Braska's translation notes: There's been a change in the handwriting, it's gotten weaker, the letters are shaky and uneven.
It's been many years since I've been back, and time has not been kind to the temple we built here on Baaj. I'm an old man now, and my time is ending; I will soon join my friends and family on the Farplane. I'm not sad about dying, but I wish I could have done more to keep the true story alive. Maybe it is better I die now, before history is totally rewritten.
I think Yu Yevon is getting his revenge; I've been hearing tales of a huge fiend, many times the size of any seen before, attacking the settlement Bevelle has been building in the ruins of Zanarkand. I've thought for a long time about the final summoning Yu Yevon and his daughter did, and I have decided that the only way such a plan could have succeeded is if someone actually combined with the aeon they created, combined with it somehow to guide it from within? That might explain why Yu Yevon's body was never found.
The fiend seems to be attracted to large groups of people, especially if they are using machines, and it leaves massive destruction behind it. The largest part of the Bevelle navy has disappeared, not heard from in months. People are talking of it, saying it is punishment for the sins they committed during the war, the atrocities committed against the people of Zanarkand and Py'Nahdec. I have decided to stay here until I pass to the Farplane; I will hide this journal in the secret niche in the chamber of the fayth now, and hope it is found someday.
It was barely eight in the morning when the butler announced Auron, but Braska and Leyona had been up an for quite a while and already had the kitchen in shape to start breakfast. Unfortunately, they had discovered that the cupboards were pretty much bare; the realization that there was not a lot to eat was sinking in as Auron entered the kitchen with a large bag of groceries.
Auron placed the bag on the table and grinned as Leyona dove into it, pulling out a melon and eggs, flour, sugar, and a large block of cheese – as well as a good sized sack of caff. "I thought you might need a few things. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Leyona stepped close and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks Auron, I thought we'd have to go out and shop before we could eat. The cupboards were pretty empty, and I don't know what poor Roggis has been eating. I will start breakfast if you and Braska can open all the windows and start airing out the house." Turning back towards the bag she added, "I'll strip the beds later so I can wash bedding and air the blankets out in the windows."
By the time they had finished their chore, breakfast was on the table and the caff was being poured into the cups. The first thing that caught their eye was the fourth plate. Seeing the question on Braska's face Leyona instructed him to call Roggis. "I'm sure that he will need the energy for all the tasks that will be assigned to him today." Braska looked at her blankly; he hadn't thought about Roggis, or the fact that they had invaded his domain when they took over the kitchen. "Shoo! Call him!" Leyona laughed at the chagrined face Braska made.
Braska called the butler and invited him to breakfast, and after some protesting about his 'place' and how inappropriate it was, he was convinced to join them. Although he seemed to enjoy the meal and conversation around him, he was quiet through the meal, merely listening to their discussion about the agreement, and the reactions they might expect from the various political factions at the temple.
Braska looked questioningly at his butler, wanting an unbiased opinion about their discussion. "So, Roggis? How do you think the Maesters will react to the terms of the agreement with the Al Bhed?"
Roggis looked solemn for a moment, thinking before he spoke. "I don't think they will be pleased at all…you have accomplished what you were sent to do, but I don't think they wanted you to succeed, or at least not in this manner, so you should expect some…" he hesitated, trying to find a way to say it without criticizing Braska, "…expect a certain amount of hostility, shall we say, to your solution." He looked from Braska to Auron as understanding dawned, his sharp eyes peering out from his wizened face. "Now if you will excuse me I must go to see about hiring a few more staff." He rose stiffly from his chair and bowed to them before shuffling out.
They looked at each other, sobered by the old man's words. "I guess we ought to go see the Maesters now… no point in putting it off any longer." Braska sighed as he rose from the table and set his plate and cup in the sink. "Will you be all right here with Roggis while we're gone Leyona?" He turned to look at her and a smile lit his face.
Leyona stood and reached out for his hand, pulling him to her and smiling widely as she put her arms around her husband's neck, then leaned against him and pressed her lips to his. "Mmmm…I may survive…as long as you come back pretty soon." She grinned mischievously and winked at him as she let him go. "I may need help with the beds later…" Braska wiggled his eyebrows at her and grinned, yanking her back for another deep kiss.
Auron coughed as he almost choked on his last swallow of caff - they had embarrassed him with their play, and he wasn't sure how to react, so he rose quickly to add his dishes to the stack. "Let's get going then, the Maesters will be meeting in just a few minutes, and if we hurry we can get a spot on the agenda."
With a sigh, Braska released his wife and headed out of the house, Auron at his side. They walked quickly towards the temple complex and the inevitable tempest that their deal with the Al Bhed would cause.
They were met by an acolyte as they entered the temple grounds, a man they recognized as one of the people responsible for scheduling the agenda for the Council meetings. He frowned as they approached the entrance, his sharply angled face going even pointer as he pursed his thin lips and seemed to twitch his nose. His large bushy eyebrows formed a continuous line of hair across his forehead, shadowing his muddy brown eyes and making him look like a rat.
"Lord Braska, glad you are finally joining us this morning," the acolyte sniffed sarcastically, scowling at them both. He looked at the notepad he was holding and checked off one of the entries. "You are scheduled third, and you only have a few minutes to get to the council chamber…" He looked up at them, snorting when they just stood there gaping at him. "Well? What are you waiting for! You're going to be late!"
Auron took Braska's arm, as Braska gave him a questioning look, but Auron frowned slightly and shook his head, motioning for silence as they hurried into the main administration building. Auron waited until they started up the stairs before he spoke, answering the obvious question. "No, I didn't tell anyone you were back, and I only talked to a few people last night – ones I thought I could trust. I don't know how the Maesters knew, but it looks like we've walked into the thick of it." He shook his head again, "I'd like to know how they knew we were back…and what else they know."
Braska nodded his understanding. "If they know about Leyona it could get ugly." He sighed, and continued up the stairs towards the main Council chamber on the temple's third floor. He had hoped to meet with his mentor, Maester Chuham, before the council meeting, but apparently it wasn't going to be possible. "We'll just have to keep a firm hold on our tempers and not let them get to us."
Auron nodded, "It's not going to be easy to keep our tempers under control..."
They stopped suddenly as a tall Guado rounded a corner of the winding stairs and nearly ran into them. Braska began to bow, but the Guado snarled under his breath at him and rudely pushed past.
"That's Jyskal," Braska murmured, turning to watch him stomp down the stairs.
Auron stood watching for a long moment before looking upwards towards the council room, then sighed as he added to his earlier statement about keeping their tempers under control. "…and I have the feeling it just got a lot harder."
Eventually they reached the antechamber of the council room, to be greeted by Grand Maester Mika's aide.
"We're running behind schedule, you'll have to wait until the Maesters are ready for you." The acolyte pointed them towards a row of chairs along the wall on one side of the room. "I'll call when they are ready for you."
Braska and Auron settled onto the chairs with a sigh. "Hurry up and wait…some things never change," Auron said dryly as he pulled his sword off his harness and leaned it against his leg. "Are you ready for this?"
"As much as I can be I guess. Good thing I have a day job if this goes bad…" Braska sighed as his attempt at humor fell flat, and rubbed his hand across his chin, finding a few stray hairs his razor had missed. He'd been a bit distracted this morning.
Raised voices from the council room caught their attention. It sounded like the Maesters were disagreeing violently about the current topic.
"No! We can not allow Jyskal to take the boy!" A deep voice rumbled. Braska had no problem identifying the speaker as Maester Kelk of the Ronso.
A second voice answered angrily, "We have no right to keep him from his father! He is threatening to pull the Guado out of the treaty agreement!" Braska and Auron heard what sounded like a fist hitting the council table. "We can't risk that happening! It could mean war – do you want to take responsibility for that? Your people would be the first to suffer!" Auron tentatively identified the speaker as Maester Kendale, an older man who usually concerned himself with matters of doctrine, not politics.
"The boy is Guado! He belongs with his own people, let them handle him!" a third voice snapped back. Braska was surprised as he recognized Maester Jenic as the speaker. He was the youngest of the Maesters, and seldom spoke up in these meetings, but Braska knew him to be a skillful manipulator in the political games the leaders of Yevon's church played. He had always seemed more comfortable working from behind the scene, letting other's speak his words.
"His grandfather is demanding the boy as well," Maester Chuham added loudly in an attempt to be heard. He was normally a soft spoken man, so his raised voice was a sign that tempers were out of control. "We could have a fight with the noble families if we hand him over to the Guado! Do you want to loose their support?"
"Jyskal is threatening to block access to the Farplane!" the second voice insisted, his tone going shrill.
A loud thumping was heard, as if a hand was slapping the table. The Maesters quieted, as a single voice continued.
"I fear for the boy's sanity - he has already proven he can't control his emotions." Grand Maester Mika spoke firmly, and seemed to be pacing back and forth, his voice rising to drown out shocked murmurs from the others. "Can we risk letting an aeon, of unknown power might I add, out of our control? This is a child, not a trained Summoner!" It got quieter for a moment as the Maesters considered that point, then the arguments resumed until Grand Maester Mika's voice rose once more, "If none of you can come up with a better plan, the child stays! We'll just have to find a way to…" The sound level dropped once more, and Auron and Braska were unable to hear any more of the discussion.
"Wonder what they would think if they knew the fayth was just as unstable as the boy?" Braska murmured softly to Auron. They exchanged a worried look, and then turned back towards the door as it cracked partially open and the acolyte leaned out, beckoning them in.
The door swung open wider as they approached and the acolyte announced them, giving them no time to confer. "Lord Braska and Sir Auron, your Worships." They walked in and bowed low before the assembled Maesters. Seven men, the highest authorities in Yevon's church, turned to face them as they entered. Anger was still evident on several of their faces, and Braska stilled himself as he looked from one to the next. He wasn't going to have an easy time explaining his position…and he could already tell the Maesters didn't like the agreement. Roggis had been right.
"I would like to know why you have betrayed the very people who sent you to the Al Bhed," was Grand Maester Mika's cold greeting, as he turned from where he stood beside the window and resumed his seat at the head of the council table. "Would you care to explain the meaning of this?" he asked, and tossed a loosely bound copy of the agreement down the table towards Braska, before clasping his hands in front of him. The papers slid to a stop, several pages slipping free to lie on the dark wood of the long table.
The acolyte pointed to the chair at the end of the table opposite Grand Maester Mika, and Braska moved to take a seat. Auron took a position behind him, his legs spread slightly and his hands clasped behind his back. The Maesters waited silently, watching Braska as he composed himself and calmly straightened the document, setting the loose pages back in place before looking Grand Maester Mika in the eye.
"You sent me to the Al Bhed as an ambassador - to establish relations, and learn as much as I could about them and their culture. I was to ascertain the potential of this weapon they had discovered, to learn how it was used, and to gain control of it if possible." Maester Chuham nodded slightly, agreeing with that statement. "I found that they are, despite what you have heard, respectful of Yevon and followers of Yevon's teachings, as well as brilliant engineers and mechanics." Braska stopped for a moment as angry mutters came from several of the Maesters, and he took note of which ones spoke; these were the ones he had to convince. "They have found a way to reconcile these contradictions."
"Blasphemers! They use machina; they have no respect for Yevon's teachings!" Maester Kendale blurted out, his face turning red with anger. He was a devout follower of Yevon, and had no tolerance for any who strayed from the narrow path of righteousness, as defined by the strictest teachings.
Braska looked at him calmly; he had expected this reaction and had already prepared of his counter argument. "Do we not also use 'machina'? What about the elevators, the cranes, the electronics and lights we use…what about the Blitz ball stadium, and the generators to power everything?" He kept his eyes locked to the Maester's, waiting until he quieted. "We all know that the teachings do not forbid all machina. Yevon forbids us the machina that cause destruction, the weapons that nearly destroyed Spira a thousand years ago. This is one of those weapons, and yet you sent me to gain control of it." He paused, and Maester Kendale winced slightly as the point struck home.
"This raises several questions concerning the weapon - who is capable of rebuilding it and operating it… and who determines the targets it would be used on." Braska looked from face to face around the table; he knew the next point would anger them again and he was trying to find a way to diffuse the hostility he saw, not feed it.
"As far as the Al Bhed are concerned, they do not need outsider's involvement. They are capable of repairing and using this 'cannon' without any assistance from Bevelle..." Braska paused as Grand Maester Mika slapped the table several times, trying to quiet the angry comments from the others. "…but the Al Bhed felt it would be in the best interests of Spira if both the Crusaders and the Church of Yevon were a part of this operation. And I agreed."
Maester Sukar interrupted, "I wonder if your loyalties are in the right place, Lord Braska…do you not have a conflict of interest in this matter?" Maester Sukar was a short, heavy set man, and absolutely convinced of his own importance. He disliked the other races of Spira, and was one of the most conservative of all the Maesters.
Braska had been waiting for the inevitable question and sensed this was the lead in for it, so he tensed slightly before replying calmly. "What do you mean, Sir?"
"I have heard of your…involvement…with one of them." Maester Sukar sneered. He was one of the chief opponents to any agreement or association with the Al Bhed and always voted against any measures involving the other races of Spira. His views were well known, and he had fought loudly to prevent Braska's mission. His name had come up on a short list of suspects for the incident at the beginning of the mission – he was one of the people most likely responsible for the dockside attempt on their lives. "Indeed, I heard you have actually married one of them!" Now he sat back, smirking with satisfaction as the other Maesters reacted to this revelation.
Grand Maester Mika again slapped the table several times, trying to quiet the angry din that last comment caused.
Braska looked calmly back and kept his voice level with an effort, ignoring the whispered questions concerning his marriage; apparently not all of the Maesters had gotten the news. "My loyalty is to Yevon, and the people of Spira. I was sent to the Al Bhed to establish a relationship between us, one that would allow us to work together in a united effort to destroy Sin. I believe this agreement does that."
Maester Sukar opened his mouth to speak again, no doubt wanting to add to his previous statement, but he was silenced as Maester Dartro spoke first. "Why should we agree to this abominable arrangement?" He glared at Braska, visibly angry at Braska's apparent betrayal. He gestured at the papers in front of him on the table. "What do we have to gain by ratifying it? It gives us no control over the weapon, and puts us in the position of supporting the use of offensive machina!"
"The Al Bhed are going to rebuild this weapon, with or without our involvement – they were adamant about not allowing the church control of the cannon. Bevelle's past actions against their people have made them suspicious of our motives, and the involvement of the Crusaders is a compromise that allows this project to proceed."
"Past actions? What do you mean by that?" Maester Kendale demanded with a puzzled frown.
Braska raised one eyebrow and answered the question calmly. "I am sure a man of your wisdom knows the true history of Spira, how Bevelle destroyed the Al Bhed city of Py'Nahdec a thousand years ago, and scattered the people across Spira? They have not forgotten this." There was a long silence as the words sank in, and frowns as the Maesters looked at each other. This was knowledge that had long been suppressed, buried deep in the oldest archives and known by only a few of Yevon's most powerful followers; they were not pleased that Braska had uncovered this knowledge.
The Ronso Maester frowned thoughtfully and cleared his throat before continuing. "Why would they make this agreement, if that is the case?" He had no prejudices about the Al Bhed, the Ronso seldom saw any since Mt. Gagazet was far from the areas they were usually found; he was prepared to go along with the agreement if Braska could convince him it was in the best interest of Spira.
Braska tried once more to explain the Al Bhed viewpoint to his hostile audience. "They want the same as everyone else in Spira - the eradication of Sin and the opportunity to build their homes and raise their families without the shadow of Sin's return. The only reason I was able to get this agreement is that the Al Bhed are willing to set aside the past, willing to work with Bevelle for the good of all Spira."
The debate, or rather argument, about the agreement lasted for over an hour, until eventually the Maester's began repeating themselves. Grand Maester Mika finally called a halt to the angry debate. He looked thoughtfully at the papers under his hands for a moment, then glanced at each of the other Maesters in turn. "We have the opportunity to strike back at Sin, all it really requires from us is...acceptance of the effort; a decision to turn our eyes and allow it to happen."
"It doesn't matter what the Al Bhed plan, or what the Crusaders do…Sin will always return. It has been this way for a thousand years, and it will always be this way, until we repent for our sins," Maester Kendale stated flatly.
The Maesters looked angrily at each other, or down at the table, depending on their viewpoint on the issue. Grand Maester Mika finally called for silence. "That will be all Lord Braska. Thank you for your assistance." He turned to beckon his aide over and spoke quietly to him as Braska rose and bowed deeply to the Maesters before leaving the chamber. Auron and the acolyte bowed as well, and followed Braska out.
Grand Maester Mika sighed as the door closed behind the three young men. "We will adjourn for now, and make our decision after we've had time to reflect." The Maesters glared silently at each other and gathered their papers, and then rose as well to leave the room.
"Lord Braska? A moment please," the acolyte said quietly, taking Braska's arm and pulling him aside, out of the way as the Maesters moved past on their way to other duties. Braska was saddened when Maester Chuham walked past without comment, not meeting his eyes, as if he no longer existed. Finally the council chamber was empty except for Grand Maester Mika.
"Grand Maester Mika would like to speak with you in private for a moment." The acolyte gestured towards the open chamber door, and reached his hand out stop Auron as he automatically started to follow Braska. Auron settled reluctantly on a chair to wait once more as the acolyte closed the door behind Braska.
Grand Maester Mika was standing at the window, watching the activity down in the temple courtyard, as Braska entered. "You have to know that the Council will not agree to this plan? It's not in the best interests of the Church of Yevon to be involved in an operation of this nature. Our teachings clearly state that we are not to condone the use of these types of machina…and yet…if word got out that we refused an opportunity to destroy Sin, it would shake the faith of the people. You have placed us in a very delicate position, and I can see no way to compromise."
"Then do nothing, your Worship." Braska answered softly, moving to stand beside Grand Maester Mika at the window. "Allow the Al Bhed and the Crusaders this opportunity to destroy Sin."
"Have you received the crusaders agreement in this matter?" Grand Maester Mika turned to look at the young man. "What do they intend to do?" Braska bowed slightly to him and answered respectfully.
"I received their agreement before I departed the excavation site. Their commander has indicated that the Mi'Ihen high road would be ideal for the placement of the cannon. This location is close enough to Luca and the excavation site to allow for transportation of materials, but far enough away to not pose a danger to Luca. It also puts the weapon in a place that it cannot be used on any target but Sin."
"The question that comes to mind is…how will they lure Sin into the trap?"
"I'm sure the crusaders will figure out a method, they will have years to work on it." Braska informed Grand Maester Mika. "Cid has managed miracles already, but there will be a lot of work to repair the cannon, and they still have not salvaged the power supply it will need."
"How many years are we talking about?" Grand Maester Mika glanced at Braska as he returned to his seat at the table. "The report you included with the agreement was a bit vague."
"Fifteen years at least, or possibly as long as eighteen years if there are additional problems." Braska answered. "A lot of the materials needed are not easily available."
Grand Maester Mika nodded his understanding and sat in deep thought for a long moment. "Very well…I will see what I can do to convince the other Maesters to agree to look aside and allow the plan to continue." Grand Maester Mika smiled slightly, already seeing the benefit of allowing the crusaders to proceed…they would have to walk very carefully in order to stay within the good graces of the church, preventing them from carrying out some of their more controversial operations, and it was a good way to see who the church's strongest opponents were – their leaders would rise to the top, to be easily dealt with at a later time. "Enough about that," he continued, "tell me about the new fayth at Baaj."
Braska blinked at the abrupt change in topic, and slowly explained about the strange haunting of Baaj temple, the eerie feeling in the chamber of the fayth, and the story about Lady Reena's suicide, carefully refraining from mentioning that he had actually communicated with her fayth. Grand Maester Mika listened with interest, but seemed to know the information already, doubtless High Priest Balamus had already written of these matters.
"One other thing, sir," Braska continued slowly. "Apparently one of the elderly priests spoke to Lady Reena when she first arrived on the island, and was told something that may relevant to your decision concerning Seymour." Grand Maester Mika listened more intently as Braska explained Lady Reena's reasons for leaving her husband, her motivation for killing herself.
"This explains a lot concerning the child's behavior…I thank you for this information. It does indeed change the situation." He smiled slightly, anticipating the reaction of those who had opposed his viewpoint on the issue.
"I'm sure you will do what is best for the child, his life has been very difficult. I hope he will receive the help he needs," Braska responded respectfully. "I do have one last suggestion however…a possible solution to the problem with Seymour."
Grand Maester Mika raised an eyebrow and asked, "And that would be?"
"Make Lord Jyskal a Maester, in exchange for leaving Seymour in Bevelle Temple. I don't believe he wants his son out of love, but rather because he lost status when his wife and son left him. This way he would regain his status, and the church will have the boy." And his aeon, was the unspoken thought in both their minds. Grand Maester Mika was surprised at the suggestion, but quickly saw the logic. He considered the solution, and nodded his approval; it would indeed solve the problem, and would bring the Guado more firmly under church control.
"That brings us to the last issue." Grand Maester Mika looked directly at Braska and frowned slightly. "Have you given any thought to your future?" He watched as Braska's face showed no reaction, nodding to himself; the young man had excellent control, even if his judgment was questionable. "You know of course, that by marrying an Al Bhed you have compromised your position within the church? Maester Chuham had planned to offer you the hand of his daughter in marriage, and a position as head of the Kilika Temple…but this is no longer an option for you."
"I am aware of this, sir. I realized what it would mean when I married Leyona, and I am prepared to accept the consequences. I will be clearing my things from the dormitory as soon as I leave here." Braska stopped for a moment then continued in a firmer tone of voice. "I will be taking up management of the shipping business my grandfather began, and taking my father's place on the Merchants Council."
"You do realize that the nobility of Bevelle are unlikely to accept your wife?" Grand Maester Mika stated quietly. Braska nodded, knowing that this was the unfortunate truth. They were going have problems with the elite of Bevelle. The merchant class was more tolerant, but he was sure there would be problems with them as well.
"Here are my letters of authority, and my resignation," Braska said quietly, setting his diplomatic pouch down on the table in front of Grand Maester Mika.
"You will return to civilian life, and leave church policy to the church?"
"Yes sir." Braska replied. He took a deep breath, and let it slowly out as he thought of the best way to phrase his last request as a priest of Yevon. "I would request one thing before I go, your Worship. I would like your assurance that my actions will not reflect badly upon Sir Auron – he performed his duties as my guardian admirably, and should not suffer for my decisions."
"Sir Auron's career will not be affected…he will receive his official notice to return to his post as Captain of the Temple guard before the end of the day." Grand Maester Mika was quick to reassure. "Consider this my gift to you, for the service you have performed."
Braska stepped back and bowed formally, and then turned to leave, but Grand Maester Mika stopped him with a last comment. "You have made enemies – if you cause problems they may…cause you, and your friends, difficulties."
Braska nodded his understanding and bowed again, and backed out of the door, closing it behind him quietly. He understood what the Grand Maester had implied; his future actions could affect not only himself, but Leyona…and Auron, as well.
"Is everything alright, Braska?" Auron put his hand on his friend's shoulder, not really reassured by Braska's quick nod. He could tell Braska wasn't.
"Walk with me to the dormitory?" Braska gestured towards the stairs, and started walking. "I'll tell you about it on the way."