Please read the AN after this chapter.


A Boy and his Centurion

Many miles away from… well truthfully many, many… sigh…

While the Vanguard was attacking the Port City of Palmacosta on the United Worlds, on the planet Earth, a man who had not truly realised the extent of his mistakes was still trying to rectify them.

Albus Dumbledore, four and a half years ago had taken upon himself to ensure the safety and wellbeing of a baby Harry Potter. Safety, up until last Christmas, had not been a problem. So long as Harry resided in the same building as a maternal relative then the Blood Wards could ensure that no wizard who would intend him harm could enter within five miles of that building. In addition the blood weapon that defeated the Dark Lord Voldemort in 1981, still ran through Harry's veins, this weapon, or protection as Albus would call it one day when he told Harry, was still active thanks to the wards and Harry's blood would mortally wound Voldemort on contact. The weapon's survival and the survival of the protective wards in Surrey were dependant on Harry spending at least ten days in Privet Drive every year. Albus had not told anyone, but if Harry failed to return to the sanctuary, and Dumbledore used that term cautiously, by the following Christmas Day a year after he had left then the blood weapon against Voldemort would be gone and Dumbledore would not be able to bring it back. Unfortunately this rather sacrificed Harry's wellbeing.

Albus had decided that when Harry was placed in the care of his relative he would not be disturbed by anyone from the Wizarding World, including Albus himself. One of the advantages of the wards was that the caster could tie certain monitoring instruments to them. But Albus initially decided that he didn't want to interfere with Harry growing up. So the instruments, sat in his cupboard, they were tied to Harry and the wards monitoring the status of both Harry and the health of the wards, but Albus paid them no mind until the report that Harry had disappeared came through. When Albus examined the instruments he found that the data they should be receiving just stopped.

This made no sense. The Instruments should have indicated something, but the data just stopped transmitting only a few hours after Harry was last seen. If he was still alive then the instruments should still have been transmitting, if he died then instruments would have stopped but the data would have recorded his death and his life signs up until that point. The last data showed that he was in Magnolia Park, Little Whinging and that, while his health was seriously deteriorating, he was still alive. But then he data just stopped. This was completely inexplicable. Dumbledore couldn't figure out why the devices weren't telling him anything, by all accounts they should have, but they weren't.

So Dumbledore had tried more traditional methods. He had the Order looking, he had his operatives in the Muggle World looking and he had used every contact available to him, foreign and domestic, to find Harry. So far there search was fruitless. The strange magical reaction in Magnolia Park that nearly killed him and the Minister for Magic had been very interesting but it told him nothing about who took Harry except that they were probably magical. But the magic was unlike anything Dumbledore and several other experts had seen before. The language used was also completely unknown. No linguistics expert in the Magical or Muggle Worlds could determine what it was or where it came from.

Dumbledore was about to have a second try at repairing the monitoring instruments when they suddenly started working again.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

"So let me get this straight?" said Remus "You've had this instrument all along and you never said anything."

"It had ceased working when Harry went missing, now that they have started working again have told you." Said Dumbledore tiredly. Harry's disappearance was wearing him down.

"Why didn't you tell any of us though?" Said Moody "This could have helped."

"Are you saying any of you could have gotten it to work?" asked Dumbledore

Remus and Moody shook their heads no. McGonagall was just holding on to the possibility that they might find Harry soon and Snape simply kept silent to avoid his excitement at the news becoming apparent.

"Well what has it told you?" said McGonagall

"I'm afraid not much at this stage." Said Dumbledore "At the moment it seems that all the data they should get from Harry is incoming. Only it's incoming nearly 4 months late."

"What do you mean four months late?" said Snape

"Well it seems that the data recording Harry's wellbeing and health has started coming in again only the data is four months old. See it's simply continued from where it left off at Christmas."

"So what does it tell us?" asked Remus

"Well before the data stopped Harry's health was deteriorating and he had fallen into unconsciousness."

Remus growled at that but made no other comments or noises.

"When the data continues it shows the process of deterioration halting, then Harry's condition over the next few hours stabilises. Then if we move forward half an Hour this is the most interesting thing. His health shows almost immediate and sporadic improvements. No known spell or technique in the Muggle World should be able to produce results like this but…"

"Harry is getting better?" said Remus

"I believe he did, but this information is four months old. We don't know how Harry is doing now." Said Dumbledore

"No but it is something." Said McGonagall "If someone is healing him, even if the technique is alien to us then that is a good sign."

"Yes I suppose it is." Said Dumbledore "Nothing really relevant happens over the next few hours but then his health starts improving again at dramatic levels, again suggesting more healing techniques unknown to us."

"So that suggests that he is with people who are helping him." Said Remus "Good."

"It suggests that four months ago he was being cared for." Said Snape "Potter could be dead right now for all we know."

"Severus." Said Minerva sternly "We have progress for the first time in months. Let us not forget that."

"Unfortunately Severus is right though." Said Dumbledore "Remus here, as I'm sure we all are, is relieved that Harry is being cared for but we don't know where has been since Magnolia park and we are only now getting word on how he's doing."

"So what else has Harry been up to?" asked Remus.

"Well from the readings I have it says that he has woken up and is scared, surprised and on the mend from his health deterioration."

"Scared?" said Remus palling.

"Yes but that does not altogether suggest he is in danger. If Harry is being cared for by some people it is more than likely they are strangers to him and have taken him to unfamiliar surroundings. As a five-year-old we can expect him to be anxious about all of that."

"I guess you're right." Said Remus.

"Then there is everything he has gone through so far." Said Snape "Child abuse is an ugly thing and even if Potter is safe he shall still suffer some aftereffects."

"What do any of these readings actually mean?" said McGonagall trying to stop Remus and Snape descending into a fight. "They just look like a bunch of squiggly lines."

"They are just a bunch of squiggly lines." Said Dumbledore "To anyone asides from me I'd assume they mean nothing."

"Well what do these lines here mean?" said Remus indicating the fresh results.

"Well I'd assume that young Harry is eating some heavily burnt bacon and thoroughly enjoying it."

Remus cracked a small smile "Can these instruments be used to tell us where he is?"

Dumbledore frowned "They are supposed to. This line here is supposed to indicate his location. But this squiggle here just means unable to determine."

"What, so we don't know where he's been, not even after four months?"

"No. Also look at this." Dumbledore indicated a globe on a spindle "This red dot is supposed to focus in on Harry's location."

"But that's in the middle of the North Pacific?" said Remus "There aren't even any islands there."

"That is not where Harry is, allow me to demonstrate." Dumbledore flicked his wand and the globe started turning rapidly at high speed. "When the instruments all started up again the globe should have pinpointed his location. But it just did that."

While the world was spinning the red dot was jumping up and down trying to touch every point on the earth. Dumbledore pointed his wand again and the globe stopped as did the red dot. This time in stopped in the middle of Siberia.

"Could something be interfering with your instruments?" said McGonagall

"That is the most likely cause, but nothing I know of could possibly interfere with these instruments without me detecting it or the readings leaving certain tell-tale signs."

"That attack that almost got you was unlike anything we know." Said Moody, "As crazy as it sounds it seems we're dealing with a group of people that knows more about magic than all the experts in the world."

"Are you saying Harry Potter was abducted by a secret society or something?" scoffed Snape.

"This group seems to know magic different from us." Said Dumbledore, "Whether they are a secret society or merely a culture we've never seen before is another question."

"What do you mean never seen before?" said Remus.

"Wizarding Society is hidden from Muggle society. So theoretically there could be a third society hidden from both of us." Said Dumbledore.

"That's preposterous." Snorted Snape "You surely don't believe that?"

"I know I wouldn't like to believe it, and as of right now I don't but the possibility is one I have to consider. At least until another explanation for that strange attack arises." Said Dumbledore.

The others in the room looked distinctly as if nothing would make them believe the existence of another society. The Search for Harry Potter continued. Dumbledore continued to monitor the readings well aware that, even if it was old news, it was still news. About a Month later it was May and as his staff prepared for exam season, Dumbledore read the data before him the results, although Dumbledore was ignorant of the precise details, of Harry happily playing with the Haitaka sisters.

But if he could read the results of what Harry's current life signs indicated, Dumbledore would never forgive himself. But as Harry suffered the most horrible trauma of his life, Dumbledore would not receive that data for another four months, for that was how long the data would take to reach Earth from Aselia whilst traveling at the speed of magic.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

As Dumbledore's instruments gave their results for the first time in four months, Genis Sage was being cheered by Palmacosta Soldiers and Citizens alike as his Mystic arte/Hi-Ougi chased away the remaining Vanguard.

Genis however focused on Harry. The Boy had been escorted inside the Governor-Generals office by the Haitaka sisters on Genis' order. Now he had to make sure he was alright.

Genis bypassed several people patting him on the back and entered the building to find Harry and Tenebrae deep in a conversation.

"So your names are Tenebrae, Tenebie, Tenny, Tenby, Braebrae, Mr Fairy and Paw-Pad." Said Harry.

"Yes." Said Tenebrae. "Also at some point Centurion Aqua became quite fond of calling me Tenebonehead. Even though we are now allies and fellow Centurions, she still insists on naming me as such.

"I like Paw-Pad." Said Harry

"Presea will be pleased." Said Genis. "Paw-Pad was her idea."

"I also like Braebrae." Said Harry, just noticing Genis.

"Ah now that one was thought up by Lady Marta."

"Why?" asked Harry, diverting his full attention back to the Centurion of Darkness.

"It's a bit complicated." Said Tenebrae "Basically Miss Colette for some reason was incapable of calling me anything other than Tenebie and when I tried to rectify this she, Lady Marta and Lord Emil decided to try and come up with variations of my name. That is where most of my alternate names come from."

"It seems Harry has found a new friend." Sparrow said to Genis "He really seems to be quite taken with everyone's favourite Centurion."

"I think it is because both of them hold curious minds. The fact that the first two artes Harry learnt were Darkness Elementals probably doesn't hurt either." Said Hawk.

Genis smiled "My sister will probably say this too, but thank you for keeping Harry safe."

"That is alright." Said Sparrow blushing "I just wish he didn't have to see so much of the battle though."

Genis looked troubled "It was always going to be inevitable, that Harry would see death in some form. That's why we're not so sure he should stay here. Even if today never happened he would have witnessed Lloyd, or Emil, or any one of us take down a monster at some point. Guess it's too late now."

"Harry is strong." Said Hawk "With your help, and with all our helps he shall prevail."

"I hope you're right." Said Genis "Now that I think about it though Harry hasn't seen much of Aselia outside Palmacosta. Just Exire. I would like for him to see some more."

"Does that mean I get to go travelling soon?" asked Harry excitedly.

"If you are to go exploring you must stop by the Ginnungagap." Said Tenebrae. "Lord Ratatosk would be most interested in meeting you. Lord Richter to."

Genis looked at Tenebrae incredulously "Richter's a Lord now?"

"Why yes. He is in the service of Lord Ratatosk and has gained favour with Centurion Aqua. Therefore he is entitled Lord."

"Can I become a Lord?" Harry asked.

Genis laughed "Maybe one day Harry. Maybe one day."

"Maybe one day soon." Said Tenebrae. "Two darkness elemental spells and you are only five."

"I am nearly six." Pouted Harry "At least I think I am?" he turned his head questionably to Genis

Genis racked his brains Harry was closer to six than five but "Still a few months to go Harry." Said Genis

"Still I must confess." Said Tenebrae "Perhaps the reason you were able to incant so easily this time round was your contact with me."

"You mean when I was riding you?" Harry asked Tenebrae

"Yes it is likely your magic and mine intermix as a result of the volatile environment. Earth mages at your age tended to expel their magic in times of heightened emotions. I assume that that is still a characteristic?"

"Uh…." Said Harry

"Well it would explain things a little I guess." Said Genis "Perhaps we should get back to the University, everyone will be worried about us."

Everyone agreed, so they all walked back to the University. When they got there they found Raine in conversation with a senior officer in the Palmacosta Army.

"Professor." Called Harry and ran to hug the woman who had been looking after him for so long.

Raine smiled and took Harry in her arms.

"Hello Harry. Are you alright?"

"Uh huh. I did magic." Said Harry.

"You did?" said Raine in surprise "Do you mean…"

"Harry seems to have become Tenebrae's new best friend. He learnt two artes today both Darkness Elementals." Said Genis Proudly.

"Really?" said Raine.

Harry nodded.

"Well you're going to have to show us what you can do later then, won't you?" said Raine "But right now I need to talk to the Captain here. So why don't you take Sparrow and Hawk and go find the others."

"Ok." Said Harry.

Genis stayed behind with his sister.

"Sorry about that captain. It seems I might be becoming a parent." Said Raine.

"Might be?" said the Soldier.

"That child has become my ward, whether permanent or temporary is still to be determined. Where were we?"

"Oh yes." Said the soldier "Most of the wounded are in the clinic in the Eastern city. Rather Ironic, I suppose but the medical teams there have been very efficient."

Raine and Genis nodded. The clinic in question was run by Pietro, the man the Chosen's group saved from a curse inflicted upon him at the Asgard Ranch, and his wife Sophia. The building in question used to be the Vanguard's public office. It was abandoned by the Vanguard when the Rebellion failed and taken over by Pietro and Sophia. It was now part of the University of Sylvarant and was responsible for doing Postgraduate Medical Research, or rather it will eventually when the University managed to get itself some postgraduates.

"It seems that your medical students really excelled themselves out there. I don't think there would have been as many survivors without their expertise." Said The Soldier. "Casualties for us all-round are quite merciful given the range of the attack. The death toll so far is eleven soldiers and five civilians. The wounded is so far twenty soldiers and eight civilians. Of course we're still trying to account for everyone but things still could have been much worse."

"Yes. I suppose they could." Said Raine "It shouldn't take long to clean up the university. Most of the students and staff were unharmed, and no one here died."

"That is particularly relieving." Said the Soldier "From their attacks it seems that the Vanguard was concentrating on the University. The forces that attacked the Governor-Generals Office seem too been focusing on pinning the troops stationed there and preventing them from assisting. It's a good thing we moved most of the garrison."

"Yes it is." Said Raine

"Your troops did a good job as well." Said Genis "Do we have any idea what the Vanguard casualties are?"

"We don't as of yet know how many troops were involved. We're still receiving reports and trying to collate the information. However, including the prisoners you caught we have so far 35 Vanguard soldiers in captivity and have confirmed about 70 Soldiers dead. We still have patrols out gathering the dead and wounded they left behind. Bearing that in mind and also bearing how many of the soldiers escaped we are guessing that at least 1,000 Vanguard were involved in this attack. But most likely closer to 4,000."

ORACLE2PHOENIX

"Four thousand Vanguard Soldiers?" said Sheena "Are you sure?"

"That is what we've been able to determine so far." Said Clara Dorr " It could be even as many as five thousand. It really disturbs me that so many of the Sylvaranti are still connected with the Vanguard."

"I wouldn't be so ashamed if I were you." Said Sheena "I don't think all of those involved today were from Sylvarant."

Those who had gathered in the conference room looked at the Mizuho representative with interest.

"Two of my villagers reported getting into combat with Magnar's until now illusive Lieutenant. They identified him as one Horatio Malakai." Said Sheena.

To most this name meant nothing but from a few Tethe'allan delegates the name was disturbingly familiar. A minister from the Tethe'allan Royal Family rose.

"Are you saying that Magnar has recruited this psychopath?"

"Who is this psychopath?" asked Lloyd.

Sheena rose. "Malakai was a researcher at the Imperial Research Academy. He was conducting research on Exspheres when the World Regeneration occurred. He was also assigned some Half-Elven staff to work alongside. Of course this meant forced labour. When the king reversed the Caste System rules emissaries from the Royal Family came to ensure that the Half-Elves were released. Malakai refused point blank to cooperate with the detachment or the new law, so the security detachment with them forced their way into the lab."

The minister continued the story "I was, to my shame discriminating against Half-Elves at the time but when I learnt of this. Well… let's just say sometimes it takes a monster to make you change your ways. Malakai was assigned to experiment on using Exspheres on machines but he ignored his orders and used them to experiment on his half-elven staff."

"That's horrible." Said Colette

"That's not even the worst of it." Said Sheena "He somehow managed to get the formula for creating the artificial Key Crests used in Angelus Project Exspheres and was using them to investigate and test the parasitic process."

Everyone present shuddered and looked sickened at that declaration.

"Needless to say he was arrested and thrown in prison." Said the minister "I would guess based on what happened today that he ended up in a cell next to Magnar."

"And if Magnar made a Tethe'allan his Lieutenant then…" said Raine

"Then he may have recruited others to follow him." Said Sheena "The reason we've haven't been able to find Magnar is, I think, because we've been looking for the wrong kind of people. We've been looking for Vanguard sympathisers. We should be looking for those dissatisfied with the both the rulers in Tethe'alla and Sylvarant."

"That is no short list." Said Zelos "In Tethe'alla alone you've got former members of the church, members of the aristocratic elite… After the World Regeneration a lot of powerful people lost a lot of power and more still are continuing to lose it."

"I can't see nobles and pastors becoming Vanguard soldiers that easily though." said Marta

"There is more than one way to support a cause." Said Sheena "They could be donating money and resources, possibly even shelter for them. I can think if at least a dozen nobles in Meltokio who have the power and motive to do so. Then we also have to bear in mind the Martel Knights."

"The Martel Knights were disbanded." Said one of the minsters.

"Exactly and I know that many of them were really unhappy about that." Said Sheena "The Church of Martel is dying. We reckon that within five years they will be unable to maintain their own facilities. Especially now that no government body anywhere in the world still supports them. The church in Palmacosta had to be sold off because not enough people supported it. The Luin branch is in debt and will probably be sold to the city authorities, in Flanoir there is a move to turn the church their into a publicly owned building and the last House of Guidance was closed down a month ago. Most Houses' of Guidance and Houses' of Salvation have been bought by Lezarano and turned into Travel Inns."

The minister looked a bit chastised and sat down.

"I'll advise the King to conduct some investigations." Said Zelos "If you're right Sheena then we've all made a grievous oversight. One we shouldn't have, the Vanguard has always had a certain talent for deception, even without that fowl smelling man dead." He said thinking of Decus.

"I'll also update my Mizuho scouts about this. If Tethe'allans are joining the Vanguard then we need to look elsewhere."

ORACLE2PHOENIX

While the adults were all talking about important stuff, Harry was talking with Tenebrae about his home.

"What's the Ginnungagap like? Well I suppose creepy is the best way to describe it." Said Tenebrae.

"Creepy? That doesn't sound very nice?"

"That's what I thought." Said Tenebrae "But Lady Marta has used both the terms creepy and awe-inspiring to describe it. I am pretty sure each of those terms conflict one another but despite having known her longer than most humans on this world, I must confess that I have trouble understanding her sometimes."

"What do you think it's like though?" asked Harry

"Well the Ginnungagap is like an underground world. The Giant Kharlan Tree used to exist their and the some of its routes can still be seen. These routes are used to channel the world's mana levels and keep it in balance. If one looks around they can see the little mana balls of light traveling through the routes like marbles through tubes, although these tubes are not straight and the mana balls can go either up or down. That is the First level of the Ginnungagap.

The Second is where the ancient machinery that guides the mana to the First level and beyond. These machines are a series of black and pink coloured platforms that one can walk across to get to and from the main chamber. If one looks at the surface of these platforms one can see the light of mana traveling through the circuitry.

The third is the domain of Lord Ratatosk himself. This is a dome where the door to the Realm of Demons is protected by Lord Ratatosk, Lord Richter and the eight Centurions, one of which is me. Together we protect the door to the Demonic Realm, manage the flow of mana and ensure the world's supply is stable."

"Uh… that sounds… I'm sorry could you explain it again."

Tenebrae chuckled "Its ok Harry. The Ginnungagap is something one really has to see for themselves."

"There is a certain quality to it that makes me agree with you Tenebrae." Said Sparrow as she came through. "Harry everyone is in a big important meeting that will be on for a while. But when they finish they're gonna wanna see how you kicked Malakai's…"

"Miss Haitaka need I remind you Harry is in no need of that particular expansion of vocabulary." Said Tenebrae cutting across the exuberant girls remarks.

"Uh… right, sorry after battle adrenalin…" said Sparrow "Anyway, wanna come help me set up and practice. We can start training you and maybe some more artes will come out."

"Ok, Ok." Said Harry excitedly "Come on Tenebrae, let's go…"

ORACLE2PHOENIX

"Right now Harry let's do this." Said Sparrow "That 'Agarazium' thing you did was a low level arte. Why don't you start with that? Target that cardboard box over there." Sparrow pointed.

"Yeah, yeah." Said Harry excitedly. He focused the magic within himself and began moving the yo-yo up and down "Agarazium!" The rings tore through the box, shattering it.

"Very good Harry." Said Tenebrae, though he personally just loves to see someone use Darkness Magic.

"Indeed." Said Hawk "It seems the endeavours you've focused on these past four months have paid off. Perhaps you should experiment with a variation in catalyst?"

"Catalyst? Oh you mean a different weapon." Said Harry, after so much time in her company he was beginning to understand Hawk a bit more. "Ok, what would you recommend?"

"Well I would advise against you wielding a sword without some basic training first." Said Hawk "Or anything that could be used as a conventional weapon such as our bows. Perhaps a Kendama like Genis uses?"

"I personally would recommend a staff." Said Tenebrae. "It seems much more straightforward and you do not have to maintain a ball on several different cups."

"That would be quite wise." agreed Hawk.

"Ok let's find Harry a staff." Said Sparrow. She went a cupboard and began pulling out various items.

"What about those wooden swords?" asked Harry.

"Those are still swords." Said Hawk "Besides which they have no magical properties so the ability to cast would be entirely based on your present skill. Not many can cast magic without a catalyst."

"I found an old rod in here." Said Sparrow "You wanna try this?"

"Ok." Said Harry, he took hold of the rod that was twice as tall as he was. "Uh? Anything smaller?" he found it very difficult to keep the staff level.

"Oops!" said Sparrow, "Silly me." She went back into the cupboard and pulled out another, shorter rod. It was still of greater length than Harry's height but it was manageable for the five-nearly-six-year-old.

"Now." Said Tenebrae "I would recommend testing that arte again on the wooden crates."

"Yeah, see if they break." Said Sparrow excitedly.

Harry focused his mana like he did with the yo-yo. The rod in question had an emblem on its head. He could feel his magic connect with the Rod and centre around the emblem. Harry distinctly preferred this form of weapon to the yo-yo.

"Agarazium!"

The rings struck the box and Harry saw it crack, but its overall structure remained largely intact.

"Agarazium!" incanted Harry, the damaged box shattered as a result of the second attack.

"Try another wooden box." Said Sparrow "Only this time, let's have you powered up." She nodded at her sister.

Hawk acknowledged her sisters gesture and held her bow horizontally in front in her. "Sharpness!"

Harry felt his physical and magical strength increase. He targeted another untouched wooden crate and incanted "Agarazium!"

The rings shot through the box and it broke into pieces causing Sparrow and Harry to jump up and down cheering.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

"I see you have already started." Said Lloyd as he, the Symphonia group and a bunch of random delegates and representatives from all over the United Worlds came in to see Harry perform magic.

"This is so much fun." Said Harry.

"Harry can you show us some of what you can do?" asked Marta.

Harry nodded enthusiastically "Agarazium!"

The rings shot up from the ground and struck another wooden box. Hawk had already performed another strengthening arte on Harry so it shattered in one go.

Harry received a polite round of applause, many people were genuinely excited as they were unsure whether Harry would be able to perform Aselian Magic.

"Watch this, watch this." Said Harry, he was getting a little hyperactive. A state he had never been able to enter whilst living on Earth "O Brilliance show your wrath. Dark Sphere!" he incanted on a stone block. It broke into about half a dozen smaller chunks as a result of the pressure of the sphere that engulfed it.

"He seems to be learning quite quickly?" said Genis "Two artes in one day, and he only just started. None of us managed that on our first day."

"True." Said Lloyd "Neither you nor I learnt our second arte until we started our first journey. Same with Colette."

"I didn't even learn anything other than support magic until we had been traveling for several weeks." Said Raine. "Even then I had to equip an Exsphere to achieve that much."

While the others were discussing Harry's magic, Harry was further testing it. At the rate he was going he was going to need an orange gel, still it kept him distracted. Eventually they left Harry with the Haitaka's to finish discussing the aftermath of the battle.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

It had been a long day when Raine got back to her quarters. She told Sparrow that when they were finished in the Testing Area she could just watch Harry in her lounge. When she got back she found Harry crying with his head in Sparrows Lap, while she stroked his hair and tried to comfort him.

"It's alright Harry." Said Sparrow "This sort of thing isn't pleasant but it's not the end of the world and it's not the end of you."

"Harry what's wrong?" said Raine

"People died." Harry mumbled.

Raine realised this must have been Harry's first battle. "Thank you Sparrow. Please leave Harry to me."

Sparrow lifted Harry up in her arms and handed the five-and-a-half-year-old to the Professor, she stopped slightly to peck Harry on the cheek. She had become really fond of the little boy during her time at University.

After Sparrow left, Raine sat of the couch and sat Harry upright on her lap.

"Harry I am sorry you witnessed what happened today. I'm also sorry you took part. What you need to understand though is that this world is far from perfect. Today you saw the ugly side of this world."

"Why? Why did they attack?" said Harry

"In the beginning it was about Sylvaranti liberation. Freeing us for the rule of the Tethe'allans, or preventing such a rule taking effect I suppose would be a better term. That is no longer an issue, there are more peaceful relations and a less militant unity between the people of Sylvarant. But when the Vanguard formed a lot of people gained a lot power. It is now clear that they seek only to better their position in this world. They have refused to lay down their arms and now innocent people are suffering for it."

"Because they want to be in charge?" said Harry

"Yes, they desire power, and they are willing to hurt others in order to get it." Said Raine "This is the main reason I'm reluctant to keep you here. The Vanguard is very dangerous, but they are not the only danger. Towns and cities in this world have to be protected, not just from those who would attack us like today, but from Monsters and regular criminals too. The areas outside of the towns, cities and other settlements are roaming with monsters and bandits. With the chaos of the World Regeneration still causing unrest and dissent, there are an increasing number of people turning to crime, though I will concede that crime has dropped significantly since the Vanguard Rebellion."

"I don't want to go." Said Harry "This is home, please I don't want to go back."

"Harry." Said Raine "I promise I will not allow you to go back with your relatives. But this is not the world you were born in. If anything today has only reinforced my opinion that you should not be here. I'm going to request that espionage teams on Earth look for an appropriate home for you."

"No. Please." begged Harry "I wanna stay… I've finally learnt magic… I can't learn that at home… please." Tears were freefalling out of his eyes.

"Harry…" sighed Raine, this boy was not making it any easier "It's a miracle you weren't injured today…"

"I DON'T CARE." Shouted Harry "I don't want to go… I don't wanna go…" Harry cried and cried.

"I'm sorry Harry." Said Raine "This decision is mine, not yours."

Harry looked up and glared at the Professor with his Emerald Green eyes. Then he stormed off. Raine heard his bedroom door slam shut from across the corridor.

Raine was sometimes called harsh, even heartless. But she had learnt early on that life isn't fair. Even after Lloyd had fought and conquered and regenerated the world, she optimistically referred to herself as pragmatic.

"Difficult would be a better term." She said aloud. She closed the door Harry left open when he stormed out. She felt her own eyes water. She was strict because she felt she had to be, she knew that Harry would be hurt by this. She also knew she would be hurt by this. Raine if she could help it never let anyone see her cry. She wiped away the few tears that had appeared on face and left her quarters in search of someone.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

"Hey sis… Are you ok Raine?" said Genis noticing her sombre expression. The rest of the Symphonia group and others were in the University cafeteria having an evening beverage

"Not really. I've just been talking to Harry, he's very upset and a little angry with me. Could someone go and make sure he's alright?"

"I'll do it Professor." Said Colette.

"Thank you Colette." Said Raine. She took a seat at one of the tables and poured herself a cup of tea, as her Colette left.

"Want to talk about it?" said Lloyd

Raine sighed and began telling everyone.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

Colette knocked on Harry's door. There was no response, so she carefully eased it open. The sounds of a sobbing child confirmed his presence.

"Harry?" said Colette She nosed her head past the door and looked to see the small five-year-old curled up in a ball on his bed "You know you shouldn't sleep like that. My Grandmother says that it causes really bad back pain. I used to sleep like that all the time."

Harry still didn't respond.

"Do you want to tell me what's wrong? The Professor wasn't very specific." Said Colette.

Harry looked up her and scowled at the mention of that… woman.

"She's sending me back." Harry said.

"Oh?" said Colette.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

"After everything that happened here I am convinced it is not a safe environment for Harry to grow up in." Said Raine

The companions whom Raine had travelled with on two great journeys all stared at her with unhelpfully neutral expressions.

"Well?" said Raine hoping for some feedback.

"Palmacosta was attacked today." Said Presea "That is a fact. There is also a high probability that somewhere else could get attacked by the Vanguard and more innocent people could get caught in the crossfire. It is also a fact that Harry engaged in combat with the fugitive Horatio Malakai."

"So you think I am right in sending Harry back to Earth?" said Raine.

"It is also a fact that Harry has formed attachments here, and it appears that he has no attachments to anyone or anything on Earth. He has shown willingness to abandon his own surname and take yours. He has also been highly obedient and does not question anything we ask of him. This good behaviour is likely a result of his desire to be here."

"Presea I'm confusing your logic." Said Raine

"Logically speaking in order to avoid people suffering and dying, we had no choice but to revive the Great World Tree. In doing so we brought a life form back from death, albeit a non-sentient one, but we also allowed spirits of the dead to converge in a vessel that became Martel. Logically we saved the people of the two worlds and allowed a truce to be formed with Cruxis so they could leave, but logically we also broke one of the greatest laws of nature by stopping the natural destruction of the world, reversing it and reviving one dead life form and allowing the spirits of the long dead to inhabit a new form and become a whole Summon Spirit."

Raine looked at Presea incredulously, what was she trying to say?

"Professor Sage, I spent 16 years relying only on logical reasoning to survive. It is three years since then and I have learnt that one cannot always rely solely on logic to make a decision. Logically it is right to keep Harry here but it is also logically right to send him to Earth. But logic does not hold the answer you are looking for."

"I have my answer." Said Raine

"If you have your answer then you do not need us to talk about is." Said Regal "However, I don't think you have the answer yet."

Lloyd leaned forward and spoke "Professor you need to decide whether Harry's happiness at being in this world is worth risking his safety from the threats it holds. Bear in mind that children can and have grown up happy in this world but they too have suffered."

"I… think I'm making the right choice." Said Raine "But…"

"There is no wrong choice Professor." Said Presea "Only two right choices. You just need to decide which one is best."

"I will give you this advice Professor." Said Lloyd "I fought for what I wanted: A world where no one had to be sacrificed, a world where my friend did not have to be sacrificed. What you need to do is decided what you want for Harry, because as Presea said, there are only two choices, neither of which are necessarily wrong. If any of us are going to adopt Harry and provide for him in this world, it's you and if anyone is to find him a new home on Earth it's you. We can give you advice here and there but we can't tell you what to do or what decision to make."

Raine sighed "Here was me thinking I hadn't managed to teach you anything. Yet you used what I taught you against me."

Lloyd smiled. "Dwarven Vow No.4: Don't depend on others, walk on your own two feet."

ORALCE2PHOENIX

The Symphonia group hung around Palmacosta for a few days. It was just as well because Harry refused to acknowledge Raine without sending hurtful glares her way. He was still haunted by what he saw in Palmacosta, but Colette and Genis spent a lot of time talking about it with him. Also Sparrow and Hawk continued to take him to the practise room until their academic workload became too much and Genis did so instead. The younger Half-Elf took a great interest because despite the fact that Harry was now using a staff, his magic was so far closer to his than to Raine's.

"You know that Raine still hasn't made her decision?" said Genis.

"She has. She doesn't want me." Said Harry grimly.

"If she didn't want you, she wouldn't have kept you round here for so long." Reasoned Tenebrae.

"Harry Raine and I grew up with a difficult life." Said Genis "We don't want you to go through what I did."

"But why do you have to send me away?" said Harry "This life isn't difficult."

"There are matters beyond our control." Said Genis "The Vanguard are dangerous and we are worried."

"For what it's worth Harry I think you should stay." Said Tenebrae "Asides from anything else I have told Lords Ratatosk and Richter about you and they are eager to meet you."

"They are?" said Harry

"Can we even visit them?" said Genis "The inner most sanctuary of the Ginnungagap is supposed to be sealed."

"It was sealed from the inside." Said Tenebrae "It can be unsealed briefly to allow Harry to get in and out."

"Why does Ratatoska and Richtum wanna see me?" said Harry

"Ratatoska? Richtum?" said Tenebrae incredulously "I am going to have to tell them that, probably after you've seen them. Ratatosk has encountered magic casters from your world before, during the First Incursion, he thinks that your magic might be capable of ensuring additional security from the Demonic Realm."

"Whoa!" said Genis "What do you mean?"

"I'm not entirely sure." Said Tenebrae "However Earth Mages have capabilities that Aselian Mages don't. The reverse also holds true. Lord Ratatosk would be interested in integrating magic skills from Harry into the defences at the Ginnungagap."

"Well we'll have to see what Raine says." Said Genis "I don't know if she wants Harry to leave Palmacosta."

"Can't hurt to ask." Said Harry "If I am leaving this world I at least want a look round."

ORACLE2PHOENIX

"It might not be a bad idea for you to go on a little trip actually." Said Raine "Both the Haitaka's need to concentrate on their coursework and prepare for the oncoming espionage operations. I will also have a considerable amount of work to do."

"Lord Ratatosk will not be ready for another week." Said Tenebrae "If one of you will drop Harry off at the Otherworldly Gate, I could collect him and take him down."

"In the meantime I can take Harry round the world." said Genis happily. You can come back with me and Presea to Ozette and then we can go on from there we can go to Iselia."

Everyone looked at Raine. She sighed "Alright, Both myself and the Haitaka's are going to be incredibly busy so it probably is a good idea."

ORACLE2PHOENIX

Harry boarded a Rheaird with Genis and he and Presea took off from Palmacosta. The last time he was on a Rheaird Harry wasn't fully able to appreciate things because he was still recovering from his extraction from the Dursley's. But there was truly nothing compared to flying in the open air with clear views of the land and the sea. Genis, ever the kid he was erratically flew the Rheaird with the intention of seeing how scared Harry would get. He wasn't scared in the least. Neither of them knew it, but Harry had inherited what some wizards call the Quidditch gene (those wizards who believe in genetics that is).

"When can I get my own Rheaird?" Harry asked.

"When you're older." Said Genis.

"How much older?" asked Harry.

"Well Genis was 12 when he first flew a Rheaird." Said Presea "I think we should go with that."

"We also need to see what Raine says." Said Genis.

Harry frowned, he didn't say anything but Genis could tell he was not entirely happy with Raine right now. Raine had explained that Harry had likely formed an attachment to her and the news that he was probably going back to Earth had hurt that attachment. The fact that Harry had grown up in an abusive and neglectful environment made the rejection all the more hurtful. The good news was that he had, to a certain degree, come to terms with the attack on Palmacosta, though Raine said that it was most likely his psyche was unnecessarily toughened by his upbringing.

"Ah there's Ozette." Said Presea "Harry welcome to my home village."

Harry had lived in Surrey for as long as he could remember until Raine took him from Exire to Palmacosta. Ozette by comparison was so much smaller. Unlike Palmacosta the buildings were made of wood, not stone. In fact several of them appeared to be hollowed out trees. The newly rebuilt village shared the overwhelming presence of trees the previous village did, but it was also a little larger and the atmosphere felt less tense.

The previous contempt for Half-Elves had largely disappeared and Genis was unofficially a resident of Ozette. Officially he still spent a lot of time traveling the world, so technically he could still argue that he was without a place to call home. He and Raine still visited Iselia but the place ceased to be home, they had a new school teacher and in the last year the house that Genis and Raine lived in had been used less and less, Raine mainly stayed in Palmacosta and Genis found himself increasingly spending more and more time in Presea's house. She didn't mind, they had been going out for nearly eighteen months now and while they were still young there was no sign that their relationship would do anything other than progress.

The village was mostly complete, there were still one or two areas that need a bit more construction but the shops and most of the houses were completed. The commerce in the village had begun to return in the last four months and the village was once more trading food and crafts with the town of Sybak. Unfortunately the presence of Monsters in the Gaoracchia Forest meant that trading had to be conducted alongside armed escorts but it was still progress. There was also the benefit that, since the World Regeneration, the City of Altamira was connected to the main continent and the city had begun buying forest fruits and berries.

As such the local atmosphere was nowhere near as tense as it was when Genis first visited three years ago.

Being in Ozette had a distinctly different feeling to being in Palmacosta, for starters Harry's senses were assaulted by the different scents of the forest the moment the Rheairds touched down. Genis took Harry by the hand and guided him into the house. Facilities in Ozette were considerably different to Palmacosta as well. The toilet facilities were relatively new but unlike Palmacosta they were in a separate hut from Presea's house as opposed to just down the corridor. There were also no taps, Presea, as soon as she unlocked the front door grabbed two extra large wooden buckets and went over to a nearby stream. Another surprise was that the hut only had two rooms. One that acted as a kitchen, wood shop and dining and living area; the other room was the bedroom.

"There are only two beds." Said Harry "Am I going to have to share?"

Genis blushed "Umm… N… no…" he hadn't actually told anyone he and Presea had begun sharing a bed. When they were at summits or staying with others they had separate beds but at home in Ozette:

"Genis and I share a bed all the time here Harry." Said Presea

"Oh. Ok, so long as I don't cause either of you any problems." Said Harry happily. He went over to the smaller of the two beds and began unpacking his clothes "Where can I put these?"

Genis sighed in relief, remembering that Harry was probably too young to understand the implications of sharing one's bed with a girl. "Um use the drawers over there. The bottom ones are completely empty, all your stuff should fit in there."

ORACLE2PHOENIX

In all they only spent a couple of days in Ozette. The village was still under construction and there was only so much a 5-year-old boy could do in that environment. Harry never complained but most of his time was spent inside. He would have explored the forest but Genis warned him that it was full of monsters and not to venture inside without him or Presea. Tenebrae did however show up and keep Harry entertained and he practised magic on stumps of wood outside.

So after a while, when the other villagers assured Genis and Presea they could survive without them for a while, it was on to Genis' other home. Iselia.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

Iselia, like Ozette was made up of wooden housing, however the presence of the trees was far less domineering, as the nearby forest was not actually part of the village. Another difference was that unlike Ozette there was an abundance of children present. The village was also far more prosperous as it wasn't under complete reconstruction and held recognition as the main agricultural producer on the Iselia continent.

More relevantly to Harry it was where Colette now lived with her father and Grandmother. Phaidra was getting on in her years but could still manage the general upkeep of the house, while her son Frank was obviously where Colette inherited her kind hearted nature. Their house was bigger than most so they insisted that Harry stay with them while he was in the village so Presea and Genis could have the Sage residence to themselves. For reasons unknown to Harry, everyone else except Colette found this funny.

The village children were very friendly to 'Genis and the Chosen's new friend' and took Harry to play a game of 'Lloyd and the Desians' where they re-enacted the fall of the Desian Grand Cardinal Forcystus. As the new kid, Harry got to play Genis while, one kid played Forcystus, one played Lloyd and the others played members of the Symphonia group and random Desians. Other members of the Symphonia group included Emil and Marta, which Harry found odd because they told him they weren't on the journey that killed the Cardinal.

They spent three days in Iselia where Harry got to meet Dirk the Dwarf, see the Martel Temple and fight Monsters in the Iselia Forest. Harry mainly incanted form a distance, while being heavily protected by either Colette or Genis. In fact he hardly incanted at all, Presea was a frontline fighter. She was nowhere near as fast as Lloyd or the Haitaka's in combat but she outdid everyone and everything in terms of raw brute strength. Harry witnessed her whack a wolf so hard that if flew through the air and impacted a tree twenty meters away, causing it to fall over.

"That's so awesome." Said Harry. As Presea cut down what looked like an oversized grasshopper.

"Hey watch this." Said Genis as a huge bear began to charge at them.

Genis raised his Kendama.

"O Flames of hell burn unto them the wrath of the lord of fire. Spiral Flare!"

A huge spiral shape flame formed and lanced itself directly into the bear. The attack knocked the monster into a stagger.

"Ok Harry why don't you finish it off. Just like you practiced." Said Genis.

Harry nodded enthusiastically, with his rod in hand he charged at the huge bear as it recovered from the stagger caused by Genis' attack.

As Harry approached the bear made a claw for him, but the young boy blocked the attack and took advantage of the opening presented and whacked the beast several times in the face and on its sides.

"Are you sure it's a good idea for Harry to fight?" said Colette.

"I fought against my first monster when I was about his age." Said Genis. "Like my sister did for me, I'll help if he gets into trouble."

But trouble didn't come, at least not for Harry.

"Heya. Wha. Hyyyyyya! Take this. Alright!" cried out Harry.

"No way." Said Genis, realising Harry was about to learn a new arte.

"Leonazium!" shouted Harry, punching the rod into the air in between him and the bear. A red lion's head burst from his Rod and catapulted the bear into a nearby river. It got up looked at Harry and then ran off.

As a result of his little victory Harry began jumping up and down. "Yay, yay… Did you see that? My new arte. That was so cool."

"Well done Harry." Said Colette. She didn't tell him that the only person whom she had ever seen use that particular arte was the Desian Grand Cardinal Pronyma, most of the rest of the group couldn't perform Darkness elemental spells, but right now those seemed to be the only ones Harry was able to incant.

Little did she know Genis had the same thought. Later that night, while Colette was teaching Harry how to make his own clothes, Genis confronted Tenebrae.

"Do you have something to do with Harry learning artes? I notice that all the ones he's learnt so far are Darkness Elementals."

"I had rather noticed that myself. I think that it's a result of his close contact with me during the attack in Palmacosta." Said Tenebrae.

"What do you mean?"

"Well young Harry was riding my back whilst the Haitaka sisters tried to get him to safety. It is my hypothesis that his magic and my magic intermixed during that time."

"Is that possible?" said Genis

"Certainly, it happens all the time. In fact if you and Presea are at a certain stage in your relationship…"

"Stop that train of thought Tenebrae." Said Genis, his face going red. He looked over to make sure Harry hadn't heard any of that.

"Whenever life forms come close to one another, their mana interacts upon contact. Hugging is enough to cause the interaction. When a new being is born from reproduction, they are born as a result of the combining of two mana signatures. Though this new signature will be unique, it shares certain characteristics with the parental signatures."

"Because Harry intermixed with you, his magic must have become more compatible with the mana in the air." Said Genis.

"That would be my hypothesis as well." Said Tenebrae.

"So does this mean Harry no longer needs something like an Exsphere or a Cruxis Crystal to cast magic?"

"No. Harry's ability to learn magic is largely due to my presence. Should he and I part for any length of time his ability to learn new artes will become harder and harder to the point where he cannon learn any more. Similarly, while I'm sure he can learn magic corresponding to the other seven elements, he will learn that at a much slower pace. That pace would only be increased either by equipping a device such as an Exsphere, or interacting regularly with all of the Centurions."

"So could Harry interact with the other Centurions?"

"That is problematic." Said Tenebrae "The only Centurion, other than myself, who has a physical presence is Centurion Aqua. The other Centurions don't project themselves from their cores, so physical interaction with them is not possible. We could always try Centurion Aqua, but right now she is focusing her attention on the Ginnungagap, while Lord Ratatosk regains a body of his own."

"Ratatosk is regaining a body?" said Genis.

"Yes, he's living off enough the mana from Lord Richter's body. Given time he should be able to recreate one that looks just like Lord Emil and Aster."

"Does Richter mind that?" said Genis.

"The only alternative is to wait a hundred years for Lord Ratatosk to form a new body. Lord Richter considers this part of his atonement."

"Hmm!" said Genis "I think Lloyd was right, some people like to suffer too much for their own good."

"Perhaps." Said Tenebrae. "May I go and see young Harry now?"

"You may." Said Genis.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

Harry was really excited to see Tenebrae again and took him to meet the village children quickly before it got too dark to play. Tenebrae was incredibly fascinated by the presence of children and was most eager to join in a game of Lloyd and the Desians where, to his amusement, he was given the role of Noishe and Harry was given the role of Lloyd.

After one last night in Iselia, Genis and Presea took Harry to the Otherworldly Gate and saw him go through the passage.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

"Wow!" said Harry. "This is incredible."

"Welcome Harry to the Ginnungagap." Said Tenebrae.

As far as the eye could see, there was an underground wilderness filled with mist and tree roots. Through the tree roots, balls of mana soared from the surface to the depths of the world and form the depths of the world to the surface.

"From up ahead we control the flow of mana that exists throughout the United Worlds." Said Tenebrae. "What you see here is the mana leaving and entering the world above, where we just came from. Come, Lord Ratatosk's chamber is up ahead."

"But…" said Harry "There are monsters…"

"Do not fear." Said Tenebrae. "They are under the influence of the Centurions. You will not be harmed."

Harry nodded and followed Tenebrae deeper inside.

Eventually they reached Ratatosk's domain. The seal holding the door shut opened and Tenebrae led Harry inside as the seal closed behind him.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

"Harry, allow me to introduce you to Lord Richter." Said Tenebrae.

Richter was a tall man when compared too little Harry, however he had lost much of the gruff unfriendly nature that he had when he first met Emil. He smiled and bent down to look at Harry.

"So you're the young man we've been hearing about."

Harry smiled nervously up at the man with extensive red hair. "Hello. Is there a Mr Ratatosk here as well?"

Richter chuckled "Yes there is." He lifted his hand to a red indentation on his head. "He's in here. He doesn't have access to a body of his own. But we think you might be able to help him in that regard.

"Braebrae said so. What do you want me to do?"

"Braebrae?" said Richter. "I see you've gone with Marta's choice of name. Well let's sit down and I'll explain."

Harry sat down cross-legged on the floor in front of the door to the Demonic Realm.

"As you know, you are a different kind of magic user to people like myself and Genis Sage." Said Richter.

Harry nodded "I produce mana and Genis and you control mana already in the air." He said knowledgably.

"Exactly." Said Richter "The type of mana you produce is also different. In terms of material it is more refined and less clumsy than magic we use. This will not make a lot of sense but the point is: Ratatosk thinks he can use your mana much more efficiently than mine. He would like you to hold his core in your hand and channel your energy into it.

"Like with magic spells?" said Harry

"Yes. Once you do that he thinks he can regain his former body."

"So you want me to hold his core?" said Harry

"Yes." Said Richter.

"Ok let's do it." Said Harry.

Richter smiled "First place your hand on the core on my forehead."

Harry did as instructed.

"Whoa!" he said as the core began to glow. It then loosened from Richter's head and fell into Harry's palm.

"Remember focus your magic." Said Richter.

Harry closed his eyes and welled up the mana within his body. Ratatosk's core gradually flashed brighter until it levitated itself from Harry's hands. A few seconds later a body formed out for the core and Harry was face to face with a carbon copy of Emil. The only difference was that this Emil had red eyes.

"Wow!" said Harry in low and amazed voice.

"You have my thanks Harry Potter." Said the new form. "I am Lord Ratatosk, former guardian of the Giant Kharlan Tree, guardian of the Ginnungagap and the Lord of all Monsters. It has been some time since I met someone from Earth. How is your planet doing?"

Harry spent several hours telling Ratatosk everything he could about the world, which was not much for a boy who spent only half a year at school.

"It seems your kind has developed greatly. Unfortunately this world has subsided and in many ways devolved. Although I feel the humans of this world are much better people than those of 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. Are you having fun in Aselia?"

ORACLE2PHOENIX

Harry spent most of his week with Lords Ratatosk and Richter perfecting his battle technique. He had fought with both a yo-yo and a rod, but Richter felt the boy had his true calling somewhere else.

"I think you would be more suited to swords." He said "Obviously because you're still small it would probably be a small set to begin with, but you can upgrade to a larger set when you've grown."

"I may have just the thing." Said Ratatosk.

He went over to a wall and placed his hand against it. A console interface appeared and Ratatosk began typing in information. A second later a large wooden sword materialized.

"This would probably be best for you." He said handing the sword over. "It's light and while wooden swords like this have a short life, it will be effective against most enemies and it will be good to train with."

So Harry spent a lot of time in the region between Lord Ratatosk's Chamber and the Otherworldly Gate practicing with a sword and fighting monsters. At first Richter or Ratatosk would accompany him as he practiced against the monsters, but after a while he they felt confident enough to leave his to his own devises but they still had Tenebrae, who'd become very fond of Harry, keep an eye on him. Richter was right, the sword was definitely Harry's true calling. Unlike most wooden swords this one had a magical crest on the hilt allowing it to be used as a magical catalyst, allowing Harry to learn both Technical artes whilst continuing to learn Elemental artes.

On his last day down in the Ginnungagap Tenebrae made a suggestion. "Why not see if you can form pacts with the monsters with me. Should you stay in this world, I would be most honoured to be your Centurion."

"You mean it?" said Harry. Then he frowned "Would the Professor let me form pacts?"

"I do not see why not, if she later disapproves we can return the monsters to the care of Lord Ratatosk. I suggest we capture two monsters."

"Like what?" asked Harry.

"Well if we take that elevation disk up a level or two we should be able to find some suitable monsters for you to make a pact with. It is not a good idea to start with larger more powerful ones."

"Ok, let's do it." Said Harry.

"Excellent, here is how you perform a pact."

ORACLE2PHOENIX

Harry and Tenebrae rose up a level to find a monster.

"Ah, a wolf. Emil's second Monster was a wolf. They are without a doubt one of the best monsters you can start with, asides from anything else they can evolve into some very powerful creatures."

"Ok let's get started then." Said Harry. By this stage he was used to fighting monsters, at first he showed some reluctance, but after fighting that bear in the Iselia Forest he enjoyed the challenge.

As they entered battle, the wolf charged at Harry, who responded by slashing at it with his sword. Harry's attack broke the monster's guard.

"Alright." Said Harry "Agarazium!"

A series of rings shot out from under the ground and severely crippled the wolf.

"Demon Fang!" shouted Harry. Harry slashed in front of himself and sent a pulse of energy that impacted the wolf.

The wolf growled and charged at Harry again. Again he blocked its attack, and then kicked it in the gut.

A few more slashes and he felt yet another new arte coming up "All right. Sonic Thrust!"

The wolf cried out in great pain and collapsed. It weakly got to its feet and began howling.

"HOWL! HOWL!"

Tenebrae materialised next to Harry. "You did it. Now form the pact, just like I taught you."

Harry held his wooden sword in one hand and lifted his left hand and began pulsating his magic, in an effort to proposition the new monster.

"You did it Harry." Said Tenebrae approvingly.

"Cool." Harry looking over the wolf.

Now that it had been 'tamed' the wolf acted more like a friendly dog. It trotted up to Harry, stood on its hind legs and placed its front legs against Harry's chest.

"We should give you a name." said Harry.

"He already has one." Said Tenebrae. "All monsters have names."

"What's his?" Harry asked.

Tenebrae turned to the wolf and seemed to communicate with it for a few seconds. The he turned back to Harry.

"Kenkon." Said Tenebrae.

"Kenkon?" Harry tested the name, it was unlike anything he'd ever heard before, but it did sound nice. "Alright Kenkon, are you feeling alright, that was a tough battle?"

"He is fine." said Tenebrae. "Though I suggest you let him rest while you form a pact with your next monster."

"Ok." Said Harry "So what's next… oooh! Yellow thing! Yellow thing!"

Tenebrae turned to see what Harry was looking at. "That's a chimera Harry."

The chimera in question was nothing compared to what the Wizarding World on Earth would consider a chimera. To Harry it looked more like a yellow cat with red wings and a really long red tail.

"Can we try him, can we?"

"I suppose so." Said Tenebrae.

Harry approached the chimera, causing it to regard him for a moment before attacking. It jumped up and attempted to claw Harry. But Harry back stepped and then ran forward with his sword.

"Ha! Hoowa! Hiya!" A few good strikes caused the monster to stagger and Harry followed through with an arte "Leonazium!" Like the bear in the Iselia Woods, the Chimera was catapulted back by the sheer force of the lion's head and impacted a pillar. The battle against the creature was over.

Like with Kenkon, the Harry successfully formed a pact with the Chimera.

"So what do I call you?" he asked.

Tenebrae listened to the Chimera answer "Ioder." He said.

"Ioder?" said Harry "I like it."

"Excellent." Said Tenebrae "I suggest we take Kenkon and Ioder back to the Ginnungagap for Lord Ratatosk to look after, I can summon the both of them too you at your discretion, so you don't need to come here to visit. Provided Professor Sage agrees later on you can form a pact with Lord Ratatosk allowing you to summon them."

"Would Lord Ratatosk let me form a pact with him?" asked Harry.

"He seems very interested in the idea." Said Tenebrae. "The fact that you were able to give him a body already qualifies you to join his council. But as I said the final decision rests with your guardian, Professor Sage."

Harry frowned, the last time he'd spoken Raine, she had practically told him that he was going back to Earth.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

"Have you got all your stuff?" said Richter.

"Yes sir." Said Harry.

"Don't forget this." Said Ratatosk handing Harry the wooden sword.

"Are you sure?" said Harry.

"Yes." Said Ratatosk. "A wooden sword, particularly one so small is of little if any use to me or to Richter."

"Thank you." Said Harry happily.

"This is where we part ways for now." Said Ratatosk. "I do hope you will be able to come back and visit. I would like you to become part of my council."

Harry nodded. "I hope so to. Goodbye Mr Lord Ratatosk, by Mr Richter." He smiled cheekily.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

Harry, under escort from Tenebrae, climbed the path from Ratatosk's chamber back to the Otherworldly Gate. The plan at this stage was for the two of them to wait for Raine to come and pick up Harry and take him back to Palmacosta.

When Harry and Tenebrae arrived at the surface, that's when all hell broke loose.

"Everyone, move in." shouted a voice.

To Harry and Tenebrae's horror, the entire stone monument was surrounded by the Vanguard.

"Kenkon, Ioder. Come forth." Shouted Tenebrae. The wolf and the chimera that Harry captured earlier that day materialised out of thin air and proceeded to attack the incoming Vanguard.

But the soldiers were far better trained than the monsters and did not last long. As Kenkon and Ioder were defeated, they materialised back to the Ginnungagap.

Harry managed to draw the wooden sword given to him by Ratatosk, but he was not able to do much.

"Demon Fang!"

Harry's attack swung towards a nearby soldier but he blocked the attack with ease and charged towards the now scared five-and-three-quarter-year-old boy.

Harry felt the adrenaline run through him, he was about to learn a new arte. He just hoped it would be useful.

He targeted the soldier again, lifted the sword above his head and swung it down.

"Ice Needles!"

A light blue light, representing the element of ice, formed in front of Harry and shot out three icicles like they were arrows. All three impacted the soldier piercing his body and killing him in the process.

But Harry did not have time to reflect on taking someone's life. He turned to see two more soldiers running towards him.

"Harry we need to get back." Shouted Tenebrae. "I'll reopen the…"

"Hell Pyre!" a single explosive fireball struck Tenebrae, destroying his body and sending his spirit back to the Core of Darkness.

"Tenebrae no." shouted Harry.

Malakai had joined the battle and having taken out Tenebrae, he had taken out Harry's only means of re-entering the Ginnungagap.

The two soldiers in front of Harry almost got close enough to touch him before he attacked with another arte.

"Leonazium!" The lion's head forcibly knocked the soldiers flying.

But before Harry could find another target he felt a pair of men grab him from behind.

"Stop, stop let me go… Let me go…" shouted Harry in desperation. That was the last thing he remembered. One of the soldiers shot a ball of electricity at him using a device that once belonged to the Desians.

Harry fell into unconsciousness, unable to fight as he was taken prisoner.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

Mere seconds after his body was destroyed up on the surface, Tenebrae's core materialized before Ratatosk in the inner most chamber of the Ginnungagap.

"What the?" said Ratatosk "Why has Tenebrae reverted to core form?"

Seeking the answer to that question, Ratatosk grabbed a hold of the core and held it above his head.

"Centurion Tenebrae! Awaken!" he shouted.

The Centurion materialised out of the core and immediately turned to his master.

"Lord Ratatosk the Vanguard is at the Otherworldly Gate, they ambushed us. Harry is up there alone with him." Said Tenebrae desperately.

Ratatosk's eyes widened in horror. As did Richter's. "Richter, get up there now." Shouted Ratatosk.

Richter nodded and ran out of the chamber, as he did he heard Ratatosk shout more orders.

"Centurions. Send all your monsters to the surface."

When Richter and the monster that inhabit the Ginnungagap reached the surface all they found were the corpses of three Vanguard soldiers. A few minutes later Raine, Regal and Zelos touched down on their Rheairds. Within an hour; the Symphonia group and peoples all over the United Worlds were actively searching for Harry. The Royal Army of Tethe'alla, the Militia in Palmacosta and the Watches inside the Sylvaranti Confederation members and Mizuho Special Forces stepped their efforts to find the Vanguard havens. But by the time they found Harry, it would be too late to avoid a great tragedy that would befall him.

ORACLE2PHOENIX

When Harry awoke he found his arms chained behind his back and his ankles also manacled together. He was in a cold, dark and damp cell somewhere. But he didn't know where.

"Please don't struggle." Came a calm kind voice.

Harry turned his head and saw a blond 14-year-old girl dressed in loose and dirty rags restrained the same way he was.

"What's going… what's going on?" said Harry. He was very afraid, even in Privet Drive he was never chained up like this.

"You've been taken prisoner by the Vanguard." Said the girl. She walked clumsily towards Harry on her knees. "Please don't struggle. The guards do not treat us favourably if we struggle."

"I'm scared." Said Harry, tears began pouring down his cheeks.

"Come here." Said the girl.

Harry got onto his knees and made his way over. In the background he could hear people screaming and mean sounding men shouting and laughing cruelly at them. When he got close enough, the girl leaned down and kissed him on the forehead.

"Stay close to me. I will do everything I can to protect you."

Harry began crying softly. With some coaxing, the girl had him rest his head on her lap, in an effort to comfort him.

"What is your name?" she asked.

"Harry." Came his weary voice.

"Nice to meet you Harry. My name is Wendy."


For the record, the first time I ever played Dawn of the New world the wolf that I formed a pact with (the second monster Tenebrae has you form a pact with at the beginning of the game in the Lake Sinoa Cave) was called Kenkon. The name Ioder comes from the game of the same series as Symphonia: Tales of Vesperia. I wanted Harry to form pacts with a wolf and a chimera, but all the names of the chimera I formed pacts with, as with most of the monster names in Dawn of the New World, are rubbish so say hello to Ioder and if you have an Xbox 360 I recommend getting Tales of Vesperia. It's a good game.

I should warn you all that chapter 10, and possible 11 and 12, are going to be unpleasant. Or at least I'm going to try and make them unpleasant. I've decided not to change the rating on this or publish M rated chapters under a different story. I may be no good at writing this sort of thing, but you have been warned.

Also I've started another Tales of Symphonia/Harry Potter crossover story where Harry plus two other Potter characters meet up with Lloyd and the others just before Colette receives the Oracle. It will go through to the end of Dawn of the New World and pay limited, but not no, attention to the world of Harry Potter. I'm asking now if anyone who reads this is interested. Note this will only be published after one of my other stories (probably Golden Trio) is finished as I have to many stories to work on at the moment. Please contact me with your thoughts.

Also just generally review.