A Guardian's Life

After being transported from his Zanarkand to Spira, Jecht was arrested in the Yevonite city Bevelle and thrown into the temple prison. After spending some time behind bars, Jecht was released from prision into the custody of Braska, a summoner about to begin his journey to defeat Sin. After hearing Jecht's claims to be from Zanarkand, Braska asked the drunken ballplayer to join him on his journey as one of his guardians. Auron, a young warrior-monk, acted as Braska's other guardian; he was not happy with Braska's offer to Jecht. Immediately, Auron found Jecht's mannerisms and general attitude offensive. But kind-hearted Braska felt differently and was seemingly pleased when Jecht, hoping to reach home, agreed to join the pilgrimage. What an interesting group they made : a summoner shunned for his marriage to an Al-Bhed; a warrior-monk in exile for refusing the hand of the high priest's daughter; and a man from "Zanarkand." No one believed that they would actually defeat Sin.

Now as a summoner's guardian, Jecht began to travel throughout Spira, slowly learning their culture and way of life. Like his son, he assumed that Sin had carried him through time to this other place, but still hoped that his Zanarkand existed on the other side of the world. Trying to keep his spirits up, Jecht occupied his time recording memories in Spheres, and generally being his usual arrogant self. Auron, whom he called a 'stick in the mud,' found his easy familiarity and super-relaxed attitude unfitting for their purpose. Braska, on the other hand, found Jecht's enthusiasm a welcome addition. The trio visited various temples all over Spira in order for Braska to collect all the Aeons he would need. Jecht managed to get them in all sorts of trouble, feeling the need to help people along the way because they were worried or because it was the right thing to do.

But that wasn't the only way Jecht caused trouble. While trying to cross the Moonflow, a drunken Jecht was startled by a shoopuf, which he reflexively attacked, injuring the poor creature. Braska had to pay for the damages and Auron was furious with their companion. It was then that Jecht finally (and truthfully) swore to no longer consume alcohol, swearing to never touch anything stronger than shoopuf milk. He changed in other ways, too. He slowly realized that returning home was impossible, and so he invested himself more fully into his position as a Guardian. He believed strongly in his summoner, and in the cause for which he fought. Even though he was not aware in the beginning what awaited Braska, he was willing to follow him. Slowly he and Auron also resolved their personality conflict and grew to be friends. Three friends on a mission to defeat Sin.

When the trio reached Zanarkand Dome and faced Lady Yunalesca, they learned the truth about the Ultimate Summon and what exactly it entailed to receive it. One of the guardians had to become the fayth for the final aeon, giving up his life as the summoner would in order to summon it. Faced with this realization, Auron begged for Braska to abandon his quest, but he refused. It was Jecht who offered to become the fayth, wanting to serve Braska, in whom he whole-heartedly believed. Before he made his sacrifice, Jecht asked Auron to find a way back to his Zanarkand and watch over his son. Even while Auron still begged, Jecht was staunch. He revealed that his only dream was his son and now that he can never return to his home, it was lost. By becoming the fayth, he could give his life meaning, do something great. And when Auron argued of infinite possibilities awaiting him if he should live, Jecht countered that those possibilities no longer existed for him.

So, the former blitzball stars sacrificed his life to become the fayth for Braska's final Summon so that he could defeat Sin. Accepting his fate, Jecht marched into Lady Yunalesca's chambers to die, leaving behind all hope to return to Zanarkand. But once again, this apparent demise was not the end for Jecht.

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