Author Note: This is my first FF fanfiction. I hope I've stayed true to the backstory told in the game, although slight deviations are inevitable. Reviews would be appreciated.

Please note, there may be some game spoilers in this tale.

"Your late Sen," replied Azin as he turned to face his apprentice, Second Lord Sen, "and if you're referring to the latest sphere casts from Zanar, then yes I have heard them"

It was a cold night in the city tonight and both men wore their thick black uniform jackets on top of their formal grey garb. Now that the Sen had arrived at the central fountain plaza, the two most powerful men in Zanarkand's army began walking towards the Fayth Palace for a meeting with the ruler of their beloved city.

"Well, do you believe them?" asked Sen, glancing briefly at a large sphere screen that lined one wall of the path to the Palace

Azin, who wore a pained expression at the tension in his friends voice decided to try and do a passable imitation of Zanars voice, " 'The High Summoner has sent his daughter, the lady Yunalesca into hiding, is this a sign he fears the worst for our great city,' 'recent reports from the Fayth Palace suggest that the our lord Yu Yevon is considering surrendering to St Bevelle,' and my personal favourite, 'A spy, whose identity cannot be revealed, may have been captured in Bevelle. Leaked reports suggest that he may have been caught while attempting to destroy Bevelle's latest weapon. We can only hope he succeeded before his capture.' Of course I don't believe them, and you're a fool if you believe anything that Zanar says. His just one of those bloody doomsayers."

"But sir, he's been right before though, hasn't he?"

Still sensing the tension in Sens voice, Azin said, "It's, been a while since you called me sir during our conversations Sen. I suggest you relax, or you'll never get in the Palace."

"Yes sir…Azin"

As they approached the two guards at the entrance to the Fayth Palace, Azin spoke his code and ungloved his hand to allow palm to be scanned, as did Sen.

"Sirs, your weapons as well please," said one of the guards.

"Of course," replied Azin as he unbuckled the rifle that was slung over his back and removed the blade that was sheathed about his waist beneath his jacket while Sen also handed over his rifle and the large claw he generally used in combat.

Once both Azin and Sen surrendered their weapons to the guards and had there identities confirmed, they were allowed to enter the Palace.

Passing the saluting guards, Azin continued, "You've never met the High Summoner have you Sen?"

"No, I haven't."

"Well, take it from me, he's a coeurl kitten compared to some of his aides, so don't worry about this meeting and relax. Just don't take any notice of what Zanar says."

"Yes Azin," replied Sen as they approached the elevator that would take them to any fayth statue in the palace, and also to the chambers of the High Summoner.

Though he sounded calmer, there was still some uncertainty in his voice, causing Azin to continue. "Do you remember last year when Bevelle took Armenal? Zanar thought those damned Hypello might join us. Really, the Hypello? They can't summon, can't even hold a gun properly, let alone yield a blade. Plus, he's always thought the Ronso would join us, 'They're always ready for a fight' he said, but as long as neither side attack the mountain, they couldn't care less, they even let us keep that facility on Gagazet's peak. You should know better than to believe the tripe he comes out with."

"I apologise sir, I should know better"

"Good, because that's the one lesson I drummed into you from the moment you became my apprentice. Always keep an open mind. That's why you never managed to call your family aeon; your family was always pestering you to do it. You closed you mind to the fayth and believed that you were only doing it to please your family, not for the wonders an aeon holds. That's why Phoenix never graced you with her presence.

"But after your first week, you learned to open you mind to the power of the fayth. I even let you pray at my family's fayth. That somewhat displeased everyone at home, but I'm the family elder and saw great potential in you, and so did Atamos.

"So I repeat, always keep an open mind, especially when it comes to the Zanars rumours."

"Yes sir…" Sen had heard this speech many times by now, so it was a less than convincing reply.

"And when I tell a story, try to sound more interested than that," replied Azin, with a bemused smile on his face.

Their lift had now reached the Falcon Gate, the great Kilikan Oak doors that marked the entrance of the High Summoners chambers, "Shall we proceed, or would you prefer another lecture?"

"Lets just get this over with, I'll be happy to hear someone else speak for a change"

"Hey, enough of that cheek in the High Summoners presence" scolded an aide that had just appeared and who now ushered the two officers into the chamber.