Disclaimer I do not own Final Fantasy Tactics Advanced or Harlen Fuzzuku in any of his various forms. Kara Novella is owned by a role playing friend of mine. My friend Tony owns Harlen. This is my first fan-fiction, so, please, be lenient with your reviews. This is a story about my favorite poem. It has four stanzas so it will be four chapters long. This is the first, obviously, so there will be a lot more to come.

Neutral Tones

We stood by the pond that winter day,

The sun was white, as though chidden of God;

And a few leaves lay on the starving sod

-They had fallen from an ash and were grey.

These words played and danced subconsciously in the mind of a young dreamer, asleep under the stars. He saw it all. The icy pond; the barren trees; and he even felt the cool breath of the winter air and the snow around his feet that sent chills up his spine. And, as his eyes adjusted to his surroundings, he saw them. The two the stanza had spoken of.

One was a handsome and youthful man of nineteen. The man had long auburn hair that fell just over his shoulders and narrow and direct emerald eyes. He knew the man to be himself. But he couldn't register who the other was because, as it happened, the two exchanged a gentle kiss. And for a brief moment, he could feel it himself. Now questions and thoughts besieged his mind. The words seemed to join the stanza as they danced and played in his mind.

They clouded his vision and made the details impossible to hold onto. And, just as quickly as the vision had come, it ended. He still fought, trying to hold onto the details, but it was like holding water in cupped hands- the image slowly trickling away into nothingness.

He felt a gentle hand seemingly materialize on his shoulder and a soft and familiar voice followed.

"Nero..." it said quietly.

"Nero..." it repeated.

"Nero, wake up!"

Finally giving in the dreamer, Nero's, eyes opened slowly as they looked up into glacial pools. He felt the girl's blond hair tickle the side of his face as she bent over him with a warm smile.

"Come on, we've gotta' move." the girl said as a form of good morning, "Clan Nutsy's on the war path these days."

"Kara...What in the hell?" Nero sighed as he sat up and began to rub the sleep from his eyes, but he was quickly silenced by Kara as she gently put two fingers over his lips.

"No talking. We don't have much time and you could use a bath. Here." Kara set a pair of black linen pants in his hands as well as a white tunic and a black sash. "You might wanna' hurry." and, with that, she stood and turned on her heel and started away from Nero.

Nero stretched a little and sighed under his breath, "I can't believe we even feel threatened by a clan called 'Nutsy' ..."

It was embarrassing, really, but Nero wasn't about to complain. Clan Renegades was all he had. His father left when he was just an infant; his mother never had much money. All that he could really remember of her was that she was always so selective with everything she did. He was handed to his grandparents at the age of five and was raised as a fighter. He didn't regret anything. He never had. Nero was a very independent child growing up and had always looked out for himself before others.

After he left the security of his grandparents' supervision, Nero became a thief and lived off of the stupidity of others. But, eventually, his sin caught him and he was jailed. He didn't have anyone who cared for him. He had no money. He had nothing. Nero had come to the realization that he was going to die in that cell- alone.

But then, his opportunity came. He was seventeen when he was able to enter the arena. Bandits, thugs, and people who were simply unlucky were able to fight for their freedom. Entertainment at the expense of death for people no one cared about. It was justified for those who had served a sentence longer than two Bard Moons. And Nero took his chance as soon as he could.

There was no pay in gold, but Nero got his freedom. It had cost him a few scars and a little of his vision, but he had gained so much more. Then he met Kara. She was the only one he had met prior to joining the clan. Their first encounter wasn't pleasant, but they had come a long way since then.

A worn dirt path led away from the clan's encampment and into a small forest. Nero had his sword slung over his shoulder, his clothes were tucked under one arm and a small dagger was settled in its holster on his belt. His steps were light and quiet as he made his way down the path and when the gentle trickle of water met his ears he hastened his pace a little.

The path quickly opened into a grassy knoll with a large pond settled in its basin. A rocky overhang lined the southwest edge of the water and tall bamboo shoots bordered the rest. A stream released down into the pond from atop the cliff creating a serene mist that peaked just over the bamboo that shielded it within. Two rivers forked away from the pond, providing two gaps in the bamboo as entrances.

This was obviously a well traveled area. And as Nero set his sword and dagger at the base of a young cedar and began to hang his fresh clothes on a low hanging branch, a sigh escaped his lips. The dream's image that had visited him briefly was gone, but the words were still fresh in his mind. Wanting to contemplate them in a more relaxed environment, Nero slipped out of his clothes, folded them and set them at the base of the tree with his weapons. He entered the cool waters quietly and swam to a small collection of rocks. The largest rock just reached out of the water, but those that were submerged were layered to act as steps. Nero ducked under water quickly and came back up, smoothing back his hair. He leaned his back against the largest rock and slumped down so the water reached just over his lips.

'What did it mean…?' This question constantly repeated itself in Nero's mind, but, much to his dismay, he was unable to find an answer. There were no hints, subtleties, or anything. Now annoyed with his inability to fathom an answer, Nero concentrated on bathing, no longer concerning himself with the pointless dream. It was just an odd dream; nothing more.

Nero finished quickly and, as he climbed out of the water, he heard Kara's voice call for him. Nero was unconcerned as he began to dress. But, her voice grew nearer and more persistent.

Nero finally answered her, "Stop whining! I'm comin' already!"

And as he fitted himself into his pants, Kara appeared in the clearing. She was already fully equipped for the awaiting travel, as well as any engagement. Kara was an archer of near peerless skill. She never missed her target once she went hunting. Nero knew that first hand.

Flashback

They had first met when Nero was attempting to pilfer the clan's goods. The clan had been stationed in an abandoned fort during an engagement. Clan Renegades was branded an accomplice during a raid on Muscadet. Bandits ran through the city like wild fire and took and destroyed whatever they pleased. The clan had been staying in the city for several nights before and, when the raid began, the clan was keen to move away from any possible encounter that might have led to bloodshed.

The clan had been low on supplies and an engagement would've been a bigger risk than they could afford. So, they left the city. The citizens of Muscadet turned to them to blame, saying that they had been overseeing the city for the bandit attackers- a look out, of sorts. So, in order to maintain peace, the palace had issued a sentence for Clan Renegades' capture. Needless to say, the pay was good and more than one clan was willing to answer the call.

Clan Renegades' influence had spread through the Jagds so they returned to them a few days after. But, by that time, the headhunt had already begun and time was running thin. They dispatched a few members to retrieve supplies, but they were intercepted and the one hope of survival had died.

Nero was following the news of the palace's accusation closely and was pleased to see so many clans willing to answer the palace's call. He was sure Clan Renegades would fall and wasn't about to pass up the chance to collect any of the scraps. So, he traced the war path to the Jagds. The battle had already begun when Nero arrived and he was keen to stay out of it, if possible. Clan Renegades had an armored position and was well fortified, but there were three clans working to get a cut of the bounty. It was a lawless battle. Death was the cost for the chance at a pretty penny and a clean slate with the judges.

Nero had worked his way through the defenses of the fort unnoticed and was working his way through their various treasures, only having to silence a few fools who were dumb enough to poke their heads in his hiding places. Nero had gotten his fix. He was loaded with a pocket full of gil and a few trinkets for marketing and had his eyes set on escaping.

He didn't even see the arrow. It had flown swiftly, piercing his left shoulder. It wasn't too deep, but it was enough. Nero had to lean against the wall for support to stand, while his attacker approached him cautiously. His vision was becoming blurry from a lack of blood, but he could make out a bow being pulled back. This was it. He was going to die at the hands of some overly-prideful moron. This wasn't how he'd imagined he'd go out. Not like this.

But then Nero heard the stranger speak, "Wait…He's not part of a clan…" it wasn't a masculine voice. It was softer, much more feminine.

'Damn it! I'm gonna' die to a chick!' he thought, thoroughly annoyed with himself. But, he was beginning to fade in and out of consciousness and words became a blur to him. The last thing he felt was himself hitting the ground.

Nero woke up in a small room and could easily tell by the condition of the walls and floors that he was in the same fort. He lived? That was a surprise to him. What was even more surprising was that he hadn't lived under his own power. He was bandaged around the torso and shoulder and he was shirtless and disarmed.

"Damn…" he murmured as he sat up slowly. There wasn't any means of escape. Nero could hear the muffled sounds of a snoring guard just outside his room. He could only guess that it was night, due to the lack of windows, but couldn't guess how long he'd been unconscious. Nero stood and paced the room for several minutes, trying to devise a way to escape. The guard was mostly likely armed and, judging from the low hisses with each exhale, probably a bangaa. Bangaa were a lot more in tune with their senses than humans, so escape would be damn near impossible.

Hours passed and Nero could only guess morning was approaching. But, finally, Nero heard movement outside his chambers. They were muffled voices, but he could easily define the guards. The other was much more quiet and almost inaudible. But, soon, the door opened and a girl entered. She was at least seventeen, but carried her self with an aura of maturity that exceeded her years. Her goldenrod hair fell just over her shoulders, but was curled neatly at the ends. A black dress with a 'V' shaped cut down her left leg adorned her body.

She fixed Nero with an icy glare and said, "You," she began pointedly, "sit."

Nero recognized the voice immediately as his attacker. But, seeing as how he had no choice, he complied and took a seat on the edge of the bed.

The girl continued with a calm voice as she pulled a small wooden chair close the bed, "You're lucky you're alive, you know?"

"No, tell me about it." Nero said sarcastically as he propped his elbow on his knee and fixed her with a look of dramatic and equally sarcastic interest.

"Well, we barely made it out of that engagement with our lives and, if we didn't, you wouldn't be alive."

"Oh, really now? That's interesting news to someone who already thought they were dead. So I suppose you would like praise and thanks then, huh?" Nero said, again sarcastically.

"No, I wouldn't take credit for keeping us alive. That goes to our commander, Harlen Fuzzuku. He's an incredible genius with a thing for power. He came up with our tactics for the battle and, now, bodies liter the Jagds." The girl was becoming more and more agitated with him.

"So, I've got one name. Can I get yours?" Nero asked as he stretched carefully, not wanting to reopen his wound.

"I never caught your name, either."

"Well, I never threw it." Nero sighed as he lied down on his bed and folded his arms behind his head.

"Kara Novella." She said crossing her arms moodily.

"Nero." He replied a few moments after her, but then added, "I don't have a surname. It's just Nero."

Kara sighed as she stood and paced a little. "You were a fool to try and steal from us. So, what's a two-bit thief like you hanging around a battle like that, anyways?"

Nero chuckled a little, "You don't know much about thieves, do you? Well, would you rather steal from someone while they aren't occupied and there isn't the noise of battle to cloud you, or while you have to be stealthy, quiet, fast, disciplined, and, most importantly, when fools who might happen to stumble upon you can have a voice loud enough for others to hear?"

At this Kara said nothing, but Nero continued, "I just got unlucky. If I'd have seen that arrow, you'd be dead by now."

"Oh, then I suppose I could label you as a threat and kill you now?" Kara said boldly as she drew a dagger- his dagger

Nero sat up and stood. He moved slowly over to Kara and he took her wrist and manipulated her to put the dagger to his own throat.

"It'd be easy wouldn't it? To kill me? And I bet you wouldn't lose any sleep over it." Nero said quietly.

Kara said nothing, but pressed the knife threateningly against his throat. Nero's hand released her wrist, giving her full power over him, and his emerald eyes were fixed on Kara's glacial blue pools.

"Do it…" Nero whispered.

Kara smiled and fixed her arm to flow with the cutting motion of the dagger, but her hand hesitated and that was all Nero needed. She wouldn't. He took her wrist and pulled it away from him. There was no cut, or blemish to speak of.

"I knew you couldn't handle it." Nero jeered as he turned his back on her.

"So, I show you mercy by sparing your life, not once, but twice and yet you insult me!" Kara said as she pocketed the dagger.

"No, I haven't insulted you yet." Nero said as he turned back to her and advanced on her.

And, without warning, his hand moved to the back of Kara's neck and pulled her towards him. His lips met hers quickly, yet gently and his tongue quickly parted her lips. Nero was pleased to see Kara's eyes widen with the surprise of his action and felt her body tense against his. But, as quickly as Nero had kissed her, he broke away from her.

"Now I've insulted you." Nero said with satisfaction.

Kara immediately swung at him afterwards, her hands balled into fists. Nero easily dodged her punches and his hand met Kara's fist on one attempt and seized it easily and the other soon after. Nero pinned her arms behind her back and sighed.

"You make it too easy." Nero jeered as Kara struggled vainly. "Now, you can't tell me that you didn't enjoy that in the slightest."

Kara's face was red with embarrassment and anger. How could she have let him work her up like that? Regardless she now had a situation on her hands and she had relieved the guard of his duty; and all of the clan was in the mess hall for breakfast.

"Let me go you freak!" Kara yelled, but Nero still had a hold on her.

"I love you when you're mad." Nero sighed and he held both of her wrists easily with one hand as his other untied the sash around his pants. He quickly tied Kara's arms back, leaving his hands free.

"Now, let's find my dagger, shall we?" Nero saw her retrieve it from his holster on her leg.

His hands traced Kara's figure gently and his hand's moved to her waist. His hand moved down to the 'V' cut in her dress and began to roam her inner thigh slowly. Nero saw Kara go a shade of crimson and hastily moved her leg inwards to reveal his holster.

"There! Take it!" She said heatedly.

"Well, gee, you're no fun." Nero said as he undid the buckle and tossed it on the bed.

Nero led Kara to the bed and he sat her down. He pulled the chair in front of her and took the dagger in his hand.

"Now, I need to know where my clothes, my weapons are, and where you guys keep your money." Nero said brandishing the dagger at her.

Kara kept silent and simply looked away from him. Nero turned her head back towards him with the blunt side of the dagger and he held the weapon to her throat.

"You'll tell me, or I just might embarrass you. It would be rather easy." Nero said and he moved the dagger to Kara's shoulder and slipped the knife under the fabric of her dress, threatening to cut it and leave her exposed. "Last chance."

"Okay!" Kara said hastily. "Your clothes and weapons are in the barracks. It's just down the hall- fifth door on the left. We keep our stores locked up on the second floor. Good luck, though, I doubt you would be able to find the right chest in time. Breakfast is almost done. Give them another forty-five minutes and they'll discover me and kill you."

Nero was already cutting the sheets to the bed into several long strips as Kara was talking. When she was finished, he quickly set to tying her legs together and he covered her mouth with another.

"Thanks, babe." He said and he quickly lowered the bindings over her mouth and he, once again, kissed her. But, this time, he let the kiss endure. He enjoyed her embarrassment and was even more pleased that she didn't fight him, knowing she was powerless.

"You can keep that 'till the next time I see you. I'm sure we'll see each other again, maybe next time on better circumstances." And, with that, Nero replaced the cloth back over her mouth and retightened it. Nero made quick work of the fort and made an easy escape. And right under their noses, too.

End Flashback

Nero had come a long way since then. The clan had eventually caught up to him and was intending to kill him, but it was Harlen Fuzzuku who had found more use for him in life than in death. He saw that Nero was a born fighter and a useful thief and scout, so Nero was forced to work in exchange for his life. And, even though Nero offered to accept death, Harlen wouldn't have it. So, Nero was put to work and soon became a willing and permanent member after a year of enslavement.

Nero and Kara were already heading back up the path and towards camp. The clan had to move. They would probably go back to the Jagds, for the time being, and wait for things to cool down. If their paths crossed with Clan Nutsy, it would be on their home field. They would have the advantage knowing the lay of the land much better, but Clan Nutsy's tacticians were the most revered in Ivalice. But, entering the Jagds would be risky for them and the threat of death loomed in the minds of every fighter. And, for those not used to it, it could mean losing composure and would not only threaten themselves, but everyone around them, as well. The commander was betting on the clan's fear to keep them from attempting an engagement.

But, as Nero and Kara came out of the underbrush and into the clearing that had once been the camp site, they realized quickly that it was barren. They had left without them!

"What a dick." Nero sighed. "Damn moogle…" He knew Harlen had ordered the clan to move out without them. This wasn't the first time it had happened and Nero knew it wouldn't be the last.

"Well, it's your fault." Kara said rolling her eyes. "And now we have to hunt them down. Way to go."

"We don't need to hunt." Nero said airily. "They're going back to the Jagds, logically."

He was already walking away from Kara down the northern path when she called after him, "I knew that!"

"No you didn't. Women don't have any form of a grasp on logistics." Nero taunted and he turned around and began to walk backwards, now smiling at an irritated Kara.

"It's always something with you, isn't it! You always have to have the last word in everything!" Kara said as she started towards him rather quickly.

"But of course! It makes me feel better about myself." Nero laughed as he turned and broke into a run.

"Hey, jackass! Don't think that you're leaving me behind!" Kara yelled after him as she too broke into a run.