heard the curious rumors of an Al Bhed summoner. And I had to see it for myself."

"That's me. I'm Stella." She said walking forward and extending her hand.

"Then is a day I shall always remember. And maybe one day I'll be able to share your story with others." He said taking her hand in his. He nodded his head then began walking back to Luca. "What a strange man…" Stella said, "Well shall we continue?"

They continued down the path passing people who had no problem whispering about the summoner and her entourage. Many of the people didn't keep their comments to themselves. "Go home!"

"We don't want you!"

Stella merely held her head high and ignored them. Her guardians on the other hand were getting angrier and angrier by the minute. Garet exploded when a nearby guy tossed a rock at Stella. "Hey what's your problem?" He shouted.

"She's a nuisance!" the man shouted defensively.

"Was she bothering you?"

"Garet just let it go okay." Stella said tugging at his arm.

"No…I just…"

"It's okay. I'm okay. Just let it go."

Garet gave the passerby another glare then followed his summoner down the path.

The sun was setting as they reached the Travel Agency. "Thank god. I was tired of all that walking." Noah said stretching.

"Maybe tomorrow we can rent some chocobos." Stella said walking up to the agency door, "We'll rest here for the night and head out to Djose tomorrow." She said before disappearing inside.

Noah spied the cliff and took seat to watch the sunset. "Are you one of the guardians of Lady Stella?" said a voice from behind him.

He whirled around and spotted a woman standing behind him. "Are you here to hurt her?"

"Of course not. My name is Belgemine. I'm a summoner too. I would like to challenge Stella."

"Challenge her to what?"

"A battle of the Aeons." Stella said walking up to them. "I heard you talking and wanted to know what was going on."

"So you're the Al Bhed? This truly proves summoners are no pawns of Yevon. Always remember that the Fayth give summoners their powers not the teachings, temples, or maesters all right Stella?"

She nodded, "Thank you for the advice, Lady Belgemine."

"So shall we begin our little contest?"

"I'm ready."

Noah ran to the travel agency and got Garet and Mia. "You guys have to see this." They walked outside and watched the two women battle Aeons. "If all of your Aeons lose you do know that your pilgrimage will end?" Belgemine explained.

"I understand. Let's do this."

"Very well." Belgemine summoned Ifrit, "Choose your Aeon well summoner."

Stella inhaled and summoned Valefor. "Valefor use Blizzard on Ifrit!"

Valefor's Blizzard spell caused only minimal damage. Ifrit retaliated by using Meteor Strike. "Valefor use shield now!" Stella ordered. The Aeon landed behind her and protectively wrapped her wings around her summoner. "And now use Sonic Wings!" Stella yelled. She lifted into the air and Sonic Winged Ifrit. He fell back surprised, but recovered quickly and used the spell Fire on Valefor. Valefor shook off the attack with minimal damage, "All right Valefor, attack." She swooped down and attacked Ifrit with her talons. Ifrit fell back and slowly dissolved into a swirl of pyreflies. "Stop. That is enough." Belgemine nodded, "You are quite a summoner. But I wouldn't expect anything less from the Granddaughter of the would-be high summoner Lea."

"Thank you."

"Well I have my own pilgrimage to continue. Until we meet again, Lady Stella, goodbye." She performed the prayer then began making her way to toward Luca.