"This is our story… Lenne."
Lenne's heart sank in her chest as she heard him responding to Yuna's cries for him to stay back. She felt herself turn cold, even as a spirit. She felt terror in her very being.
'This is not him…. This is NOT my Shuyin'. Lenne shook her head as she backed away from him. She refused to believe it. This nightmare was too cruel to be her guardian. He was too cruel to be him…
While possessing the songstress dressphere, Lenne was able to access Yuna's memories, just as Yuna was able to access hers. She saw Yuna's memories of a young man who was much like Shuyin. That man was Yuna's guardian. His name was Tidus, and his cheerful disposition reminded Lenne so much of how Shuyin used to be. One would not know by observing Shuyin now, who is seemingly heartless and depraved of any goodness or light, but he was once a source of happiness and hope for his friends.
Lenne desperately wanted to get Shuyin back. The real one. The one who was like Tidus. Lenne's heart broke for Yuna as well. Yuna was in the same boat as Lenne, trying so desperately to find the one person she loved most. Lenne had hoped to somehow bring Yuna to Tidus, and that maybe Yuna would be able to bring Lenne back to Shuyin. Maybe they would be able to help each other find their lost love.
For a few short moments, Lenne genuinely thought Yuna had succeeded in finding her Shuyin. But it wasn't him. She found out this fact during their meeting in the Farplane. Shuyin began discussing using Vegnagun to destroy Spira. His words shook Lenne to her core.
Lenne had hoped to return to the bright, happy, optimistic Shuyin she once knew. Not this shadow…
Lenne looked on with fear. 'You're not him. You're not my Shuyin. You are not my guardian', Lenne cried. She held her arms up to her chest as if to defend herself from the pain. Lenne saw the shadow of her former lover and felt only hatred and rage emanating from this specter. It scared her. She couldn't help but fear her Shuyin was dead and gone forever.
She could feel Yuna's anger building. He seems to have hit a nerve with his statement of this being "our story".
'But this was not our story. At least, this tragedy was only the end of it. There was so much more before this moment…so much happiness and laughter.' Lenne reflected sadly to herself.
Lenne's heart felt like it was breaking, 'Don't you remember, Shu?' She had hoped he could hear her thoughts, but it didn't seem likely as he remained unphased.
'Please…try to remember'.
She had always said her time with him felt like a dream. And now, she wanted to believe the dream wasn't over yet.
Lenne began to fade into the dressphere once more. She retreated into her memories. To a time much happier than this moment.
The beginning of their story.
"He shoots…and he scores!" The announcer commentates on the amazing shot from the star player of the Zanarkand Abes, just as the buzzer blasts, signaling the end of the match. The Abes fans go crazy with excitement and cheers.
"He did it! Once again, The Ace of the Abes leads his team to victory."
"That's right, Aaron. We wouldn't expect anything less from the son of the legendary blitzer, Isoto. What a game this was folks!"
Shuyin rolled his eyes at the mention of his old man's name. It was frustrating to Shuyin to not be known as an athlete in his own right. He felt he was forever in the shadows of his drunken bastard of a father. Shuyin sighed as he made his way to locker room. His teammates pat him on the back and gave high fives. The Abes have been undefeated so far this season. Their impressive performance indicated they will win the championship series.
One of his teammates and good friend, Vajiru entered the locker room and raised his arms in victory. This prompted the Abes to begin chanting "victory, victory, victory!" Vajiru's sister, June, entered the room right after he did. "Alright everyone, let's keep this up for our match tomorrow! We need one final win against the Duggles and we will win the series", she stated.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah" Shuyin started, "we got this. No worries." Shuyin motioned as if to shoo her off.
"Don't be too arrogant." June warned. "We don't want to go too comfortable and slip up."
Shuyin yawned in response. June shot him a glare to which he responded, "Oh, I'm sorry. Were you saying something?"
June mock punched him in the shoulder. "You're so fucking annoying". The team burst out in laughter.
Vajiru checked his phone and indicated to June that it was time to go. "June, come on. We need to go pick up Bahamut and head to the ceremony."
Shuyin's interest was piqued. "Oh? Are you going to your sister's summoner ceremony?"
In Zanarkand, Apprentice Summoners spend years in the temples working on honing their skills as Mages, Senders, Warriors, and Summoners. Right before graduation, the students who are on track to become Summoners work to get the Temple Summon for Zanarkand, which is Leviathan. Vajiru and June's little sister, Lenne, was able to do this which earned her a 'graduation' ceremony.
"Yes" Vajiru responded. "We're going to get Bahamut from his friend's house so we can go to the ceremony."
"Our little brother wouldn't miss this for the world, he wants to follow in his sister's footsteps." June stated.
June paused and then explained further, "Unfortunately, he wants to become a summoner. Just like it's unfortunate Lenne became a summoner."
"Why is that a bad thing?" Shuyin questioned.
June sighed and looked at Vajiru. Vajiru responded to Shuyin's question: "you know things have been tense politically between Zanarkand and Bevelle. Who do you think will fight our wars?"
Shuyin's face reflected confusion and disgust. "That's not right…they're supposed to be defenders against fiends; and to be the senders of the dead. They shouldn't be fighting wars."
Vajiru shrugged his shoulders, "well, that's likely what's going to happen."
"Please don't say that. You'll speak it into existence." June warned Vajiru as she looked to the floor. "Come on, let's go get little Bahamut. He's going to start freaking out if we don't get to him soon."
"Would I be able to come with you three to the ceremony?" Shuyin asked. "I'm sure there will be plenty of booze and pretty ladies there."
June rolled her eyes. "Come on, Shu. Stop being such as sleeze for once in your life."
Shuyin feigned offense, "ouch, that really hurt my feelings June. How could you?"
Vajiru laughed at their banter. Vajiru was good friends with Shuyin, while June and Shuyin had a sort of 'love/hate' relationship. They were friends, but also got on each other's nerves from time to time. June would get genuinely annoyed by Shuyin's womanizing behaviors and history of not taking games (or relationships) very seriously. There were plenty of times Shuyin would no-show to practices because he preferred to be out partying.
"But seriously, I want to go. I want to congratulate your sister on her accomplishment. Even if you two aren't happy with her decision." Shuyin stated.
"Whatever." June replied as the three of them left the arena. They waved goodbye to their teammates and made their way to Vajiru's car.
Shuyin and Lenne's three siblings arrived at Lenne's celebration. The food and festivities were funded by the Zanarkand temple; and the party included various members, congregants, clergy of the temple; fellow student mages, summoners, and warriors; and friends of Lenne. Lenne herself stood in the middle of the room socializing with the guests who congratulated her on her accomplishment. Lenne noticed her siblings walking through the door and shot them a brilliant smile. June faked a smile as she walked towards Lenne. June was not very happy with Lenne's decision to become a summoner, but was nonetheless proud of her little sister for the completion of her coursework and studies. Vajiru and Bahamut followed behind June and made their way towards Lenne. Lenne gave Bahamut a gigantic hug while picking him up.
Shuyin wandered in behind them and surveyed the room. He noticed one member of the Zanarkand Abes who was "supporting the wall" with a drink in hand.
"Yo!" Shuyin called out. "What's up, Kenji".
Kenji reached out his hand for a fist bump to Shuyin. "Nothing much."
Shuyin grabbed himself a drink as well. He continued to survey the room before his eyes fell on Lenne herself. He saw her loving gesture towards her little brother, Bahamut. Shuyin felt as though his heart stopped beating in his chest. For a split second, he had lost his breath. He didn't really believe in cliché things such as love at first sight, but this moment made him question his disbeliefs. He found her so beautiful and radiant. He had never imagined Lenne would be so beautiful. Kenji seemed to notice Shuyin staring at her.
"She's cute, huh".
Shuyin was broken from his spell with Kenji's words. "Huh?"
Kenji laughed, "Lenne. She's cute, right?"
"Uhh…yeah. She is." Shuyin mustered some words together.
"Don't get any ideas though." Kenji warned.
Shuyin's face scrunched up in response to his statement. "And why not?"
"Dude. You know June would beat the living shit out of you if you tried anything." Kenji half joked. Shuyin nearly spat out his drink with laughter towards his statement. 'He's not wrong with that' Shuyin thought.
"Yeah but, if she comes on to me then it's no harm, no foul." Shuyin retorted.
Kenji scoffed. "Sure. Good luck with that, buddy." Kenji patted Shuyin on the back sarcastically.
Shuyin gulped down the rest of his drink and slammed it down on the table. "Just you watch." Shuyin confidently strode over the middle of the floor once he noticed June, Vajiru, and Bahamut had moved on to speaking with other guests. Shuyin kept his eyes on Lenne. 'Okay Shu, you got this. Just play it cool.' Shuyin thought as he went to tap Lenne on the shoulder.
While focusing so much on what he would say, though, Shuyin failed to notice the spill on the floor. Unfortunately, this caused Shuyin to slip and almost went tumbling into Lenne.
"Oh!" Lenne exclaimed in shock.
Shuyin fell on his back, looking up at Lenne.
All eyes were now on Shuyin, who was lying on the ground. Kenji was in the back of the room doubling over with laughter. Lenne looked down at Shuyin with both amusement and concern. "…Hi there." She let out a few giggles.
"Hi there", Shuyin responded. Shuyin performed a kick up to get right back onto his feet. Meanwhile, in the background, Kenji shook his head and mocked "Smooth, Shu. Real smooth".
Lenne smiled at Shuyin. "Are you okay?"
"Who? Me?" Shuyin pointed to himself to make light of the situation. "I was just testing out how slippery the floor is. You know, to make sure everyone knows to stay away from that area. I was doing a public good."
Lenne raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"
Shuyin nodded his head in response. Lenne joked, "how noble of you." The two smiled at each other in response to this unconventional meeting.
"You're Shuyin, right? Star player of the Zanarkand Abes?"
"Yeah!" Shuyin was excited that Lenne had recognized him. He internally chided himself for showing a little too much excitement and not playing it "cool" like he intended. Shuyin cleared his throat to reset himself. "So, are you a blitzball fan?"
"Me? Oh no, I only follow because of Vajiru and June." Lenne looked over towards her older siblings. She noticed June's unapproving glance towards Shuyin. "If it weren't for them, I don't think I would care too much about sports".
Lenne returns her gaze back to Shuyin. She took note of his features. His skin had a slight tan, from all the practice at sea for their blitz training. She also noted that his hair seemed to be bleached by the sun, also likely from spending so much time outside by the sea. He had bright blue eyes which reminded her of the ocean. 'He's handsome' Lenne thought to herself.
"I'm actually more into singing and the arts". Lenne explained.
"That's right. I remember a few years ago you had an album that you put out."
"Yes, that was before I went into the summoner training courses."
"Hmm". Shuyin responded. "What made you change your mind from being a singer to being a summoner?"
Lenne shook her head, indicating he got it wrong. "Well, I didn't change my mind, really."
Shuyin's head titled to the side, like what a puppy would do. Lenne giggled to herself. "I want to do both, actually."
"Ohhh! Really cool".
June stormed up to Shuyin and Lenne and began to pull Shuyin away. "Can I please speak to you for a second?"
Shuyin glanced over to Lenne, "Uh oh, I think I'm in trouble." Lenne laughed before turning her attention to the other guests.
June continued to pull Shuyin away from Lenne. She practically dragged him away with such force that he almost fell to the floor again. When she came to a stop, she shot Shuyin a deadly glare. Shuyin knew exactly what she was thinking. June was always very critical of Shuyin's escapades. It made sense she would be protective of her little sister. June began to poke at Shuyin's chest. "Don't. You. Dare."
Shuyin pushed her hand away and began to rub the area she was poking aggressively. "Don't do what?"
"You know what I'm talking about, Shuyin."
Shuyin shrugged his shoulders, feigning ignorance.
June sighed. "I know you, Shu. I know your ways." She began to roll her eyes at him. "You sleep with a girl and then leave her high and dry the next day. You're the definition of the term "man whore".
Shuyin scoffed. "Damn June, that's a little harsh, don't you think?"
"No. I really don't think it is." She replied. "You're quite the asshole when it comes to relationships with other people."
Shuyin remained silent. To be honest, he wasn't sure what to say. She was right. He was a 'womanizer' and would 'love em' and leave em'. He was known for being a party boy and a heartbreaker.
"So help me gods…Shu, if you hurt her…"
"Knock it off, June. I'm not going to do anything. I'm just talking to her for gods' sakes". Shuyin was growing annoyed now. What was once funny was becoming tired. He knew his reputation, but he did not believe that should exclude him from talking to people he wanted to become friends with.
"Watch yourself, Shu. Vajiru and I will absolutely kick your ass if you ever hurt her."
"Whatever." Shuyin began to walk back to the middle of the room where Lenne stood. The two of them continued to socialize over Lenne's passion for singing, Shuyin's passion for blitzball, and the process Lenne had to take to become a summoner.
June and Vajiru watched on with suspicion. They vowed to keep a close eye on Shuyin.
Lenne tapped on her glass repeatedly with her fingers, in response to anxiety. She wasn't sure why Shuyin made her heart flutter. She began to sweat a little and felt like she had butterflies in her stomach. But she enjoyed her time speaking with him. She didn't want their conversation to ever end. Time seemed to slow down and the music playing in the room began to feel enchanted. Lenne was grateful that Shuyin came to the celebration. She was very happy she had a chance to meet him.
This was the beginning of a very beautiful, and yet very tragic relationship.
Corresponding song: Enchanted by Taylor Swift:
🎵 Your eyes whispered, "Have we met?" Cross the room your silhouette starts to make its way to me. The playful conversation starts. Counter all your quick remarks like passing notes in secrecy. And it was enchanting to meet you. All I can say is, I was enchanted to meet you🎵