the wings that you burn turn to ashes, my dear

She’d tried, once, to be pious. Back when Chappu was still alive and he’d promised a ring on her hand and a wedding when he returned from the Crusaders. Everyone knew how their story ended. If Lulu could guide her summoner to defeat Sin, she would consider that penance enough. She’d do what Chappu couldn’t: help bring the peace they all longed for.

If she wandered from the righteous path along the way? That was a secret between her and Yevon, now.

Many a pilgrimage ended on the slopes of Mt. Gagazet. Never ending blizzards and biting winds made the winding path even more treacherous. One wrong step spelled disaster.

The lucky ones turned around before reaching the peak. The others became part of the mountain forever.

He stared out over the water. In the distance, the sea was starting to change color, growing darker, like the sun was about to set. “Kinoc and I served as warrior monks together,” he said, after a long moment.

“No love lost between you then.” That much was obvious. “He became a maester, and you… became a guardian?”

“A legendary guardian. So they say.”

Someday Rydia was going to ask Yuna or Lulu what exactly was so legendary about him. Maybe Auron would tell her now. “What did you do to earn such fame?”

He turned that glare onto her. “Do you always ask this many questions?”

Rydia shrugged. “Must not have been that legendary.”

Silence hung between them. Finally, Auron sighed. “I stood guard while Yuna’s father defeated Sin and brought Spira peace.”

The Crusaders worked through their battle paces. The Al Bhed checked their weapons again. These people were preparing for war. “This doesn’t look much like peace,” she admitted, softly.

“Then maybe Yuna will do what Braska could not,” Auron said, hefting his katana onto his shoulder. “The operation will begin soon. We must stay with Yuna.”

runicmagitek

As she bowed to Auron, she saw a wisp of green fabric behind him. Yuna let her eyes travel upward, from the high boots to the emerald leotard with gold detailing, a cape clasped to the thin straps at the girl’s shoulders. And her hair stood out from the crowd, a vibrant shade of green, as if her outfit were designed to match.

“And this one,” Auron said, gesturing to the girl, “comes with me.”

“Hi!” the girl said, flicking green hair out of her eyes. “I’m Rydia!”