A Generation of Aeons
Chapter Twenty-Seven

Disclaimer: I do not own Final Fantasy X or X-2.

Last Time:

"How-How do you and Seru feel about each other?"

Takoire let out a chuckle, but Lenne wasn't sure what to make of it. "Just good friends. Our engagement was arranged purely by our parents. We're nothing but good friends."

Lenne seemed satisfied at this answer although she couldn't fathom why.

The music suddenly slowed, and people began to drift from the floor. "You want to stop dancing?" Takoire asked quietly. She shook her head. The guardian glanced over at Kiron and Seru who were also still dancing. He felt Lenne's head rest on his shoulder, and he suddenly felt at peace. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, but you did pick out this dress, didn't you?"

Takoire shrugged. "I hardly recognized it. I think you made the dress look even more beautiful." He heard her laugh, and he relished the sound.

"You look quite handsome yourself, Takoire." She lifted her head off his shoulder to look at him and into his eyes, getting lost in what felt like the calm after a storm.

Takoire looked back into hers. Everything seemed to fade away, all the people, the music, his parents and brother; everything had faded but her. She seemed so perfect at that moment. Her soft skin and gentle smile. The smile he knew for a fact she only showed to him. Losing all competent train of thought, Takoire closed his eyes and craned his head so that he could meet Lenne's lips…

"Takoire!"

The two suddenly snapped back to reality, and Takoire unintentionally stepped back from Lenne. They turned to see who had called out and saw a young man a few years Takoire's senior. Dressed in clothes of red, white, and silver, Lenne immediately recognized him as a summoner of Suzaku and Byakko. Dark brown hair adorned his head and went past his shoulders, cut in a royal style. He wore a bright smile as he approached Lenne and Takoire.

"Cousin!" he yelled. "By the Cheribum, I never thought I'd see you again!"

Takoire blinked his eyes in disbelief as a smile grew on his face. "Arkon! I thought you were in Kilika!"

The royal embraced him in a hug and patted him on the back. "Do you think once I heard you were back in Bevelle I could stay away?"

Lenne's guardian laughed. "Arkon… I still can't believe it's you! This-This is great!"

The prince of Bevelle stepped back and held Takoire by the shoulders. "Just look at you! A guardian! I never thought I'd see you in that outfit! What drove you to this?"

For the second time, Takoire laughed and put an arm around Lenne. "Arkon, my summoner, Lenne. Lenne, my cousin, Prince Arkon."

The prince rolled his eyes. "Must you introduce me with the title, cousin? Do you know how hard it is to get an honest date with the position I'm in?" Arkon bowed, serious for a moment. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Lenne nodded her head with a grin. "You, too. I've heard nothing but good things about you from Takoire."

"That's a nice surprise," Arkon chuckled, "after all the mischievous deeds we committed in our youth." Takoire coughed uncomfortably. "Ryak sends his best to you as well as Seru and sends his congratulations to Lenne. Word of your rank and manifestation has spread through Spira."

"Oh?" Lenne blushed. "I… uh… I didn't know that…"

"Oh, yes," Arkon continued, "you're gaining quite the reputation. Rumors say that your guardian, who was formerly captain of the best blitzball team in Spira, was forced to quit because of you and has a rather shady past. You travel with the sole prince of Zanarkand, and one of his guardians is engaged to High Summoner Yunalesca while the other is rumored to have worked in the Zanarkand palace before becoming a summoner guardian."

Lenne's jaw dropped. "Rumors? It sounds like a documentary more than just speculation. Don't you think, Takoire?"

But her guardian held his head in his hand in a thoughtful pose. "Best blitzball team in Spira…"

"You have got to be kidding me…" Lenne rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh. "I thought we got over this ego problem of yours."

"Huh?" Takoire looked around, lost. "Sorry, I was thinking about last time I signed an autograph."

"I hear Takoire has an ego problem?" Kiron asked, approaching with Seru in the crook of his arm.

"Me? Ego?" Takoire scoffed. "Yeah right."

"Hm, that's too bad," Seru commented casually. "I heard somewhere that the Abes were playing in Macalania. I was wondering if you wanted to pay them a visit…"

Takoire immediately perked up. "Playing in Macalania? That can't be right, the season's over. The Abes won the championship, unless… No, Shuyin doesn't have the team playing exhibition matches, that's the worst way to show Spira your strategies. Save them for the season for Cheribum's sake. What is he thinking! I didn't make him captain of the Abes so that they could be play during the exhibition season!"

"Uh huh, about that ego…" was all Kiron said.

"Fine," Takoire said, his voice dragging slightly. "All right… Kiron, my cousin Prince Arkon. Arkon, my friend Prince Kiron."

"Cousin," Arkon said, his voice sounding slightly remorseful, "what did I just tell you about introducing me with the title?"

"Why?" Takoire asked curiously. "You wanna date Kiron?"

Arkon glared. "You're a horrible person, do you know that, cousin?"

"Of course, that's why we're related." Takoire chuckled. "Arkon, you remember Seru?"

"How could I not?" The prince of Bevelle bowed respectfully to the female guardian. "It's good to see you again. Although I have to admit, seeing you both back in Bevelle again is a rather strange sight…"

Takoire shook his head. "Seru and I have made it clear to the elder generation that we have no desire to go through the engagement they set up. I thought this matter disappeared the minute I ran away."

"We're here with our summoners only," Seru finished. "We have no reason to get married, I assure you."

"I certainly hope not," Kiron added.

She looked at him curiously. "Why?"

The prince turned back to her and motioned towards Lenne. "Do you realize how often I'd be forced to see Lenne? There is such a thing called overexposure."

Lenne laughed dryly. "This is coming from the guy who claimed he used to be in love with me?"

"I said I got over that!"

"Look," Takoire said, interrupting, "the point is we are not getting married."

"Exactly," Seru agreed. "Why would I marry Takoire?"

The former blitzball player suddenly turned to his female counterpart. "Well… why wouldn't someone? After all, I was the star player and captain of the Zanarkand Abes for a lot of seasons, and I have more than enough income. I don't think I look that bad, either..."

Leaning in to whisper into her ear, Arkon laughed. "I take it that Takoire still has an ego larger than Bevelle?"

Lenne nodded and smiled. "I've been trying to work on it, but so far, my efforts have failed…"

Cocking his head, Takoire's expression turned solemn.

"Something wrong, Takoire?" Kiron asked.

"I don't know," he responded simply. "Something's not right, I can feel it."

"Like what?" Lenne asked, equally as serious.

Instead of answering, he held up a finger to his mouth, telling Lenne silently not to say anything else. Takoire stepped away from the group and tried to block out all the distractions in the room. He narrowed his eyes and suddenly felt his stomach drop from under him. Takoire violently shoved Lenne down to the floor. "Everyone, get down!"

Once his view was clear, Takoire brought his arms together quickly and snapped them back out; shooting out from each sleeve was a knife. Without hesitation, the guardian threw them in the direction of the entranceway.

Lenne glanced up from her spot on the floor and saw a Bevelle soldier pinned against the wall, a rifle lying on the floor, and an anger in Takoire's eyes that she had only seen once before.

Takoire marched up to the soldier and without taking his gaze off, he picked up the rifle that lay discarded on the floor. The room was silent as he eyed the soldier and seemed to size him up. "Ferel, isn't it?" Without another thought, Takoire disassembled the rifle in seconds and held the pieces in front of the soldier's eyes. "So you don't go around causing anymore trouble." He paused. "As far as I know, my uncle's rule still stands. You know, the one that says during a feast only guardians are permitted to carry weapons inside the temple-palace."

"Lord Takoire?" the soldier called Ferel asked in disbelief.

"I'm not a lord anymore, but sir will suffice for now." Takoire paused as he racked his brain for memories. "If I remember you correctly, you were assigned to the palace guard; a little too loyal for my taste. I'd ask who gave you your orders, but I know you wouldn't answer." Takoire turned his head. "Father, is Ferel still assigned to the palace guard?"

"Uh," Lord Takoire I paused for a moment, "the palace guard…"

"I am the captain of the palace guard, Lo- Sir Takoire, and yes he is." A young man with bright red hair stood up. Dressed in Bevelle armor, the only difference Lenne could tell was that instead of maroon for the under clothing he was dressed in black.

"Dold, hm?" Takoire shook his head. "You wouldn't be the one to send those goons after us. You always had enough sense not to follow orders when they didn't make sense. One of the reasons I always liked you. You could think for yourself, not just take orders blindly."

"If you are talking about those soldiers you have encountered, sir, all I've heard are rumors…"

"That's all right," the guardian said, turning back to the soldier called Ferel. "Okay, Ferel, here's the lowdown. People who attack my friends piss me off. People who attack my summoner have a death wish. People who do both will have nothing on the Cheribum compared to me. I'm invoking my right as a guardian to track down the rest of your buddies starting right now. Let's start with something simple, you piece of trash. Who-"

"Takoire!"

He turned just in time to watch Lenne fall and scream. It wasn't long before he felt the same effects. Whenever Lenne had her headaches, Takoire could always feel it. He had always done his best to hide it and succeeded until Luca. Seru had noticed. At Macalania it was worse. It was the reason that Takoire had started to look for Lenne.

This time, though, something was different. It was as if Lenne was unconsciously trying to block her pain from him; and then it dawned on him, she had. That explained why she had always passed out, and the pain had never hurt him as much. But now… Lenne was in so much agony that she couldn't do it. That was why Takoire was in as much pain as his summoner.

Kiron's gaze changed from Lenne to Takoire, not sure what to do as he tried frantically to keep Lenne from hitting the floor. Her chokin necklace was glowing so brightly it was emitting a light, and Takoire's left sleeve seemed as if it had been burned away even though there was no fire. A small burnt hole had appeared showing Lenne's summoning brand, which was also emitting the same kind of glow.

And then the two passed out.

Blinking slowly, Lenne knew she was in a bed and strained to sit up. Surprisingly, she felt a pair of large, rough hands help her. Turning, the high summoner saw Zaon by her bedside. "Zaon? Where's Takoire?"

Zaon cocked his head. "Across the hall, Kiron and Seru are looking in on him."

"What do you mean looking in on him?"

"He passed out, just like you."

"Passed out?" The confusion in Lenne's voice was becoming more and more apparent. "Why would he pass out? Did something happen with that soldier?"

Zaon shook his head. "Your headache. Your summoner brand links you together."

"Huh? Wait, how long have I been unconscious?"

"Three days."

"Three days!"

He shrugged. "Remarkable that you haven't mentioned that you're hungry."

Attempting to stand, Lenne found no sense of balance, and Zaon let her lean against him. "Thanks. Is Takoire still unconscious?"

"As far as I know."

Walking across the hall, Lenne took notice of two guards standing near the grand staircase and positioned at the entranceway of the hall that they were staying in. Reaching her guardian's room, Lenne noted Seru sitting by Takoire's bedside while Kiron was propped up against a wall with his arms folded.

"If you don't mind me asking, what's with the guards in the hallway?" Lenne asked.

Seeing her Kiron and Seru immediately began to fawn over her. "What are you doing out of bed? Zaon, why did you let her?"

Taking hold of her, Seru led Lenne to the chair she was formerly sitting in. "Don't strain yourself."

"Stop it!" Lenne said. "I'm fine. I've had these headaches before, and I've always recovered from them. I'll be just fine."

"Sure," Kiron almost agreed, "but you never blacked out for more than a day before."

"True," Lenne confirmed, "but at the moment I don't care. What's with the guards outside?"

"Lord Marshal Takoire assigned them to our rooms after the feast," Seru answered.

"I have to say that I agree with my uncle on this," Arkon said, suddenly appearing in the doorway. "I see you're awake, High Summoner Lenne."

"Rather long winded, don't you think?" she commented. "I'll forget that Takoire mentioned you were a prince if you pretend he didn't mention I was a high summoner."

Arkon cocked his head. "I'll make a deal with you. I'll agree to your terms only when there are no court figures around. If I don't call you a high summoner in front of my father, he'll have a fiend. If you don't call me prince or summoner, he'll have a fiend. Getting the idea?"

"Sounds good."

Nearby, Kiron laughed. "Lenne and I made the same deal."

Arkon laughed as well, agreeing with his Zanarkand counterpart. "I'm sure you're hungry, Lenne. I'd order some servants up here, but I don't think this tiny room can fit any more people. I'm actually afraid to come inside."

"Seru and I can get it," Kiron offered. "Hey, where'd Zaon go?"

"Your guardian?" Arkon asked. "He's outside with the guards."

Seru shook her heard. "Typical. You want to leave, or shall we let Lenne starve?"

Kiron nodded, and everyone heard Lenne's stomach rumble. "We'll be back before you know it."

The pair left the room, and Lenne watched as Seru locked her arm around Kiron's. Arkon entered the room and stood in the corner watching Lenne fuss over her guardian. There was an awkward silence for a while, and Arkon began to feel uneasy. He nervously ran his fingers through his hair and ruffled it.

"Lenne, what's your relationship with Takoire? And I mean no disrespect whatsoever."

She looked at him with a confused gaze. "I consider him my best friend. He looks out for me and protects me without ever asking for anything."

"I've known Takoire since he was born; I consider him my brother. When you know someone for that long, you get to read them like a book even after five years of not seeing them. I can tell you that I've never seen Takoire more comfortable with anyone before, not even with me. And I saw you for just ten minutes together." He paused. "Cheribum, this is complicated. I saw you and Takoire almost kiss…"

"Oh…" Lenne blushed a bright red, "I, uh…"

Arkon squeezed the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. "There's a reason I interrupted you…There's a law that says a summoner and guardian can have only a close friendship. Anything more distracts a guardian from their duties." Arkon felt a horrible taste in the back of his throat as he continued. "If you had kissed, the court would be running around trying to interpret it."

"Why? But- why- how would that distract a guardian?"

"If I hadn't interrupted, would Takoire have noticed the soldier? I've heard from several witnesses that he was aiming at your friend, Prince Kiron." He sighed. "As for why they would be trying to interpret it… when Takoire ran away, he left the family in a state of panic. The Cheribum said that we would inherit the guardian of ages by blood. Takoire was the eldest son, and therefore, inherited the right; the family wasn't sure what to do. If Sareth took his place, would everything still happen the way it was supposed to?"

"But Sareth replaced him anyway," Lenne insisted.

Arkon shrugged. "It was the only thing they could do, but it only became official two years ago. But there was a catch… if Sareth was to take his place, the family had to pretend as if Takoire never existed." He let out a hollow laugh. "But now that he's here with you, the whole court is asking questions, wondering whether or not they did the right thing."

"Why?"

"Takoire is heir to the legacy of ages by blood. As I'm sure Sareth told you, he hated the idea. He used to tell me that he didn't want to protect anyone he didn't know or didn't choose." Arkon paused. "Because only the Bevelle royal family knows the last stanza of the summoner of yore's prophecy and how it indicates the summoner is female… I've heard rumors that you're the summoner of yore, and Takoire left to look for you."

"Me?" Lenne questioned, confused. "I'm not the summoner of yore! What…"

Arkon shook his head. "You are a high summoner with no training whatsoever. You manifested Suzaku just inside this city, and all of Spira knows that. You're no ordinary summoner, Lenne." The prince of Bevelle paused. "All I'm trying to say is if you and Takoire have a relationship, it's best that not too many people know about it."

Author's Notes:

Final Revision