N/A [August3 2014]: Hi guys! xD I deeply apologize for my absence those past months but…well, life has become ethic and I'm just too lazy, hehe…plus, I had a momentary lapse of interests for this story. Not to worry though, it already happened but was always surpassed. I would not have posted this fic if I thought I could not see it through, although, it may take a good while..hehe…
Now, I'm posting this in a hurry as I have, like, 10 minutes before leaving for the airport - I'm going to Dublin, Yay! (I'm from Italy ;D) – so please be understanding if you see a few errors more than usual, I had absolutely no time to correct this but I promised to post at least one chapter before leaving, so…well, be patient please, I'll correct it properly on my return. Maybe.
Anyway, thank you all for your replies and reviews, I cannot believe so many people favored/followed my story, I'm happy ^^
About the magic thing, thank you all for your suggestions, but some I had to discard just based on the fact that you made the assumption Nael's magic is white- Which it isn't. But I guess it's my fault for not mentioning it earlier, sorry. Some of your answers are really interesting though, but I'll explain it more on the next ch.
Well, now I really must escape, good holidays and enjoy! ^^
N/A [October272014]: Ok guys, I know promised I would have updated by now but I'm just having problems getting out the new chapter. I have a vague idea of what I will do and all that, but inspiration just doesn't come. I tried forcing something out but the last time I did I came up with this chapter that I did not really like very much apart from some scenes. Thus, to make up for my lateness, I decided to at least do this little bit and see if it wouldn't give me a bit of inspiration as well: here is the revised chapter 4. I corrected a few things, added some and changed others (one) completely so please read this if you can, although it's nothing really essential to the plot :) I also added the answers to your reviews from ch3
I apologize once again for all the complications for this chapter and my lateness, I'll see to not have it happen again. I'll see to have the next chapter written out and posted soon in any case, it shouldn't take more than two weeks at most...I hope anyway, heh..
If anyone is interested however, my trip to Dublin went fantastically! Wherever I turned there were people speaking in a different language! Russian, French, German, Spanish - Italian as well of course, but that's superfluous - it was wonderful! The next languages I want to learn are German (I will admit I fell in love with it during my trip) and Japanese (always wanted to learn this one) while I hope you will help me to always improve my English (at least the writing).
Anyway, as I'm sure I'm boring you, let's return to the story now!
On a general note, to explain further about Nael's magic (I decided to put it here since I will not post the next chapter in a few days yet): as you can see in this chapter, Nael is not your normal Cetra. He was made differently by 'Mother'. His purpose is to protect, thus his magic cannot really be white - or at least white as intended in FFVII. Thus, while he will be capable of it, his specialty cannot rest on healing magic and the like. I'm sorry to have not explained this before, but I hope I made it clear now :)
Now, onto specifics:
A huge thank you to all those of you who followed/favored this story and especially to those of you who left a reviewed and answered my question.
UnknowGuest - thank you for your suggestion, in effect I did think about what you said but I wanted to make it a bit more complicated than that;
kayla - I promise I will not make you await too long yet for the next chapter ;P;
gemava - As I'm sure you have seen in this chapter I incorporated a few of your suggestions, for the other things instead...well, I'm more uncertain there. I guess I'll have to think about it. I also don't like not giving Nael any limits. It would seem too...I don't know, surreal *shrugs*. Hahaha I like that image, a mini Bahamut being carried around on his shoulder...cute. Anyway, I'm really happy you like to read my story and I'll try not to make you wait long for the next updates...not too long at least hehe;
Shadow Wolf 15846 - thank you, I hope you'll keep following this fic;
jgood27 - I'm glad you like it, hope not to have disappointed and glad to have found you as well ;P
Sstormlight - Thank you very much, I'm happy you like it. Thank you for your suggestions, but as you must have seen reading this chapter/my A/N healing won't be one of Nael' specialties, protecting will however, so there is that;
Merula Aeolus - Thank you for the compliment, your Shadow Magic and 'bloodline' magic is very interesting. Although it doesn't quite fit in this story I have just the right fic to use it in xD I'll be sure to discuss the ideas for it with you when I will post it...meaning, sadly, when I finish this story (I would get too sidetracked if I posted other fics while still not having completed this one) Also, by chance, I just read a few of your stories. Liked them!xD;
xXxOtAkU-44xXx - Thank you!:);
SleepyMangaHead - Well, you should know by now I'm quite taken with you so there shouldn't be any need to say anything, really ;P but for an official 'thank you' I'll just say I'm really thankful for your suggestions, and your reviews always help me with the plot and clearing my ideas;
dhyetaX1999 - Hahaha well, that is quite an idea...I must admit I never thought of the possibility of Sirius being Vincent, your ideas about it are quite interesting as well, but I am afraid they will remain unused in this story, sadly. I did not want to substitute any of the original characters, so Vincent will remain his adorable, taciturn self and Sirius will be...well, you'll see ;D I like your idea of Nael being able to recharge himself through the ambient magic/Spirit energy of the planet as well and quite probably will use it as well. About the rest, as I'm sure you'll have seen in this chapter/my A/N Nael cannot specialize in healing magic. That's Aerith's job. The merging of his magic with the LS will however undoubtedly make it easier for him to connect/use the Materia and I'm heading this way as well, but I really like Genesis so I don't think I will make him too weak in this regard either...I think. Well, I'll see when the time comes u.u And I also quite like changing Materia into spells of the HP verse when I can, I like the idea of bringing the HP world into the FFVII one through Nael's Materia and it also changes things up a bit. Also, about AVALANCHE...I'm not really sure it will form this time around. At least not as in FFVII. I'm quite uncertain about that time-frame for my plot in fact. I guess it'll come as I write.
ibterusmith50 - You fell into the white magic trap as well, I'm afraid. I'm sorry I did not specify it earlier and thank you for having taken time to answer my question :)
kat1316 - I know, I know, I always make you wait but don't worry, as I said in two weeks at most the next chapter will be up! Thank you to still keep up with my story in spite of my laziness and lateness;
Lady Kaiki - Thank you! I will, promise;
EveJHoang - You always give me interesting input, thank you :) I think I'm pretty sure I will follow your suggestion of making his magic semi-sentient as I really like it and it quite fits. It's a good variant to have in the story that could change quite some things for the better/worse following what I need. I also absolutely love the idea you gave me about Chaos' reaction to him. Really, I love it, thank you and you were plenty of help :);
Ceica - thank you, and I'm quite curious as well since I have not really planned their reactions. I guess I'll spring it but I admit it will be quite interesting to see for me as well. As I'm sure you have noticed in this chapter I partly followed your suggestion and gave Nael a sword like Genesis' all for himself, but I'm not quite sure about runes...I don't know, I quite love using them in my stories, but I don't think they will fit too well in this fic. About becoming a blacksmith instead...well that is an interesting notion, although I did always see Cloud more as one. However...I guess with Harry's abilities it would be quite interesting. Hm...I will see. I will surely think about it seriously. As for the potions...well, there will be someone else to work on them*grins*. Don't worry for your English, it's perfectly comprehensible;
wolfawaken - thank you, glad to not have let you down and to see another review from you. About the cliff hanger...well, I can't say obviously *grins*;
raven1493 - Thank you;
Kai19 - Thank you for your suggestion, I think I will use almost all of them. I don't think I'll make him have a limit of how many Materia he can use/keep on himself however, although it's quite an interesting idea. Thank you!; Firehedgehog - ohh...Thank you! ^^ your comment was really...effective I must say. Liked it xD;
Silvermane1 -Thank you so much!
Ok, you must know I felt quite silly addressing your reviews for ch 3 when I already have read your reviews for this chapter but...oh well. c'est la vie. È la vita. It's life u.u (damn, I run out of languages for this phrase...*pout*)
Also, sorry for taking up so much space with my A/N, I know it can be quite annoying at times, but as most of you would have already read this chapter it shouldn't be too much of a bother.
Now, I promise I won't' write anything else - apart from the story of course ;P
Ps: If you're looking for the changes and don't want to read it all again look for the Ancient Temple part and for the Icicle Area one. The two major changes are here, although for the first one it's really something small - like, less than a paragraph - which I find important.
.o00o.o00o.o00o.
CH 4: TrAVeLinG . Pt_1
[μ] εγλ 1994 -[Western Continent]
Harry swiftly jumped down, his knees bending slightly to absorb the impact as the feline form of Nanaki landed right beside him.
It had been three days since they began their travel, and now they had finally reached their destination, the first place Mother had wanted to show him: The Ancient Forest.
One of the places his ancient brothers and sisters had taken as their own.
He knew, normally, the only way to go in would be to fly or with a green, black or golden chocobo since the forest was situated on a plateau, but Mother had shown him another way. A secret passage accessible only if you knew the old Cetra language and had Mother's guidance.
The only way to enter it, in fact, was to infuse a specific inscription with the Planet' Spiritual Energy in a very precise pattern.
Straightening once again, Harry sighed contentedly as he took in the sight before them.
An expanse of vibrant, lavish green covered everything in sight, colorful and extravagant flowers sprouted between the grass blades here and there, without a precise pattern—the soft breeze gently caressing them in its wake, spreading their fragrance to the rest of the forest.
Beside him, he could see Nanaki look around himself with a look of childish awe, the same, Nael imagined, he himself must be wearing.
Indeed, it was undeniable the land before them was a really beautiful sight, but what entranced Nael the most was the deeper connection he could already feel with his Mother in this place.
There was a reason as to why the Cetra chose certain specific places to call their own after all.
The Cetra were normally a nomadic race, traveling the Planet to guide the spark of life of the Planet into the world, and it was rare they settled down for more than a few months at a time.
There were some places however, were they could not help but return to, inexorably attracted to the lands. It was in those places they began building upon in the end, allowing the ones too old and too young settle down in safety while the other carried on with their duty.
Those were the places where the Lifestream was present in large, concentrated amounts or incredibly close to the surface.
There were other places like this one before, but none as well protected as the Forest, the Temple and the City. Consequentially, it did not take much for the humans to take them over.
Those three, however, were the sacred lands, the ones which held their deepest secrets...if you knew where to look for them.
He had no doubt even Nanaki could feel the connection in this place. Although his own bond with Mother was much deeper than the Guardian's, the Lifestream ran much too close to the surface in him for the feline not to feel it.
Not wasting any more time, Nael started walking towards the first area of the Forest, 'Naki following quietly behind him.
The Ancient forest was a large, logic puzzle divided in four different areas, each with its own peculiarities.
Full of twists, turns ant tricks, the forest was a natural labyrinth and it would be very easy to lose yourself under its fronds. Finding something outside the main path was naught but impossible useless you knew exactly where you were going or were extremely lucky.
Fortunately for them, though, Nael only had to follow the warm feeling in his chest, the smoldering whispers in the wind, for Mother to show him the way and Nanaki knew this instinctively, his own bond with his brother incredibly strong after a childhood spend together.
Jumping over another branch, Nael easily sidestepped the carnivorous plant trying to eat him, his body having been slowly regaining some of the "improvements" Voldemort had been so generous as to…gift him with. Although nothing that would seem suspicious, he was just that slightly more agile and strong than a boy his age and physique should be.
His magic had changed as well as he grew, adapting and settling completely to his new body and the new addiction to it. He knew the mixing with the Lifestream affected it profoundly, changing its very nature but at the same time remaining the same. He did not know exactly what changed, but he could feelit, both the Lifestream and his magic had changed as they melded together and did not quite act as everyone else's anymore. For example, although he could still use some of his old spells, most of them he could not do entirely while those that he didstill manage needed a Materia near him as a focus to be cast and just came out...differently.
They seemed to use the Lifestream around him to work, manipulating it somewhat like normal Material spells did but with new, more varied results thanks to the adaptability of his own magic. For example, he could still apparate, but it worked completely differently now: he would dissolve his body completely into the Lifestream current inside of him which would then reunite with the Main Flow and travel through it and the Planet to reach his destination. He could reach everywhere there was Lifestream, and as it was everywhere he could go anywhere he wanted till he knew where it was. He could only bring one other people with him however. he suspected the number will grow as his body and core grew, as well as his Spiritual Energy, but e was not certain. From what Nanaki and Bugenhagen told him however, it felt pretty strange for those he brought with him. The spells he cast with the Materia came out quite differently as well, although he had yet to fully understand how as he only had his Cure Materia to base his observations off of and what Bugenhage could tell him. For what he could understand...the magic had a slightly different feeling to it, feeling somewhat more alive almost.
But that was irrelevant right now. Putting those thoughts aside, he kept moving through the forest. His movements were fluid and graceful as he confidently made his way through the labyrinth of plants and monsters, trustingly following his Mother's directions even as Nanaki quietly did the same with him.
They had just surpassed another puzzle trick when he felt something move behind him.
He knew Nanaki must have sensed it before him as his tail had been twitching for the last minute or so. However, the presence did not feel malicious, just…curious.
They walked in silence for another minute, Nael carefully leading on their observer, until he finally acted, trapping the curious presence in a dead end of vines and stones.
Quickly closing in, Nael immediately realized their observer had been a 'monster'.
It was a little thing, which vaguely reminded him of a duffer made of wood and leaves with a puff on its end. It had long, soft-looking leaves growing from its head, giving Nael the impression of plumes, and a nut as its only eye while where the other was supposed to be could be found a small vertical hole in the leaves. It looked kind of…cute. Somehow.
As he came closer it started to shake slightly, afraid of what must be the first human/Cetra it saw in a long time. Besides, Nanaki was looking very imposing and giving off the air of a predator he was, although still young and relatively inexperienced, standing firm by his side even as he observed the little creature with the same hidden curiosity and intensity.
Stopping before the little monster, Nael crouched down at its leaves, staring at it silently some more. Then, not resisting anymore, he bended slightly and pat the plumed-leafed head, a look of hidden wonder in his eyes. The small being flinched slightly at first contact, looking at him with suspicion and wariness, but soon it stopped trembling, relaxing under his touch and nudging its little head into the boy's hand.
He grinned.
He may be a war hardened warrior and a monster, a weapon and a murderer, but he just could not resist cute things. One could say it was his weakness; although, from his face you would have never been able to tell and he had a very strange definition of what he considered cuteas well.
Still nudging into his hand, urging him to continue his petting, the little thing was now looking back at him with curious and eager eyes - or eye as was the case. The weariness from before dissolved completely. Contrary to all the monsters they had met outside, you could see a sharp intelligence shining through this creature's eye. It was like this for all the monsters in the sacred places. Those monsters weren't really dangerous useless they had a reason to be and although they normally would consider someone unknown wandering in their territory as reason enough to attack them, they could sense both him and Nanaki had a connection to Mother, sense they belonged in this place like they did.
The reason why they were not so crazed nor aggressive was because, like for those in Cosmo Canyon, they hadn't been exposed to the pollution and the tainted mako from the Shinra reactors.
Moreover, the monsters in the sacred places unlike those in Cosmo Canyon, were continuously exposed to Mother' Spirit Energy.
It was the reason those lands were considered sacred for his Ancient brothers and sisters: when a Lifestream Vein was opened in them, it never closed. Nobody knew how, or why, but it was the reason life could prosper so much in them.
The Forbidden Forest was even more special in this regard, in that the position and conditions of the land made it prosper even without any outside help - a small niche outside of time.
Shaking his head from those thoughts, Nael gave the last few pats to the little being before him and then got up, ready to start his journey again. Nanaki followed behind him once more after throwing a last curious look at the little creature. He had never seen such calm monsters before. Sure, the ones in Cosmo Canyon had quickly become amicable to him and Nael due to their nature, but that was only after they managed to gain their trust and respect. It was fascinating to see what his brother managed to do and find.
Now once again following Mother's call, Nael pondered over one of his jobs here on Gaia, his main duty: Reopening Lifestream Veins all over the lands to replenish the Lifestream itself and make the Planet fertile and habitable once again.
From the beginning, this had always been the Cetra's sacred duty.
Without their continuous work, the Planet would start to die out. The Veins were extremely important to bring life to the lands. Without them all prosperity dies and the Planet becomes infertile.
Of course, the Veins do not close up immediately. They take decades to dry up and even once they are all closed up, Mother always manages to open up at least a few everywhere naturally. It's what She has been doing for all those centuries since the Cetra had started slowly dying out. It was never the same however.
She had been barely managing before, the Crater left by the Calamity taking much of her energy to restore, and now, with Shinra draining Her with their machines, Mother soon will have no more energy, no more Lifestream to spare for anything besides trying to hold together and not fall apart. Because of that, Mother was slowly fading away, being sucked dry day after day. Worse, the mako reactors were polluting the air and the lands, poisoning the harvests, making monsters go crazy and people die out.
The Lifestream was not made to be exposed like that. There were precise procedures to open up the Veins which only a Cetra could know. It was almost impossible to explain to another because for them it was instinctual. It was a knowledge burned upon their very soul at birth, ingrained in their blood and genes throughout centuries of doing their duty, and which they all knew subconsciously.
It was their duty to Mother, it could even be considered the reason they were created.
It was because of this the Cetra were a nomadic race. Always on the move in order to bring life to the different places on the Planet.
Now it was his turn to abide by Mother's duty, he reflected proudly as he once again made his way through the forest, Nanaki following closely after him as they left behind the main path.
He had opened his very first Vein not long ago in Cosmo Canyon and another as he traveled here with Nanaki. It had been pretty strange for him at first, unsure if he would be able to do it but at the same time feeling the knowledge coming to him instinctively and implementing it under Mother's gentle guidance, but he had gotten used to it almost immediately and was extremely proud of his 'job'. It was ingrained in his soul and blood as well now after all and his very (new) life was Mother's now.
It was the main reason for his travels, apart from getting as much training as he could in the limited time-set he had. He will travel as further as he could before Mother called him back for his other task.
.o00o.
A beautiful altar of white marble stood in the middle of the clearing, crystals of translucent, solidified mako surrounding it. Nael watched mesmerized as the last rays of sunlight reflected off the crystals' surface, creating a kaleidoscope of colors.
It was truly a breathtaking sight. As Nael came closer he could feel his bond with the Planet pulse with life; Mother's presence, always a quiet humming in the back of his soul, under his skin, felt now stronger than ever.
Curious, Nael stood before the crystals.
He could not help but stare at them, mesmerized, and beside him, he could feel Nanaki doing the same.
They made a really enticing sight but what took their breath away however, was the feeling coming from them.
They could feel Mother's presence resonating between the crystals, almost creating a shield or a force field around the altar. Her chant filled the air and Nael could feel the Lifestream in him trying to reach out, longing to reunite itself once more and join in Her song.
He did not know if it was because he was a Cetra or not, and wondered if Nanaki was feeling the same thing. He was tied to Her as well after all, though to a different extent.
Judging by his reaction, what he felt must have been close enough.
Standing before one of the crystals, Nael felt his hand rise almost on its own volition, his arm outstretching till the tips of his fingers touched the smooth surface.
Right as his skin made contact with the crystal, a myriad of emotions assaulted him, so strong and powerful to take his breath away, and Nael felt a lump catch on his throat.
Welcome/care/warmth/need/comfort/myChilde/urgence/sadness/pride/joy/possessivness/love/care
It was almost overwhelming.
He knew Nanaki was standing worriedly beside him, knew he must have felt the change in the air and seen his reaction as he stopped breathing for what felt like an eternity, but he could not muster enough to care right now.
At the moment, there were only him and Mother.
He had expected the crystal to be cold to the touch, but it wasn't.
Its entire surface emanated a suffused and pleasurable glow which seemed to latch on his skin from where it made contact, pulsating in time with the Lifestream.
It rose all over his arm, up to his shoulders, before enveloping his entire being, penetrating in his very soul—caressing him, hugging him, welcoming him. At the same time, the emotions assaulted him, overwhelming him. There were so many—too many—some echoed by his consciousness and becoming a chaotic mass.
Her song raised in volume as well, till he almost felt as if She was singing right by his ear.
It was not only his Mother' emotions and song Nael could feel, however. Although it was the clearest he had ever felt it aside from when he was directly in Her presence, he had always been able to hear Her chant - in the air, in the earth, in every one of Her creations.
No, what really got to him was that he could feel Her Voiceand it felt as close as the day, whispering words in his ears that were the clearest he'd ever heard them before – aside from when he stood right before Her, in Her. They were not the disjointed images and impressions She always sent when he called upon Her while awake, nor the short and somewhat broken words he heard in his dreams, but actual complete sentences – although still slighted and somewhat weaker compared to what Her Voice felt like when in Her essence.
§…Childe…§
Nael gasped.
§..Mother..§ he whispered immediately.
§…My Childe…come..closer…§ his Mother whispered back §…Look...on the..altar...a gift...for you...§
Almost as if in a trance, Nael felt himself move forward, feeling a shiver run down his back as he passed between the crystals. Immediately, he stopped breathing feeling overwhelmed. Her presence was even clearer inside the circle, he could feel It all around him, embracing him as if It were corporeal.
Taking a shaky breath at last, he moved onwards, towards the Altar in the middle.
Like everything else, it looked beautiful and timeless and it was almost imbued in Her presence.
He shivered slightly as he grazed the marble with his fingers.
On the altar, lying there like a precious treasure was a small marble.
It was no ordinary marble however. No, it was something he had become increasingly familiar with over the last few years, and which never stopped to catch, and hold, his attention. He could clearly see it, the power inside the little orb swirling around in red wisps, a part of his Mother' spiritual energy.
A Summoning Materia.
For a moment he remained there, immobile, as he stared at the orb. He had never seen a Summoning Materia before. They were extremely rare and he could not believe that Mother would give him one just like this.
Slowly, as if afraid a sudden movement would break the illusion, his hand reached out towards the small orb. As it made contact with his skin, he was enveloped once again by warmth.
It felt different from his Mother's embrace however. It was…lighter, somehow, more free and energetic - uncontrollable but soothing at the same time. It was something somehow familiar that made his body react, but it was not the Lifestream inside him. It was the soothing warmth of a fire during a frigid winter, a hot chocolate in the cold weather. It was embracing and lulling at the moment but hiding the passion and danger of a raging inferno.
Then, a melodic cry rose in his mind from the Materia, making all his worries disappear.
Bringing it closer, Nael smiled
"Fawkes"
.o00o.o00o.
-[Gongaga Area]
Nael observed critically all the weapons exposed before him.
They were laid neatly exposed on the walls or in various showcases; all finely polished and sharp edges.
Picking up a short sword, he saw it was perfectly balanced and of high-quality metal.
There was no doubt the weapon's specialist had earned his fame.
However, he did not seem to find something for himself.
Delicately putting the sword down once more, Nael looked around again, searching for something that could be compatible with his fighting style and personality.
From the corner of his eyes the half-cetra saw Nanaki browsing the store as well, staring at a collection of sharp hairclips-like weapons. He smiled secretively—already planning on buying the weapon his brother had been staring at for the last part of ten minutes but would not buy to leave his 'little' brother the gills to buy whatever he wanted—before going back to his own search.
Sure, he already had his two precious, but it never hurt to have other weapons on himself or an ace up his sleeve.
Besides, the ones which had followed him were special.
Just then, glowing green eyes lay on a particular blade some feet from him. It was about 2 1/2 feet long from handle to hedge and the lame was strangely curved, reminding Nael of a sinuous flame.
The handle was pure black and finely decorated, sculpted into an artistic design of something which looked like wings and ended in the head of a dragon with an emerald eye and open mouth – looking almost as if the blade was the very flame breathed by the dragon itself.
The lame, instead, was of a bright, pure white and if held under the light just right, strange slivery-blue/green inscriptions that reminded Nael strongly of runes could be seen appear along its length.
Delicately picking it up, he saw it was perfectly balanced and fit perfectly in his grip. His small hands could comfortably fit but he could hold it one-handed as well without problems. It also had two double Materia-slots in it.
A slow grin spread on his lips as he swung it around himself.
"Perfect"
.o00o.o00o.
[The majority of dialogs in this scene are mostly taken directly from the game]
-[Woodland Area]
Nael looked at the imposing building before him.
The Temple of the Ancients…
So many words he could hear here, so many feelings…
The building itself did not seem anything special at first sight; in fact, it looked like one of those Maya or Aztec pyramids in Central America.
It looked quite old and neglected, having evidently been abandoned for a long time, but that was not all there was to it.
No, the Ancient Temple emanated a strange feeling, similar to the one Nael usually associated with Materia, but different, more powerful and all-encompassing but somehow diffused at the same time.
Nael could clearly feel it.
"Words…feelings…so many of them here..
The spirit bodies of the ancients. They've been away from the Planet for a long time to protect this temple and over the many years, they lost the ability to talk"
"They cannot speak?" Nanaki's voice reached him "How can anyone understand them, then?" he asked, curiosity burning into his intelligent, ochre eyes.
Nael smiled at the feline but his eyes did not move from the sight of the Temple.
"I doubt anyone else could, but that is not a problem. Actually, they didn't need words from the beginning because there is only one objective for those left in the Temple" He explained softly. Nael could feel them however, exactly like he knew they could feel him, and they knew his purpose – Knew Mother's will for him.
Silence reigned for a moment after that, Guardian and Cetra each lost in their own contemplation.
"Should I enter with you?"
Nanaki's hesitant voice called again from his side, breaking Nael out of his thoughts.
This time turning towards the great feline, he mutely shook his head.
"Not this time" he said and knew he had made the right choice when he felt Mother hum softly under his skin. There was something in there Mother wanted only him to find.
Nanaki merely nodded and sat down at the temple steps.
"I'll wait here then. Be careful"
Nael nodded back before making his way up the stone steps.
.o00o.
The Temple felt…strange, as if it wasn't what it showed to be.
Nael could feel the Dark Aura emanating from the stone walls, fighting to break free of its constricting form, but it was not evil or upsetting in any way – on the contrary, it felt…comforting.
Bright green eyes glowed eerily under the orange light of the torches before them.
Between the twin flames, a small altar stood.
Nael stared intently, listening to the impressions the Ancient Spirits sent him.
He could feel their excitement and their relief as well as their anxiety and uncertainty.
Under Mother's guidance, he took out the small orb he had picked up during the way here. It had been in the care of a man living near Gongaga Village, but he had given it to Nael without question. Apparently, the man did not know what to do with the thing himself and merely thought it a defective Materia. Mother had called it Keystone.
Slowly, Nael placed the Key on the altar, watching intently as it began to glow of a blue light.
The glow spread all over the complicate design on the altar before the ground began to tremble. Nael felt a slow smile spread on his lips as he was swallowed inside the Temple's foundations.
.o00o.
The interior of the Temple was much bigger than what Nael had expected and he suspected it went on for several miles under the ground.
Like the forest, it had many protections inside its walls and was a labyrinth all on itself.
A large maze-like cavern of staircases covered all the inside of the ancient building, filled with tricks, traps, tests and falling boulders. If one did not know where they were going they could easily lose themselves inside its walls forever.
Fortunately, Nael had no such problems as Mother's guide was clear in his hears as well as the spirits' promptings. He picked up quite a few useful things on the way as well.
.o00o.
He stood in a large mural room showing paintings akin to the ancient Egypt, depicting what looked like a huge disc falling from the sky.
TheUltimateBlackMagic…Meteor… The Spirits had whispered in his hear.
Standing at the end of the room, Nael stared at the incision before him. 'Black Materia'
He read and felt Mother hum with pleasure under his skin.
The manifestation of the cetra spirit guardian had explained to him it was his to take – Mother had entrusted it to him, and he felt indescribably honored. He knew what it was. The murals on the walls told of its story and power and Mother had whispered about it in his ears many a night as he grew up.
However, the spirit had told him, the Black Materia was the Temple itself. To take it, he must resolve a chain of tests from the inside of the Temple.
Smiling slightly, he got to work.
.o00o.
Nael smiled as he finally resolved the last test. The Temple had grown smaller and smaller as he went on and now would finally mold itself into the Black Materia.
Just as the Temple began to glow once again, Nael connected with the Planet, his body dissolving into green swirls as he faded into the Lifestream.
.o00o.
Nael stood before the still glowing orb, Nanaki observing wide-eyed from his side.
"It's…" the feline murmured reverently, unable to complete his sentence.
Nael nodded in silent agreement, knowing perfectly what his spirit brother had meant to say.
Even from afar, he had been able to feel the power coming from the Materia and now that he stood before it, the feeling was overwhelming.
It was incredible, so intense and dark, but Nael had learned long ago dark did not necessarily equal evil.
Slowly, he took the sphere in his hands, immediately feeling its warmth seep into his body.
It was black - as black as the great void – and darker than anything he'd ever felt, but like all others Materia, it pulsed with his Mother's warm presence and knowledge and Nael could feel even a greater connection than normal existing between the Black Materia and Mother. It was…simply incredible. He felt like the warmth had filled his entire body, filling a hole he had not known before had been empty. For the second time in his life, Nael felt complete.
The great feline stared wide-eyed at the Black orb in his brother's hands.
Now that he was closer, Nanaki could feel the power it gave off. It was different from the other Materia; more powerful, more…natural somehow. Yes, he could feel its darker nature, but for some reason he was not scared. In fact, its aura felt...comforting somehow, familiar. It took him only a little while to realize the aura it emanated resonated with his brother, and then he knew where he had felt something similar before: it was the aura his brother emanated from his very being when he released his power and that lied in wait under his skin even now.
Yes, Nanaki thought determinately, he was certain now. Although knowing instinctively the dangers and destruction the Materia could create, he knew it would be in safe hands till his brother held it.
Still feeling himself a little reverent of the gift Mother bestowed upon him, Nael smiled warmly at the sight of an equally awestruck Nanaki before carefully putting the Black Materia away.
"Let's go Nanaki, Mother has still much for us to do" he said as he began to walk away.
Nanaki, still gazing awestruck into space, simply nodded before following his brother.
In a few steps, the two slowly disappeared into green swirls as they dissolved into the Lifestream.
.o00o.o00o.
- [Northern Continent]
Nael and Nanaki looked around at the bone structures surrounding them.
They had just arrived to Bone Village and Nael must say its name fit it well – the only things in sight in the mining village were bones and excavation sites.
Mother had guided him here after leaving the Temple. He must search for something: the key.
Nael did not know exactly what the key was, but he was sure he will feel it when he found it.
Smiling slightly at the guide beside him, he thanked him before he and Nanaki got to work.
They had some sites to explore.
.o00o.
A Lune Harp. That was the key.
Standing before the enchanted forest, Nael felt a soft melody play in his hear.
Smiling slightly, he brought up the harp before closing his eyes and starting to play; Mother guiding his fingers.
Only a Cetra could pass through the forest. Anyone else would just wander alone forever, never finding the right path, even if they had the key with them.
Through the enchanted notes reverberating in the air and mingling with The Chant the enchanted forest recognized the touch of the Cetra magic …the presence of Mother flowing in their soul.
The only way for someone else to find the way was by either accompanying a Cetra or if they used the key after a Cetra allowed them in. Once being accepted in its depths, however, one could find the way in even without the harp, the trees themselves almost guiding them.
The Forest, unfortunately however, was losing its presence and defense as the Cetra became less and less, and would probably let in everybody with the key as the last Cetra died, bringing the greater part of its magic with them.
As the enchanted music began to permeate the forest, Nael started walking - eyes still closed, he let Mother guide his steps.
Beside him, Nanaki watched in childish wonder as the forest became alive before his eyes. The ground appeared to hum with happiness, the animals sung along with his brother and the air caressed them playfully. Fascinated, he watched as the trees appeared to move away from before them as they walked, creating a path that closed immediately after them.
He laughed, body vibrating with the same energy as the forest as he started to run around the small boy beside him.
Nael smiled and laughed along with his brother even as he kept playing, eyes still closed as they continued to walk.
He did not know how much they went on like this, but when he opened his eyes again, they stood before the Forgotten City.
.o00o.o00o.
The Forgotten City was once the primary capital of the whole Cetra civilization.
Although a nomadic people, they still needed a stable place to call their own, where old and young could live freely and where their economic and social life flourished. A meeting point for the entire race.
When the Calamity fell from the sky and struck the Planet, however, the Forgotten City became a symbol of unity, security and hope where the Cetra reunited to coordinate their efforts to survive – to save the Planet – and where the innocents could live protected without being touched by the Great Evil. However, the Calamity soon proved too strong than they ever predicted and slipped through even their greatest protection unnoticed, leaving behind only a trail of blood. Although defeated in the end, It left behind destruction and desolation, singlehandedly wiping out the greater part of the Cetra race. In time, the only few survivors slowly left the City and gradually assimilated themselves into human culture.
Looking at it now, it was evident it had lost a great part of its glory – Most buildings were collapsed and the terrain was dry and neglected – but even then it was still magnificent.
Nael and Nanaki looked around themselves in childish wonder.
The City before them was unlike any other they had ever seen before.
The general layout made Nael think of the sea, with many of the buildings having shell-like appearance and the ground resembling the sea floor. It was evident the City's previous inhabitants had incorporated nature into their buildings – many having roofs made up from various organic materials – indicating their closeness to the Planet and surrounding them with Mother's warm presence.
Like for the other two sacred places, the Lifestream was incredibly near the surface here, and they both could feel it in the very air they were breathing. Every structure was seeped in Her essence and it pained Nael to see it so abandoned; void of life and touched by time and war.
Narrowing his gaze in determination, Nael looked into the ochre eyes sharing his same resolve before they nodded in unison.
They will bring the Forgotten City back to its former splendor.
.o00o.
Nael lay on the furred form of his brother, feeling each breath the great feline took reverberate through his body.
Looking around himself, surrounded by the pure white glow of the trees around him, Nael smiled. It had been two months since they had come to the Forgotten City and they had made incredibly great progress in such a short time. Most of the houses in the main area were now repaired and the terrain was slowly coming back to life, ready to be cultivated once again.
Nael had asked the various 'monsters' that inhabited the surrounding area to lend them an hand and they had easily agreed, untouched by the corruption of the tainted mako and thriving on the pure Lifestream seeping from the ground. Strange rabbit-like creatures were now cultivating the camps while other, stronger creatures helped with the reconstructions and with the moving around of the heavier materials.
Letting his hand caress the crystal-like surface of the small lake beside them, Nael let out a sigh in contentment. Despite the communicating machine and the crystals in the inhabited part of the City, it was here he could feel the greatest connection with his Mother. Although he could not really communicate with Her any better here, Her presence was everywhere, making the trees and the water glow. It was warm, peaceful and completely perfect.
Nael sighed again. Although both he and Nanaki loved to stay here, it was soon coming the time to leave. They had done all they could and the rest would be left in capable hands. It was not their time to remain here. They still had many things to do, many more tasks to complete.
A burnt orange, fire-lit tail wrapped gently around him, breaking him out of his thoughts.
"Is it time?"
Nael merely nodded, lying back against the warm body behind him.
"Yes"
Mother was calling again.
.o00o.o00o.
-[Icicle Area]
A small boy walked calmly through the falling storm, his body only covered by a black, sleeveless turtle neck and a pair of khaki shorts. His small, bare feet padded softly on the snow-covered ground; they left no imprints behind them. He felt no cold.
Beside him, a great feline walked calmly, his inner warmth melting the snow slightly as his pawns touched it.
It had been a while since they had left the Forgotten City.
They had then made their way through the Northern Continent, Nael opening up veins as he went.
Now walking under the falling snow, neither of them felt the cold.
The reason why that particular continent was so cold was due to the tremendous amount of Lifestream concentrated in its ground - the Planet's attempt at healing Her greatest wound: the North Crater.
Nael, however, only felt the warm, comforting presence of Mother seeping into him with every step.
.o00o.
Icicle Inn was a beautiful mountain resort; many small wooden houses standing on the icy grounds, their roofs perennially covered with pure snow.
The inhabitants of the small mountain city were all courteous and had welcomed both Nael and Nanaki with open hands.
The two always gave a hand with defending it from the surrounding monsters and the inn always provided them with warm food and a roof over their heads. Nael sometimes also liked to lend a hand in the kitchen, preparing many foreign dishes from his home world and new country while learning new ones.
Most of the time, however, was spent studying under the weapon master that resided in the area. Although Nael had frequently used his two loved blades and had been training during the past years with Nanaki, it had all been self-taught and thus had probably many errors in his forms and techniques he didn't even know about. As Harry, he had used his two weapons sluggishly, without any real idea on how to use them apart from a few basic lessons Voldemort had arranged for him to have. After all, all he had needed then was the advantage having another weapon beside a wand provided him as the majority of the other wizards were often lost in a physical fight.
In this world however all was different, and he needed to learn much more before he could declare himself satisfied with his combat skills. Thus, why Mother had prompted him to train under the weapon master of Icicle Inn while complying with Her next task.
As luck would have it, the weapon Master specialized in wielding double blades and had taught Nael much on how to use his precious.
He also helped Nanaki a bit, but the great feline had completely different weapons and combat style from him, making it quite difficult – being of a totally different specie and having a completely different body didn't help, either. The only thing the Master was able to do was to fight against him and give suggestions on how to fight against a bladed enemy and how to use his weapons to his advantage, adapting things for him on the go.
Usually, Cetra and Guardian where always together but that day Nael was alone as he wandered through the small wooden houses. He walked aimlessly, following Mother's lead. Finally, he stopped before what appeared like a small wooden house like all the others. Green orbs observed it quietly before Nael stepped inside, the door opening without any prompting.
Looking around himself, Nael slowly walked towards, stopping as he noticed a small indent on the ground. Kneeling down, he reached for the disconnected section and brought it up, revealing a hidden staircase. Looking in the dark passage, green orbs glowed eerily for a moment before Nael lowered himself down the stairs.
.o00o.
A hidden laboratory.
Green orbs looked around themselves, taking in all the machineries.
Walking closer to a cluttered desk, Nael slowly started making his way through the scattered documents, taking in the information in them. Some, he noted, were written in a completely different hand, adding notes at the sides of the original writings, or filling entirely new pages. Something in the writing called for his attention, appearing strangely familiar, but Nael shrugged it aside as he kept looking, knowing Mother had something else to show him at the time.
Finally, his eyes landed upon a small disc.
Picking it up, Nael knew without a doubt it was important as he felt Mother give a pleased hum under his skin and he turned around, spotting an old fashioned pc before turning it on and inserting the CD.
Unreadable green orbs stared unflinchingly at the screen as the terrible information contained in the small disc revealed itself before them, all the while feeling Mother insistent humming under his skin.
.o00o.
Nael dodged swiftly to the side, avoiding the huge spikes of ices by the scruff of the neck.
Briefly asserting that Nanaki had done the same, he threw himself back into the fight, twirling his twin blades as he launched himself back at the enraged snow woman before him.
From the corner of his eye he saw Nanaki do the same from the other side, their movements coordinated almost perfectly, but before they could get too close they had to retreat again as a cloud of icy air escaped from the woman's frozen lips.
Nael sighed, despairing his luck. They had just enjoyed a relaxing bath in the hidden hot springs they had come across an old lady. They had barely started talking when Nael brushed accidentally against her with his still damp skin and the old lady just…went completely bat-shit crazy.
Barely dodging another hit, Nael cursed mentally, knowing this was not going to end well if they kept going like that. They just could not get close enough to hit her properly, her magic attacks keeping them at safe distance. Nael cursed again. If only he could...just then, he felt warmth start spreading from his chest, gently pulsating against his skin.
Startled, Nael put his hand under his black turtleneck even as he evaded another Ice attack.
When he retracted his hand, a small, strangely glowing black orb rested on his palm.
The Black Materia.
Nael's mind swirled with thoughts.
He knew that the Materia in his hands could produce the UltimateDestructiveMagic. Meteor. He had seen it in his dreams, seen it impressed in the Temple walls, heard it from the Ancient Spirit's lips (in a way). However, he knew that was not the only thing the Black Materia could do. He knew Mother had given it to him for its protection, but also as a weapon. His Ancient Brothers' pacifistic nature had made them reject the Materia, still treasuring it as Mother's gift but never using it, keeping it at distance and under lock. He could feel the unused, accumulated power seep into his fingers where his skin touched the smooth marble.
They did not want to fight. They preferred to cure and bring life to their Mother's land.
However, Nael knew sometimes you had to fight with all your might to protect life. A prime example was the Calamity. They had been completely unprepared for it, and when they had finally decided to fight back, it was too late and most of their race had been wiped away.
Yes, Nael knew fighting was inevitable sometimes.
This was the reason he was so different from his Ancient Brothers. This was the reason Mother had given the Black Materia to him. This was why he was so special to Her.
He was her son, but he was different. While his Ancient Brothers had been made to bring life, he had been made to protect it tooth and nails - he'd had been created to fight.
Clenching the black marble in his fingers, a determined glint set in his eyes.
"Nanaki!" He called, still avoiding the snow woman's hits.
From the corner of his eyes, he saw his spirit brother stop briefly and turn towards him in question, ochre eyes alert.
"Cover me!" He exclaimed without giving other explanation, and Nanaki asked none, merely nodding before throwing himself at the woman to bring her away from him, distracting her and giving Nael the time to do what he needed to.
Stopping in the middle of the icy ground, surrounded by the warm water of the hot springs they had found in the Great Glacier, Nael took a deep breath before closing his eyes, the Black Materia cradled to his chest.
The boy relaxed his body before concentrating completely on the Materia in his hands and the connection he knew existed between them, trusting completely that his brother would cover him.
Delving deep into himself, he followed the connection to the Black Materia, questioning, searching.
He did not know how long he stayed like that or what exactly he was searching for, but when he opened his eyes, they glowed mako green and his face set with knowledge and purpose.
Stretching one hand in front of him, the other still clasping the Black Materia to his chest, Nael fixed eerily glowing eyes on the still fighting figure of the ice woman.
Then, with a powerful, strangely musical voice that did not even register in his pulsating ears, Nael intoned the incantation that had been impressed in his magic, the strange tattoo-like designs coming to life on his skin.
"Fire!"
Perhaps sensing his intense gaze, Nanaki turned around just in time to see his brother reading himself to attack. With a determined growl, he launched himself at the woman once again, making her turn just right for the roaring, life-like flames to hit her.
Stepping back quickly, a wide-eyed Nanaki watched along with his brother as the woman was consumed by the burning fire.
Panting slightly, Nael watched in surprise as the flames he produced came to life, assuming first the form of a phoenix then of a basilisk, a dragon, gryphon and many other magical creatures as they devoured the snow woman in their gaping jaws.
Watching mesmerized, only one word passed through Nael's head. Yes, it was incredibly weaker and infinitely easier to control but he had no doubt on what it was.
'Fiendfyre'
In their excitement it took them a while to notice a red Materia now stood where the woman had last been. A Materia that exuded a strangely familiar feeling of Home for Nael. A peculiar ancient feeling of protection, belonging, adventure, and magic that he had ever only felt once before, in the only place he had ever called home in his old world.
.o00o.
Nael silently scrolled off the snow on his coat as he closed the door behind himself.
It was dark outside and he had been gone since early morning once again.
Taking off his coat, Nael made his way inside the inn, walking to the hall. Turning the corner, he came to face with the lean form of his brother lounging before the fire, assertive ochre eyes fixed upon him. Before either of the two could say anything, however, two figures appeared from the other room.
"Ah, Nael! Here you are, I was just about to close!" a tall man with a warm smile and graying hair exclaimed as his eyes landed upon the small form of the boy.
Looking away from his brother, Nael returned the smile with a sheepish one of his own.
"Yep, I made it in time tonight sir"
The man laughed again, patting the small boy on the back.
"No worries lad, and how many times do I have to tell you? Call me Shirei!"
Nael just smiled back cheekily, "Of course sir" he replied.
"I see you are still a cheeky brat as always" the man muttered, chuckling slightly.
Nael's grin grew but before he could say anything else they were interrupted by a mischievous voice coming from behind Shirei.
"Come on old man, you know you secretly love it" A young woman exclaimed jokingly at the man as she came into the hall, stopping before Nael.
"Hello Nael, I thought I might have heard your voice. Don't pay attention to him, he's just going senile with age" she greeted warmly, ignoring the spluttering man behind her.
"Emily" Nael replied with an answering grin.
Emily was the adopted daughter of the inn's owner and frequently worked in the inn to help him out. She was an excellent cook and often Nael and she found themselves spending time together when he lent a hand in the kitchen, exchanging recipes and stories. The two got along quite well, and Nanaki loved her as well, especially since the young woman always pet him and scratched him behind the ears.
"Glad you made it in time tonight, did you do something interesting?" she asked curiously.
Before Nael could say anything else, however, he was interrupted once again. This time by the feline voice of his brother, who had come up to them while they were talking.
"Where you there again? "Spoke the familiar voice, ochre eyes staring assessing into his, examining him.
"Yes" Nael answered simply.
He knew his brother did not like when he went there as he never brought him with him. It frustrated the feline but Nael did not want his innocent brother to become tainted with the horrible secrets hidden in that place. Besides, even if he didn't do anything Nael knew the feline would just get bored watching him read, if he did bring him along.
"You go there fairly often my boy." The inn owner interjected, interrupting his thoughts, "it reminds me of someone else who came here a few years ago".
Turning around once again, Nael and Nanaki observed the man with interest, knowing the man had observed enough occurrences like this one to know what that they were talking about. At his words, Nael's mind immediately went back to the second set of writing he had found on Gast's documents.
If Shirei said someone else went to that place often in the last years...
"Really sir? May I inquire who it was?" Nael asked curiously. From the corner of his eye he could see Nanaki look at the other in curiosity as well, wanting to see who other than his brother went to that accursed place he could not enter. It was Emily, however, who replied.
"Well, it was a strange man we found in the snow a few years back. He had nothing but his clothes on him and was freezing to death by that point. We brought him here and nursed him back to health, but when he woke up he remembered nothing" she said sadly.
"The poor lad appeared so lost I decided to let him stay here in exchange of a little help around until he remembered something" The man continued after her, looking thoughtful before he then laughed jovially, patting Emily on the back.
"Emy here was quite taken by him as I remember" he joked good naturally, making her go red in the face.
"D-dad!" she exclaimed with an embarrassed look.
Shirei only laughed more while Nanaki and Nael snickered at the now spluttering young woman.
Father and daughter had an interesting relationship that Nael quite never tired of watching.
Recovering quickly, Nael spoke up again, curiosity evident in his voice.
"Did he ever regain his memory?" he asked, Nanaki listening eagerly by his side.
The man chuckled quietly once more before shaking his head.
"If he did, he never said anything. He did seem to become obsessed with that scientist' house at some point however. I think he was searching for a way to regain them. Like you, he came upon it once by chance and slowly started spending more and more time here, to the point where he did not come out for weeks at times. Said he was working on something important, although he never told us what"
"Where is he now? Is he still here?" Nanaki asked then, appearing quite entranced with the story while Nael became caught up in his own thought once again.
"He remained here a few years before setting out for Junon; said he needed to know more if he wanted his plan to work. He should still be studying at the University there right now" Emily explained in a soft voice.
The older man patted her on the head softly.
"Emy here was quite distraught when he left ("Daad!") but he was a good lad. He will always have a room waiting for him if he ever comes back" He said giving a quiet chuckle, leaving both Nael and Nanaki immersed in their own thoughts, although for different reasons. Then he looked pointedly at them "You two are also welcome back here anytime you know – we have become quite attached to you as well after all" he said, making Nael smile warmly and Nanaki blush in embarrassment (although you could not really see it due to his fur, Nael knew what to look for).
"Thank you Shirei" Nael said warmly, a light blush on his cheeks as he finally said for the first time the other man's name. Nanaki nodded with a shy, feline smile from his side. "Thank you"
Chuckling softly at their reaction, the man patted their head softly even as Emily offered them a warm, open smile.
"Well now that this is clear, why don't you two come to the dining room? Emily will prepare a warm meal for the both of you before going to bed. You have been out all day Nael, you must be tired; you should take better care of yourself, your brother was quite worried about you!"
Chuckling at Nanaki's eager expression at the mention of food, Nael nodded, following the man down the hall while Emily hurried in the kitchen with a parting smile.
"I will, thank you for the inconvenience at such an hour"
"Yes, thank you" echoed Nanaki as he eagerly followed behind them.
The man just laughed jovially.
"No worries lads, it's no problem at all."
.o00o.
Small feet dangled from the top of the cliff, the small form they were part of dangerously close to the edge.
The small boy however did not seem to care as he gazed inside the depths of the icy crater.
Slightly behind him a great feline sat, intelligent ochre eyes wandering around even as they kept vigil on the small form before them.
Suddenly, the boy's head was thrown back, revealing glowing green orbs to the great feline. Ochre and green locked for a few seconds before a mischievous grin slowly spread on the pink lips of the boy.
Then, without any other warning, the boy threw himself down Gaea's Cliff, letting out a thrilling laugh as he flew in the dark abyss.
Watching him, the feline slowly grinned before throwing himself after him.
Letting himself fall freely, Nael twirled past the Whirlwind Maze, down to the Northern Cave, where the Planet's Core lay.
Once there, Nael used the huge amounts of Spirit Energy in the place to condense the air under him – his powers incredibly enchanted due to his close vicinity to the Core – slowly halting his fall till the last moment, when he turned himself and gracefully touched the ground with a delicate bare foot.
Laughing quietly, Nael righted himself, adjusting his clothes.
Just as he finished sorting himself up, a quiet rumor to his right alerted him to Nanaki's presence, who had followed him by jumping from one rock to the other till reaching the ground.
The two exchanged thrilled grins before turning around towards the Planet's Core.
.o00o.
Nael and Nanaki waved at the habitants of the small mountain resort which came to say goodbye.
It had been a little more than 5 months since they came there and it was now time to leave again.
Nael had completed what he could of his training under this town weapon Master and opened Lifestream veins throughout the Northern Country in the meanwhile, trying to help the Planet heal faster. He also managed to finally read through all of Gast's documents left behind in his house, as well as the ones added by the still unknown other male.
Nael could not help feel suspicious of the situation, he was sure there was something more to it that was escaping his notice, but Mother had told him it was not yet the time.
Now, as they readied to leave, Nael could not help but wonder if he will ever meet the mysterious man. A slow smile spread on his lips as he felt Mother answering hum.
Turning around, the two companions walked away, ready for their new destination.
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 1995 -[Wutai]
Nael gracefully dismounted from the golden creature under him.
Smiling, he patted the soft feathers, giving it a treat as a last thank you for having brought him till here. The creature crooned softly, inclining its head slightly before taking off in the direction they came from.
Turning around after watching it go, Nael barely stifled a laugh at the sight before him.
His feline brother was clinging for dear life to a bigger double of the golden creature he had just thanked, eyes open wide, wet fur raised and claws planted firmly in the golden fur as the indignant animal tried furiously to throw him away. He looked like a spooked, drowned kitty.
His fight with himself however was lost a moment later when the chocobo finally managed to free himself, causing his brother to fall down with a decidedly girly meow Nael knew he would deny later.
Sitting up, ochre eyes glared petulantly at the small figure as the air filled with crystalline laughter.
"It's not funny!" he huffed making Nael laugh even more.
"It isn't! I don't understand why we could not have materialized here like we did before" pouted Nanaki.
Finally getting his laugh under control Nael dried his tears, a few laughs still escaping him.
"Oh, don't be like that, I just wanted to try it once; besides that old man had been so helpful, he even let me participate in a few races!"
Nanaki pouted even more at that, "Still! You know I don't like the sea"
Still chuckling lightly, Nael patted his brother head softly.
"You're right, sorry. The next time we'll do it as you said"
"You better" mumbled Nanaki.
Ignoring him, the green-eyed boy turned, hiding a grin as he looked around himself.
They had reached a small clearing in the forest surrounding the wutanian occidental coast.
Their next destination was to be the main city but first, Nael wanted to explore that part of the continent a bit, taking the opportunity to open up other Lifestream veins as he went. He knew this land was not as affected as the other continents due to the fact no mako reactor had been allowed on it yet, but he also knew that leaving it alone would be harmful as well. Especially since the majority of the Lifestream was already compensating in the Northern Continent while the rest was being sucked up by the reactors. The wutanian lands were sane but slowly becoming dry as well.
Apart from that, Nael wanted to explore the different culture of the people who lived on Mother's lands. Wanted to know their traditions, their habits, their ways, and he especially wanted to learn their way of fighting. He knew the wutanian used many different weapons that rarely could be found in the other parts of the world, and he was extremely intrigued.
The one thing that pressed him the most, however, was to lend a hand in their war against Shinra. He knew that without the use of Materia and with the unfair advantage of the SOLDIERS' strength they would not last too long. He had been entirely impressed when he heard of how long they had resisted already. It spoke volumes of their strength of mind and as warriors, and it only pushed him more to learn their way and give and hand in return.
Yes, Nael knew, this time their stay will be much longer.
Turning back towards his feline companion, Nael gave him an excited smile.
"Come on Nanaki, we have much to do and learn in this place"
Nanaki felt an answering grin stretch on his lips before following his Spirit Brother into the surrounding forest, the two chocobos who had accompanied them having long left for their home.
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ Unknown Time -[Unknown Location]
Black, combat boots meet the harsh ground as a dark, foreboding figure righted itself.
Black, fathomless eyes observed their surroundings even as long elegant fingers straightened black, imposing robes.
Dark orbs sharply scanned their surrounding before turning their attention on themselves.
Surprise registered only briefly in the unreadable black eyes as they looked at the slim, elegant hands, only to grow as the figure used them to feel their face, then hair and whole body.
Lastly, the long fingers moved to the many buttons of the robe's long sleeves, swiftly and almost frenetically freeing moonlight pale, wiry muscled arms.
Twin voids roved over the two appendages, but this time the figure could not manage – or care – to contain the shock and almost incredulous hope from slipping over their impassible face as the black orbs locked on the smooth, flawless skin of their left forearm.
Remaining there staring for a good few minutes, the figure was only shocked out of their thoughts by a sudden noise to their left, causing them to right themselves and look around sharply once again, eyes narrowed and strict expression drawn into a scowl. If one were to look closer, however, they would still see the shock and new hope hidden in those black depths.
Coming around the dark corner the figure had appeared in after rearranging themselves, another brief feeling of surprise and curiosity passed swiftly in the black eyes at the sight before them.
Then, the figure shook their head, muttering something that sounded suspiciously like: "Only him…" before hiding briefly once more and passing a hand over the black robes.
Stepping away from the dark corner and right into the bustling center of the encampment-like city was a young man dressed like all the others, with black, fathomless eyes; long, silky black hair and a strict expression firm on his elegant face.
.o00o.o00o.o00o.
A/N: and thus it's finished! For real this time. I still feel it's a bit too charged though but whatever. Maybe one day I will slim it up a bit. Maybe. Hope you liked it anyway though!;)
A/N [2] [October 2015]:Fixed up a bit! I added a few more things that I thought would fit best in this chapter, like a brief explanation of his magic now and how it reacted to the Lifestream in his body, but will go in more depth in further chapters, like the explanation for the Black Materia and how it'll work as well as for Nael abilities and oddities with Materia ;P
I hope now I'll be able to finish the fifth chapter – it's been almost a year, I know and I've already begun but as I said before I've completely lost the inspiration to write it and lost count on how many times I've already cancelled and rewritten the small part I did write.
No matter how long it'll take me, however, I will finish this story. I wouldn't have published it were it not the case. It may just...take me a while hehe..he...