Banished from the Eyes of Yevon

Chapter Two: The Heretic

“.” You glance up at the sound of your name, and a smile spreads across your face as you recognize the caller.

A sixteen year old you drops the mending you’ve been working on, and jogs to his side.

“Good morning, Lord Galen.” A faint blush stains your cheeks as you’re met with a pair of unnaturally blue eyes.

“How many times must I tell you, it’s just Galen.” There’s mirth in his deep, almost musical voice.

“I can’t help it.” You bashfully stare at the floor. Already you can feel the butterflies gathering in your stomach.

His finger finds the edge of your chin, and he lifts your head. “Why are you so nervous around me lately hm?”

All you can do is stare. To say he’s handsome wouldn’t even scratch the surface. His features are statuesque in their beauty, and if not for the masculine structure of his face, he would seem womanish. Hair the color of black cherries hangs partially in his face, and brushes his broad shoulders.

“?” An eyebrow quirks.

“I… don’t know.” You manage to croak.

He laughs, a rich pleasant sound that runs through your veins like some sweet drug. You feel suddenly dizzy.

“Anyhow, I have an errand to run for the temple down at the beach. Would you like to come with me?”

You nod mutely. How could you say no? Not once since you met him have you been able to. That was six months ago, today.

Your isolated village is home to a temple that serves as the training and anointing grounds for the most sacred sect of the Yevon priesthood (summoners and maesters aside of course). On that fateful winter day you had been chosen to greet the new apprentices as they arrived at the modest port. You hadn’t known how to react when he, Galen, soon to be of the Sacred Order had stepped onto the dock, dressed in ceremonial robes of deep lavender and green. You think you fell in love with him at that very moment.

Stranger still, he had taken an immediate liking to you, to the point of you being inseparable. The seven year age different hadn’t interfered in the slightest. The pair of you just sort of clicked. He was mischievous and full of live, everything a priest shouldn’t be, and your feelings grew for him with every passing second.

“Rock.”

You glance up at him questioningly, but your foot hits something hard, and you stumble. Your arms flail wildly as you attempt and fail to keep your balance. Strong arms secure you before you hit the ground.

“I told you.” He grins, his face just a little too close for any kind of comfort.

Your answer is to stick your tongue out at him, and struggle out of his grasp.

The remainder of the trip passes in silence.

“You never did answer my question.”

The tone of his voice shocks you out of your trance. Rather than light and playful as it usually is, it comes across as serious and quiet. When you look up at him, his brow is furrowed as if in deep thought.

“I’m not sure.” You blush.

“I’m sorry .” He shakes his head. “Just forget I said anything.”

When you finally arrive, he wanders off to complete his task, leaving you to stare at the incoming waves. The salt air whips around you, carrying the heavy promise of rain. Clouds on the distant horizon, white and billowing accentuate the theory. But for now the sun is warm, and above you the sky is clear. Every trace of worry washes away as you step into the water, reveling in the feel off the crests lapping at your bare legs. For a moment you’re lost in the timeless rhythm of Spira.

A sudden force slams into you, and you barely manage a scream before you topple into the sea.

When you surface, spitting and sputtering, you’re greeted by hysterical laughter. You push your sopping hair out of your eyes, and glare at the culprit.

Galen is doubled over on the shore, clutching his stomach as the fit of mirth overtakes him.

“Ha ha.” Your voice is dripping with sarcasm. “So you managed to get me wet, aren’t you so funny.”

His grin turns devilish. “But now I get the pleasure of watching you walk around with your clothes plastered to your body.”

Your mouth drops, and your cheeks burn.

In some small consolation he offers a hand. You accept, and he pulls you to your feet.

“What?! No, thank you?”

You glare daggers at him.

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“My induction is tomorrow.”

The simple statement causes your heart to wrench, and your stomach to knot. “What?”

He nods forlornly though he still gazes at the shifting colors of the twilight sky.

“S… So…” You can’t finish.

“Tonight I am to undergo the trials.” Unexpectedly he turns to you, an expression as sad as his tone marring his stunning features.” I’m supposed to be meditating out here, but… I wanted my last day to be with you.”

The tenderness and sincerity in his crystalline orbs steals your voice. Even as your throat goes dry, your eyes begin to brim with tears.

“Don’t cry .” He reaches out, and wipes them away as they trickle down your face, but the seemingly innocent gesture is transformed into something more profound when he cups your cheek in his palm.

The warmth spreads through your body, causing your heart to somersault, and your soul to sigh. Unintentionally you nuzzle his hand.

Suddenly something snaps within him, and he rises. “I should get back. Will you come?”

A silent bob of the head is your answer, and you get to your feet.

Together you pick your way through the darkened forest, and past the doors of the temple into a large softly glowing entrance chamber.

You’re a little surprised at the unexpected emptiness of the place. “There’s no one here.”

You turn to Galen, and your eyes widen when his lips descend upon yours. At first you’re too stunned to react, but he slips his arms around your waist, and you begin to return it eagerly, the effects of the kiss flowing through your bloodstream like the stoutest wine. His tongue slides into your mouth, and he delves deep, exploring every inch and crevasse. With a sigh you wind your own arms around his neck, sending you colliding with his body. With every second the embrace gains intensity until it becomes passionate, even fevered. Your heart drums in your ears and unbridled emotion washes over you like the tide.

At last he breaks free, and rests his forehead against yours, his nose gently prodding your cheek.

“I must confess something . I’ve been hiding it from the second we met… I love you.”

The feeling that overwhelms you robs the breath from your lungs, and the strength from your body, but still, you feel as if you could fly.

“I love you too, Galen.”

His mouth closes over yours once again, this time more desperately. Large, smooth hands wander your body, slipping beneath your shirt to eclipse your breasts. Your moans are muffled by his lips, and you gather the fabric of his linen shirt in your fists as he squeezes a nipple.

The pair of your stumble into an adjacent room, and Galen reaches out, catching himself on a wall before the pair of you goes tumbling to the floor.

As he nibbles your lower lip, he guides the straps of your dress over your arms, and along the curves of your waist where it flutters free, and pools about your ankles.

The slightly chillier air hits your overheated skin, raising chill bumps. Coupled with his ministrations, it sends shivers racing down your spine.

He breaks away, moves down your neck, and past your collar, trailing kisses to your swollen peaks. He takes a hardened nub in his mouth, and suckles it tenderly, milking breathy moans from your lips. You tangle your fingers in his dark hair, and shut your eyes against the pleasure that seizes you as well as the throbbing between your legs.

All at once, he withdraws, and lowers you to the divan. You watch with lust clouded eyes as he removes his shirt and pants, revealing an unexpectedly toned physique.

A smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and love in his every feature, he crawls over you, pausing only to remove your undergarments.

With a last lingering kiss, he leans into you.

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Heavy boot steps drag you from your slumber. Your eyes bolt open just as the massive oaken door swings on its hinges, and bangs loudly against the wall.

Into the room march 6 armed men, and none other than the sect leader.

Galen struggles into a sitting position, while you desperately attempt to cover your nudity.

“Explain yourself!” The priest demands, even as the guards snatch you away from him.

Your arms are twisted painfully behind your back and cold iron shackles close around your wrists. Panic overwhelms you, and you turn to your lover with fear etched all over your face.

He stares at you helplessly, and then turns to the priest, yet still he does not speak.

“Take her away.” The leader orders.

Your captors begin to pull you through the portal.

“What is this!? Galen help me!” You scream. “Please!”

All he does is stare at the floor in shame.

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You sit alone in a dank, dark cell curled into a ball. Your strangled sobs bounce off of the grey stone walls.

“How could this have happened?” You reason through your despair.

What did you do wrong? Why are you here? Never in your life have you been so frightened or felt so alone. You long for the safety of your parents’ house or the comfort of Galen’s arms.

Galen! Fear churns in your gut. If this is happening to you, then what are they doing to him? Your body shakes as you begin to cry anew.

“ .” A harsh voice addresses.

Reluctantly you glance over at the bars of your cell.
“You have been summoned to the court of Yevon to stand trial for your crimes.”

“Crimes!?” Your mind screams, but you find you cannot speak.

The metallic grating of the prison door is like a death toll. In steps a single guard who roughly hoists you to your feet. Dread consumes you as you are led to a cursed, yet still unknown fate.

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“ .” The voice of the judge resounds throughout the chamber

You raise your head from your place in the center of the room.

“You have been accused of fornicating with a priest on the night of his induction, and for the desecration of a temple of Yevon.” His negative opinion of you is clearly expressed in his tone, while something even harsher glares out at you from his eyes.” Speak now, for it will be your only chance.”

Somehow you find your voice, and it is surprisingly strong.” Your honor, I slept with Galen out of the purest love. Using the temple as a place to consummate these feelings was wrong, but surely you cannot punish someone for what they feel in their heart.”

His face twists into a scowl.

“Love or no, Galen was undergoing the process of initiation. You know as well as I do, that priests in this particular sect, pledge a vow of celibacy. He must have known that as well. Nevertheless, I will hear his testimony now.”

The enormous double doors swing open, and hope swells within you as your lover emerges. He takes his place at a podium beside you. You glance at him pleadingly, but he only looks away.

“Now Galen. You will tell this court what possessed you to undertake such a vile activity.”

“Your honor.” The cherry haired young man speaks, though there is something undistinguishable in his voice.

Fear consumes you as you already seem to know the outcome.

“I…” He hesitates. “Was bewitched by . She came to me during my meditation at the beach, followed me to the temple, and seduced me.” As he finishes his ‘confession’ he hangs his head.

The shattering of your heart echoes off of the walls. You suddenly feel as if your life, your purpose has been snatched away. You’re tumbling, reeling, and you can’t find a handhold.

“Galen what are you saying!?” Tears cascade down your face, but still he refuses to look at you.

“Then it is the decision of this court, that you be excommunicated. From this day forth you are to be branded a heretic, and banished from the eyes of Yevon.”

“No! Galen please!”

You’re forced to your knees and the fabric of your dress is torn down the front. Your arms are pinned behind your back, and your hair yanked until your head is inclined. The scrape of metal reaches your ears, and in the corner of your vision you spot something that makes your blood freeze in your veins.

An intricate design of twisted steel, glowing orange with the heat of the coals it was pulled from, looms inches before your exposed chest. Terror seizes you, your eyes widen, and your heart drums in your ears as it draws closer, and closer. Then it makes contact with your bare flesh, sending searing agony shooting along your nerve endings. A strangled cry escapes your lips.

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Present


You stare into the fire as the last words of your story fall from your lips. The three men express varying degrees of surprise as well as sympathy. Even Auron’s face seems to have softened.

“So that’s IT!?” Jecht is the first to speak. “All that for SEX!?”

You nod forlornly, but steel up almost instantly, and reply with distain laced in every syllable. “It is Yevon’s way.”

“What of your family?” Braska inquires.

“They disowned me. I am alone.”

“I am sorry.”

You shake your head. “Thank you, but I don’t need pity. That was three years ago. I’ve had time to adjust.”

“If I might ask,” The summoner muses aloud. “Why do you wear the mark openly when you could cover it, and lead a normal life?”

“Because, it would be nothing but a shadow of a real life to live in constant fear of being discovered. Besides, it is my way of carrying my burden, and of expressing the corruption of Yevon.” The conviction of your statement is revealed in your body language.

“If you hate Yevon so much, then why do you want to become a guardian?” Auron asks the inevitable question.

“Because.” You smile, albeit sadly. “All my life I’ve somehow managed to fuck everything up. Never once did I do anything right, and because of it others suffered. I may not believe in Yevon, but I do believe in the power of the summoners to someday rid Spira of Sin. For that, for them, and for this chance to redeem myself I would become a guardian.”

Braska chuckles. “And you chose us because of our own histories no doubt.”

Your smile becomes genuine. “I couldn’t resist.”

“Well you’ve more than proven yourself to me….”

“My lord I must protest!” Auron argues. “She is a heretic, and we have no proof that she is trustworthy!”

You cast the man a withering glare.

“Auron, I understand your concern. However…”

“She’s only a girl!”

“I’m 19.” You grate.

Jecht begins to laugh, shocking the arguing group into silence. “ I like her Braska! We should let her in! She small but she’s got one hell of an attitude, and the strength to back it up! She nearly had you Auron!”

“I like her as well.” Braska agrees. “Auron, do you think you can manage to get along with her?” His mouth twitches, and his eyes twinkle playfully.

“It’s up to you lord Braska.” He forces the words through gritted teeth.

“It’s settled then.” The summoner turns to you with a warm and friendly expression on his face.” Welcome. I would introduce you, but I assume you already know our names.”

You nod ecstatically. “Thank you my lord! You won’t regret it!”

Auron mutters something under his breath, and Braska sighs. “Let’s get some rest. We set out at dawn.”

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Kaelea Majere

Edited by Moth - July 18, 2008