deemoyza | Fanfiction: "Walk in Shadow" (Reply)

Title: "Walk in Shadow" (3,407 words) [AO3]
Chapters: 1/8
Fandom: Final Fantasy X
Rating/Warnings: Teen / Major Character Death (Canonical); Eventual Bloody Violence
Characters: Lady Ginnem, Lulu, Original Character
Relationships: Lady Ginnem & Lulu
Summary: The story of an ill-fated pilgrimage, through the eyes of the summoner herself, and the young guardian whose life she changed forever. Pre-canon, multi-chapter.

Excerpt below the cut.

How long had it been? Hours? Days? Ginnem sat back on her heels with a sigh, and mopped the sweat from her face with the sleeve of her robe. Fayths were notoriously difficult to call forth – particularly to an unproven summoner – and none was so selective in its communication as the one who slept inside the temple in Bevelle.

The priests under whom she'd studied had advised her to complete her training elsewhere, to seek out more cooperative fayths and gain experience as a summoner, before attempting to call upon the local fayth. Ginnem had respectfully declined their advice, determined to earn the title of summoner in the city where she'd trained, by procuring the strongest Aeon she knew of. If she was successful, no one would doubt her claim to the title; if she was successful, she would have little need for more than one guardian.

There was an element of personal pride to her determination, as well, though Ginnem tried to conceal it before the eyes of Yevon. Still, its flame flickered in her heart, stirring and sparking a reserve of energy, enough for her to make one last attempt. She shifted onto her knees again, performed the prayer of Yevon, and closed her eyes, letting her consciousness drop away, searching for some sign – an echo, a glimmer, a tremble – in the darkest corners of her mind.

You're a persistent one …

Ginnem started, and willed herself not to open her eyes at the sound of the voice. It sounded small, like a child's, and very far away.

I respect that. Tell me, why do you wish to become a summoner?

Ginnem swallowed hard and licked her lips, hesitant to speak, fearful that her voice would sever the tenuous link she'd established.

Go on. You may speak.

"I wish," she began, as loudly as she dared, "to ease the suffering of all Spirans. I wish to defeat Sin and bring the Calm, for the people of Spira, those now living and those yet to be born. I wish to give them a world of beauty and light, the only gift a mere servant of Yevon can offer."

And you desire nothing for yourself?

"Nothing … save for the chance to bring the Calm."

The chamber suddenly grew cold, and Ginnem shivered, struggling to maintain the connection with the fayth. She heard a quiet humming, gradually growing louder and more articulate, moving around her, swooping past her ear before retreating to the wall, and she recognized the words to the Hymn of the Fayth.

Open your eyes.

Ginnem did as she was told, and found herself face-to-face with a young boy in a purple hood, floating just above the floor. He grinned at her and bowed slightly.

I am the fayth of Bahamut, sleeping in the depths of Bevelle Temple in wait of a summoner deserving of my power. You have proven your tenacity, and your devotion to the temples of Yevon and the people of Spira. I am glad to offer you my power.

"Thank you. I accept it humbly."

The fayth laughed. Your humility will be proven during your pilgrimage. Now, rise, Lady Ginnem, and call forth my Aeon, so the ritual may be complete.