Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles. Most of what is contained in this story is my own ideas based on the game, so don't steal please.
I'm dedicating this fic to SugarHighHiei.
Why? Because I'm enjoying her FF:CC boy love fic and I'm proud of how well she's dealt with an immature flamer/author (whose name shall not be mentioned). That and she convinced me, without knowing, that yes FF:CC can have shounen ai and that I can write one and not feel silly. Weee!
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Title: Miasma Child
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Action/Adventure
Content: Shounen ai, mild language, mild violence, humor
Summary: While journeying in search of Myrrh, a male selkie finds a male clavat lying in the center of the miasma stream without the protection of a crystal. This mysterious miasma child has no recollection of who he is or where he's from...
Note: Yes, this story has shounen ai in it. Yes, that is boy/boy love. Homosexuality. Get over it. And yes, this is rated PG-13. Some of you may be shocked to learn that not all stories about gay couples are R rated. Grow up. Also, this story will mention events in the actual game. Not anything spoiler type, though. And I've not yet beaten the game, so bare with my lack of knowledge on the story plot...all though I'm sure I'm not alone.
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Dedication: o
Chapter One: A Journey Ends
Year 8 Today I managed to defeat the Shell Dragon which guarded the Myrrh Bush of Gilgan Marsh. I almost didn't survive the battle, but I recalled the words of my friends and stood my ground. It's funny. I've traveled with the caravan for seven years, fighting alongside my companions. I always had their support in battle, I never really thought I was capable of facing such battles alone. Now that I've gathered the fourth drop of Myrrh, I can return home as the stronger person I've become. I hope they're all ok.
The raccoon tail Selkie set the quill in the diary and closed it, relaxing in the shade of the Myrrh Bush. A year of fighting on his own and he had managed to gather enough Myrrh for his village to stay safe. Smiling, he lazily brushed back a loose strand of blonde hair.
Sitting up, he looked towards the entrance as a Moogle scurried over to him with a letter in its mouth.
Letter for Gwyn! And there's a package to! The Mail Moogle reported as he took the letter and opened it.
Dear Gwyn, Are you well? We're all very worried about you, it's just to bad we were unable to go with the caravan this year. If only the Crystal hadn't suddenly died like that for that long. How strange! So you know, my father's back is getting better and I'll be able to go with the caravan next time if nothing else happens. Yeu's little sister is over her strange illness and Chi sent a letter stating her and her family would be returning to Brem in time for the annual festival. Mana's cow delivered safely, and they were twins! Isn't that nice? She'll be able to come along next year to. Rain's house repairs are almost done, which is good news for her family. And Galbin's wing is almost fully healed. So by the looks of it, we'll all be back together for next year's Myrrh gathering! Please reply to this. I know its silly, but we need to know you're ok. We all feel bad for not being able to go with you. But you know, going out there alone to find the Myrrh was a really brave thing to do.
Sincerely,
Grace
Don't forget, bannok tastes good and can help injuries heal faster. Eat heartily and hurry home to Brem.Gwyn tucked the note away and broke off some of the bannok, placing the rest safely away in his pack and eating his piece. He could feel it working already, soothing the wounds he'd received from the Shell Dragon's large horns. Standing, he grabbed his pack off the ground and turned to his only companion, Mag the moogle.
Come on, Mag. Let's head out.
Mag stretched her wings and flew up off the ground, picking up the chalice, Sounds good to me, kupo.
Together, they exited the Marsh through the same path they had entered. With the chalice safely stored in the caravan, Mag resting in a pouch that hung from the side, and Gwyn relaxing in the driver seat, the Brem Caravan started across the grassy plains of Reming towards the miasma stream that separated it from Tamara. From there, Gwyn led the caravan along the southern road, stopping near Magell to shift the element of the chalice's crystal to that of Water. Then it was off to the last Miasma stream that stood between the caravaner and home.
As they neared the the stream, the caravan from Tamara came out of its mists with a full chalice of their own. Gwyn slowed and hopped down from the seat, greeting the group of clavats and Lilties with a polite bow.
How goes your journey? He asked.
The head Lilty of the caravan signaled for the others to slow to a stop as well, and he walked forward to greet Gwyn with a salute, Good-day, Southerner. Our journey has been smooth. And yours?
Gwyn gestured to his own full chalice, Successful, as one can see. Any rumors or news of interest?
The female clavat of the group shook her head, Nothing but the usual mill of rumors.
Her male counterpart stepped forward, Although, there was a weird episode a moment ago. While walking through the Miasma stream, there was a flash of light and we were suddenly knocked forward by a powerful force.No one got hurt, so we kept going, The Lilty leader finished.
Gwyn frowned and looked past them towards the stream he'd soon have to cross. The female Lilty noticed his concern and smiled reassuringly, It's probably nothing but a momentary burst of Miasma. You should have little difficulty crossing it, Selkie.That is, unless this burst has caused the stream to grow even more powerful, A Clavat Gwyn hadn't seen before spoke up, walking towards him from behind the caravan. He was different from any Clavats Gwyn had ever known. He was tall, with matted-down spiky black hair and green eyes. He was dressed in a white trenchcoat, white pants, black boots, and a black shirt. He wore thin rimmed glasses and had a pencil behind his left ear.
The Lilty leader introduced them, Cid, this is the caravan from Brem. And this is Cid. He's a scientist from the Tamaran Academy.Scholar, actually, Cid bowed. I was just visiting Brem, actually. I heard rumor that the crystal there had failed without warning. Good to know its power returned quickly. Would have been a shame to see such a beautiful village destroyed by the Miasma.
Gwyn nodded, Yes. It would have.
Cid smiled, then turned to his companions, Shall we depart then? I must get home and look more into these two incidents.
The Lilty leader stretched and repositioned his helmet, then nodded, Yes. Tamara awaits our return.As does your wife, One clavat said and they all laughed at the Lilty's reddened face.
They all said together, waving cheerfully as the started forward again.
Gwyn waved until they vanished over a hill and sighed, looking at Mag with a lighthearted smile, I'm glad they faired well, this year. I hope the other caravans did as well.
Mag yawned and shook herself, Yes. Well, shall we go then?
Gwyn turned, looking at the towering wall of miasma that awaited them, We'll have to be careful. A lot of strange things have been happening lately with the miasma, and this light they talked about could be another one.You'll have to be careful, Mag pointed out, snuggling further into her pouch. I'm a moogle. All these miasma streams do to me is annoy my fur.We could shave it all off, Gwyn half-joked, smirking at her.
Ha ha. Funny, She scoffed, glaring at him. You do, and the next time we travel together, you'll be the one carrying the chalice.Ok! Ok! I was only joking with you, Gwyn rubbed the back of his neck with a nervous smile, a small bead of sweat trickling down the side of his face.
Mag looked sideways at him with narrowed eyes, causing him to laugh as he got back onto the caravan. It had been a good year, and Mag had been a wonderful companion and friend. It was nice to have someone to chat with and poke fun at for a friendly laugh. Taking the reigns, he coaxed their caravan forward, towards the swirling blue clouds of the miasma stream.