Auron stood on the hill at the old campfire site in Zanarkand, staring into the eyes of the grotesque monster in the distance.

"…Hello, Jecht."

Sin gave a sharp wail.

"Will you take me to Zanarkand?" Auron shouted. "To your son?"

Sin wailed again in answer.

"Well then… let's go!"

With that, he leaped into the water and waded his way towards the beast.

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Tidus sat on the boat next to his own home, staring into the wrinkled eyes of their neighbour.

"Why is Mom so sick?" he demanded. "Is it because Dad never came back?"

"…When a lovebird dies," the old woman replied in her grim, creaky voice, "the one left behind gives up on living so it can join its mate."

Tidus stared at her.

"Dalia has struggled bravely, child," the woman whispered. "But without your father, she lacks the will to live on."

"What are you saying?" Tidus cried. "Is she gonna die?"

Not wanting to hear the answer, Tidus immediately got up and leaped off the boat onto the platform.

"Tidus, wait!"

Tidus turned to run away, when he almost bumped into a tall man in red. The man stared at the little boy, an ugly scar and an astonished look on his face.

Tidus studied him with a frown.

"Who are you?"