The story of Shuyin begins about one thousand years before that of Tidus and Yuna. Shuyin was a famous Blitzball player in the highly advanced city of Zanarkand. He was the lover of a popular songstress named Lenne, who was also very talented in the arts of Summoning.

Unfortunately, they lived during the time when Zanarkand was at war with the powerful city of Bevelle. Zanarkand ordered all summoners to the front lines, including Lenne, and Shuyin was drafted into the army and became a soldier. Eventually, Lenne was captured and held prisoner in Bevelle. Shuyin believed that the only way to save Lenne was to activate Vegnagun, an enormous robotic weapon of Bevelle that was imbued with magic and would attack people indiscriminately, not being able to tell friend from foe.

Because of this, Vegnagun was stored away in a heavily guarded chamber with no intention of ever being used. Shuyin managed to penetrate deep into the heart of the complex, finally standing before the hulking, inanimate form of Vegnagun. However, an alarm sounded, and Shuyin was captured and forced into a cage by Bevelle soldiers.

He managed to escape the cage and once again came upon Vegnagun. By this time, he had realized that Vegnagun might be controlled by an organ-like musical instrument atop its head. Shuyin then climbed upon the head of Vegnagun and began playing the organ, beautiful musical notes gushing forth. Vegnagun’s eyes lit up a pale blue, and it began to stir. The huge cannon that was capable of destroying all of Spira protruded from its mouth.

At that moment, Lenne appeared, pleading for Shuyin to stop. And Shuyin did stop, so amazed and relieved was he to find Lenne standing before him. The titanic machine deactivated, and the echoing sound of boots could be heard rushing toward them. Shuyin and Lenne embraced and looked into each other’s eyes, knowing their end was near. The soldiers of Bevelle arrived and as one, aimed their rifles at the couple.

They then fired their weapons, and Shuyin and Lenne collapsed to the floor. A tear trickled from Lenne’s eye, and the two died. Lenne did not hear Shuyin say "I love you" before she went.