They spoke to me. I could tell from the set of their posture, the way that they shifted ever so slightly to eye me at the back of the crowd. Always I kept my gaze downcast, my arms crossed so as to not see them, to protect myself from the shame that I always felt when they said that.
For I knew the truth of the matter; I had betrayed their trust once.
Long ago four youths had approached the summon spirits with tremulous courage and hearts full of hope. Long ago hope blossomed for a season as one bound them to himself. Long was the journey, the path that led to redemption for the world. Until that day...
One was struck down from our midst. The light went out of our hearts and bitterness blossomed instead. It destroyed the fellowship, one destroying the world in his quest for vengeance.
One grieved alone for love known and lost.
And I abandoned all hope.
There was a time long ago when I could have made pact with them. The day that I bound Origin to my life, I could have instead lifted up my arms and bound him to me in pact. But I did not.
Origin was bound to me by his choice and mine. Together we hoped to see peace come to the world. But it was not to be.
Disillusioned by the blatant disregard that one held for all life other than his own, I turned my path away from his. But he could not let me go for long...
I was the final seal, the final bastion of his power.
And in the end I returned to him, having loved and lost. Having lost my humanity and my faith in myself. I had failed those I loved the most, how could I turn my hand to support anyone else?
It nearly destroyed me.
And now I stand and watch as another takes her place in a company of heroes, boldy stating her request and I nod toward Undine. A silent tear makes its way down my cheek as she turns back towards Sheena to state her terms.
For I was one who possessed the right of the pact.
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A/N: Written by an author who doesn't believe in the 'born as a summoner' thing. I mean, come on! How would it have started? My take is that the spirits look for someone strong enough in heart/soul to contract with. Hence this fic. Not all that well done, but at least it's written. Reviews welcome, asked for and not quite begged for.
Trevor X1