To Draw out a Parasite
Harry didn't cry for very much longer. After Raine promised to look after him, he felt, for the first time in three weeks, safe. He fell asleep, his head rested on Raine's shoulder.
"Raine, take him into the spare bedroom, get some rest." Said Altessa.
"But the mess…" Raine began.
No one had given it much notice given the circumstances, but Harry had been leaking bodily fluids all the while he was under attack by the Exsphere.
"We'll take care of this Raine." Said Genis. "This is not the time for you to worry about housework."
"Go Professor." Insisted Lloyd, "Harry's been through hell and he needs you, besides you've hardly slept since he was taken."
Raine sighed. Lloyd was right, she was tired.
"Get some sleep." Said Regal. "Harry is still going to need our help. You'll be more effective after a rest."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Meanwhile out at the Remote Island Human Ranch, the militaries were picking up the pieces and assessing the situation.
"Casualties were light mam." Said the General. "We have two soldiers with serious injuries and a few others with light wounds. However Lloyd and his friends did the bulk of the fighting."
"Was there mission successful?" Asked Clara Dorr. "And how are the Tethe'allans?"
"The child was secured and evacuated for medical treatment. Some of our men are in a bit of a shock after seeing that sky monstrosity. But my counterpart in the Imperial Marines said there are no reported injuries, his forces arrived later, further to travel." Said the General. "All the dead, as far as we can tell are Vanguard."
"This one wasn't." Snapped a voice from the side.
Clara looked sadly at Sparrow. Sheena and her friends had gone to attend to Harry, so Sparrow and her sister were handling the situation. She was very disturbed at the sight of Wendy's corpse. Now that she was dead, the body had returned to human form. However there was still a gaping hole where Harry had been forced to stab her through the heart. Because of the effects of the transformation, a standard medical autopsy would tell them little. But they didn't need one too know what Wendy had gone through, or the other inmates.
The Desian machines had recorded everything that had happened since the Vanguard occupied the base. Sparrow didn't have to look for long to see how Wendy and others in captivity had been treated.
The Vanguard were going to pay, especially after what they did to poor little Harry. Sparrow really wanted to know how he was doing. But she had to do her job. A few dozen Vanguard failed to get on board the ship, most of them were dead but half a dozen at least were going to live. They had been put into the custody of the Tetheallan Navy, who were taking them to a facility on the Fooji continent for interrogation. Some Mizuho specialists in that field had gone along as well, they'd find out what the Vanguard were up to soon.
Meanwhile Sparrow's sister was working on the database, to see if they could get any information on their intentions.
"Maybe you should go back to Palmacosta." Suggested Clara calmly.
"I can't. I have a job to do." Snapped Sparrow.
"You've done your job, as have most of your colleagues. I know what Harry means to you but…"
"I can't let my feelings get in the way." Said Sparrow.
"I'm sure even those of Mizuho get upset sometimes." Reasoned Clara.
"You don't know the half of it." Came a new voice, it was Orochi. "Harry is still hurt, but he has been stabilised. His situation is developing."
"Phew!" Said Sparrow smiling. "I'll pop over and see him when I've done."
She spun around and began directing troops using her traditional overly cheerful nature, in spite of the task.
"She seems to have brightened up considerably." Commented Clara, now Sparrow was out of earshot.
"The Haitakas care deeply about Harry." Said Orochi. "If he is alright, then Sparrow does not need to worry. She knows now that the best thing she can do is work here and find something to help Harry."
Clara smiled, but before she could say anything, a Mizuho ninja came sprinting and running in their direction.
Orochi frowned. "Aren't you supposed to be on overwatch?"
"I have just concluded my initial observations. Is the Chief and Professor Sage around?" Asked the ninja.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Sparrow was skimming through the data terminals in one of the administrative rooms when her sister came in.
"We have managed to reverse the flooding and recovered several dozen bodies." Reported Hawk. "They will require a proper service. I am also arranging for Wendy's body to be taken to Palmacosta for the time being. I believe we should consult with Harry before we make any conclusive decisions."
"Good, good." Said Sparrow sadly. "Argh. Stupid machines, where is Professor Sage when you need her?"
"Is there a problem sister?" Inquired Hawk.
"I can't get this thing to work with me." Growled Sparrow.
"Sparrow, these machines require two people to operate them at the same time." Said Hawk.
"Why?" Whined Sparrow.
"It is uncertain, Rodyle was not someone I would consider sane of mind. I shall assist you with the data analysis."
Sparrow smirked. "We're going to annihilate the Vanguard, aren't we?"
"Undoubtedly." Concurred Hawk, some conviction slightly apparent in her traditionally analytical and monotonous voice.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
The following morning, Raine and Harry were still sleeping. Out of respect, no one else had entered to use the spare room. The rest of the Symphonia Group had slept on the floor in the main part of the house.
Raine was the first to wake. She sat up in bed, pulling the sleeping nearly six-year-old with her. This was it, she was raising a young human boy as her own son. Four years ago, this would have been unthinkable. Regardless, Harry was not out of danger yet. This was evident when he woke up.
The first thing he did was try to cling on to Raine. A child can be difficult or easy to carry depending on a number of factors. If a child doesn't want to be carried, he can squabble and fight his handler until one of them gives out; the bigger the child, the bigger the fight he can put up. The reverse also holds true, most children when picked up by someone they trust or like will usually make an effort to hang on. This makes the child easier to handle, however if a child doesn't have the motor skills to do that then the adult has to do all the work, as such babies could sometimes be harder to carry than toddlers or even slightly older children like Harry who were so small and light.
Harry tried to fasten his arms around Raine, but they were weak and it was taking a considerable amount of energy to get them around her. A good night's sleep had not helped out as much as Raine hoped.
"Come on." Said Raine kindly. "We should get up."
Harry said nothing. Raine held him closer and carried him out.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"You need to eat more than that Harry." Said Colette.
"I can't." Said Harry despondently. He had eaten half a slice of toast and completely ignored everything else, even the bacon. Altessa had some of the largest food stocks in the Gaoracchia Forest region, the demand for his craftsmanship skills made him very wealthy. Whenever anyone came to visit, he tended to hold dinners that were more representative of banquets than a simple meal.
"Maybe something simpler?" Asked Genis. "Muesli?"
Harry managed to chew a few raisins in milk before giving up. Everyone resigned themselves to the fact he wasn't going to be eating.
Altessa asked him to try walking, but it was no use. Everything below the shoulder was paralysed and Harry could barely move his arms. The dwarf had him lie down and, with Raine and Genis' help, he conducted another examination.
"This is difficult." Said Altessa. "It looks wrong but because you are not of this world, we cannot expect you to have the same mana signature as a human or a half-elf."
"Perhaps I can be of assistance?" Said Tenebrae.
Everyone turned to see the centurion arrive, he had not left with the Symphonia group after the assault on the underwater base.
"Pawpad!" Said Harry happily at the sight of him.
Tenebrae visibly shivered with irritation, but said nothing.
"Where have you been?" Asked Emil. "Why didn't you come back with us?"
"Forgive me." Said Tenebrae, though he was looking at Harry in particular. "After what happened at the Ginnungagap, I wanted to ensure as many Vanguard were disabled as possible. On that note Harry, I have a bit of a surprise for you."
Tenebrae summoned a monster, though not one Harry recognised. It was massive, a cat like creature with golden fur, red wings and two large tusks.
"Kindly do not summon that thing inside." Growled Altessa.
"I assure you he is quite housetrained." Remarked Tenebrae, but he nonetheless called back the Manticore.
"What was that?" Asked Harry in confusion, the monster looked familiar.
"Ioder." Replied Tenebrae simply
"Ioder?" Questioned Harry. "But Ioder is smaller than that."
"He engaged in a number of battles at the base and as such evolved into a Manticore." Stated Tenebrae.
"Cool." Said Harry.
"Harry." Said Tenebrae. "About before, at the Otherworldly Gate."
"It wasn't your fault." Said Harry. "We didn't know they would be there."
"Tenebrae, no one blames you for what happened." Said Marta. "Please don't worry about it."
Tenebrae closed his eyes for a second but seemed to accept what was being said. "Thank you. In regards to Harry's mana signature, I have examined wizards from Earth before so I can give you my analysis of Harry's mana signature."
"Oh that's right, you went to Earth with Mithos." Said Lloyd.
"Indeed. I can tell you that Harry's mana signature is completely normal." Said Tenebrae.
"Damn." Growled Altessa, "Then I don't know why he isn't getting better."
"Well I would hypothesise the second signature is to blame." Said Tenebrae.
Raine and Genis looked at Tenebrae in shock, Altessa looked up in interest. Everyone else just looked confused.
"Second Signature." Said Genis. He looked at Harry and then back at Tenebrae. "I don't see anything."
"Nor do I." Said Raine.
"You're trying too hard." Said Tenebrae. "It's very well hidden, I am curious as to why I didn't see it before. Look at Harry as a whole then consider everything you see."
Raine and Genis looked at Harry. It took Raine a few seconds longer than Genis, but they both understood.
"What in the world?" Said Genis incredibly.
"Tenebrae what are we looking at?" Asked Raine.
"I haven't the faintest idea." Replied Tenebrae. "I can only tell you for sure that it is bound thoroughly to Harry's life-force. If Harry dies then that signature disappears."
"Does the reverse hold true?" Asked Genis.
"Not necessarily. The signature in question is more dependent on a vessel than most, I'm not sure whether or not to class it as a life-form." Said Tenebrae. "Right now I would call it a parasite."
"Um guys." Said Sheena. "We don't have Elvin site, can you tell us what you're all talking about?"
"There is something inside Harry." Said Genis.
"What?" Said Harry. "What's inside me?"
"Like I said, we're not sure." Explained Tenebrae. "But I would consider it a parasite."
"What's that?" Said Harry.
"For lack of a simpler term, it's something that lives off another life-form. There is something inside you, using you and your life-force to live." Raine explained.
"What? Did the Vanguard give me this?" Asked Harry.
"No." Replied Tenebrae.
Everyone turned to look at him.
"How can you be sure?" Asked Regal. "We still don't know everything that happened."
"Yeah, they could have placed it in him when they attached the Exsphere." Said Emil.
"But given what has happened to Harry, the parasite has been far from beneficial to the Exsphere." Reasoned Altessa. "If I am right, the forces within Harry would have continued warring until everything was destroyed, including the Exsphere. Unfortunately I am only guessing, this has never happened before."
"I cannot confirm your hypothesis, but I can say that the parasite has been inside for some years now." Said Tenebrae. "It has only recently become significantly active, no doubt a result of the Exsphere, but it has existed inside you for some time now Harry."
"How long?" Asked Harry.
"I am uncertain, only that it has been there for years, maybe since you were born." Hypothesized Tenebrae.
"You think the parasite is what caused the Exsphere to go haywire, don't you?" Said Raine.
"I would think so, but this is not my area of expertise." Remarked Tenebrae.
"It is mine." Said Altessa. "And I'm certain of it. We need to get this parasite out of Harry, his life depends on it."
"Is it that bad?" Asked Colette.
"The efforts to attach a Key Crest alone suggest we are dealing with a very powerful and very dangerous and very unstable entity. I have stopped the mutation in its tracks, I have not defeated it." Said Altessa. "If this parasite is not removed, Harry will not get better. He will decline and die and there will be nothing we can do to stop it."
"If Harry cannot get better I estimate he will have at best 5 years to live, with personal support." Raine explained, taking her child's hand. "So we must find a way to deal with the parasite."
"What if we just remove the Exsphere?" Suggested Zelos. "Then the parasite might die down, Harry's lived this long without it causing any problems, maybe the current ones will go away."
"A parasite like this can be unpredictable." Warned Tenebrae. "It is not a physical parasite but a magical one, there is no telling what might set it off in the future."
"Also the Exsphere has infused itself with Harry's body and attached itself deep within him." Said Altessa "If we try and detach it, the connections will break, but the result would shatter his insides, instantly killing him. No, Harry's fate is now bound to that of the Exsphere, one is dependent on the other for survival. If the Exsphere is removed or destroyed, it will kill Harry, similarly when Harry dies, the Exsphere will shatter."
"Is there anything we can do?" Asked Lloyd.
"Nothing I know of can remove the parasite." Said Altessa. "I don't even know what we're dealing with."
"If it's a life-form, it may have a heart." Suggested Sheena. "In which case I know the perfect guy to tell us what's in Harry's body."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
With nothing else to go on, the Symphonia Group went with Sheena's suggestion. Verius had been able to help Emil when his soul was in conflict out so it was possible that he might be able to help Harry.
With some effort, they managed to secure Harry to a Rheaird with Raine sitting behind him.
"Are you alright?" Asked Raine.
"No." Mumbled Harry. "He had been so tired that it had taken him a while to process what was happening. All he understood was that he was unwell, he was not getting better and if nothing was done soon, he was going to die.
"I'm not going anywhere." Raine told him. "I will keep you safe, I will get you better. I promise."
Harry groaned and cried.
Raine placed one of her arms around him and held him close.
"Please come back when you are finished, I will be most interested in what Verius has to say." Said Altessa.
"You can count on it." Said Lloyd.
"We'll do what we can." Said Raine.
The Rheairds took off and the Group flew northwest to the Martel Temple, unaware that others were on route to Altessa's House in order inform them of findings.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Damn this things been completely wiped." Said Sparrow.
"I may be able to retrieve some of the data." Said Hawk.
"You do that, I'm going to Fooji. See if any of those Vanguard bastards know anything." Said Sparrow.
"Some human intelligence could be more reliable." Agreed Hawk.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
The Symphonia group touched down outside the Martel Temple then went inside. When they reached the seal, Emil stepped forward and called.
"Verius. Our friend has been injured. We think you might be able to help."
There was nothing for a few seconds. Then light erupted and the Summon Spirit of Heart appeared before them.
"Emil, it is good to see that you have embraced your new life. I am also comforted by the newfound peace that your counterpart has found. When a soul splits in two the results can be catastrophic, but you and Ratatosk both made peace with the world around you." Commented Verius.
"Uh… thank you." Said Emil.
"Verius." Said Raine insistently. "We have come because of this child, Harry… he…"
"DO NOT BRING HIM ANY CLOSER." Came Verius' voice, rather aggressively.
Everyone jumped.
"Co…Corrine? What's wrong?" Said Sheena shocked.
"I sense…" Verius began. But then stopped. He sat up and regarded Harry. "What? Child what has happened to you?"
"The… the Vanguard." Harry uttered out.
"Your physical ailment may be the result of the Vanguard." Said Verius, now walking slowly towards Harry and Raine. "But you have been long defiled for some time."
"The parasite?" Said Raine. "You can sense it."
"Parasite?" Said Verius. "Yes I suppose you could call it that."
"So Tenebrae was right?" Said Regal. "It is a parasite."
"Not in the sense one understands a parasite." Said Verius. "This is not an organic creature. This is a dark entity at best, I think that term may be too kind to describe it."
"Can you help him?" Pleaded Raine. "You helped Emil when he was conflicted with Ratatosk, can you not protect Harry like you did him."
"Can I help him?" Remarked Verius. "Can is irrelevant, I must help him."
"Huh?" Blurted out everyone except Presea.
"Are you under some obligation?" Asked Presea.
"That entity is the result of a dark act, an act once committed is beyond redemption. Someone has maimed there very being for a dark ritual that has resulted in this entity. It must be destroyed." Said Verius. "Its existence is an abomination against both nature and the laws of causality."
"Can you destroy it without hurting Harry?" Asked Genis.
"I cannot destroy anything." Said Verius. "However one of you can, here and now."
"How?" Asked Colette.
"I can draw out the parasite, once it is out. One significantly powerful attack can kill it." Remarked Verius. "It will be painful for the child, he'll live but it will be unpleasant."
The spirit lowered his head till it was less than a metre from Harry.
"I have no right to do this to you against your will, your heart must be in agreement. Will you allow me to help you?"
Harry nodded. "Do it." He said weakly.
Verius nodded. "One of you must destroy it. The attack must be powerful enough to wipe the abomination out of existence, please stand ready."
"Genis you do it." Said Raine.
"Me? What about you?" Said Genis. "I thought you would want to…"
"Until he is alright, I am not letting go of Harry." Said Raine.
Genis nodded in understanding. He stood next to his sister and held in Kendama ready, then he began incanting.
Verius reared up his tails high above his back and directed the tips in the direction of Harry. They glowed white and Harry gasped in response. A black mist seeped out of Harry, as if it was being forced out. It hovered several feet away from Harry before it tried lashing back. However Verius focused his power, and forced it, slowly, to the far side of the chamber.
"It is powerful. The person that created this thing must not be underestimated." Said Verius. "But neither should any of you."
He turned his head to face Genis. "Do it now."
"From the land of the living, I call upon thee in the land of the dead to unleash thy fury of thunder. INDIGNATION"
The magic of Genis' attack was overwhelming and soared straight through the black mist. A face tried forming as if to give one last scream, but none of them could make it out. The Mystic Arte used to destroy it was one of the most powerful in the United Worlds. Whatever it was up against had no chance.
"Harry?" Said Raine.
Harry said nothing. He could feel the pain of the separation, just like Verius had warned him. But something felt different. Something else had happened.
"What was that thing?" Said Harry, before passing out.
"Harry?" Said Genis.
"He's fine." Said Raine, "He's just not fully recovered yet."
Verius walked right up to him. "From what I can tell he is now better than he has ever been before. Or at least on the path to it."
Everyone turned to look at the Summon Spirit.
"Harry is not from this world, he does not belong here. However one's home is whatever one makes of it. Make him belong here." Said Verius. "No one is irreversibly bound to the place they were born."
"I have already made the decision to keep him here." Said Raine.
Verius nodded. "He shares that desire, however he has suffered greatly to get where he is now. You must provide him with love and security as if he was your own child, if you do I am confident he will grow to be a great human. He is your responsibility now."
Raine nodded.
"Not just hers." Said Genis. "I brought him here in the first place. Harry is going to need a cool Uncle around."
"We'll all help." Said Colette.
"Yeah." Said Lloyd. "Harry will be safe so long as we watch out for him."
"I know the pain of being lonely, and I know Harry must have suffered it too." Said Presea. "I will not abandon him."
"I have worked hard to revitalise this world and make it a better place for people to live in." Said Regal. "I will do what I can to ensure Harry has a place in it as well."
"Hey I could use a sidekick here and there, Harry is going to need someone cool to show him the ropes round here." Said Zelos. "Ow."
"He's also going to need a good deal of common sense with you around. I'll keep you both in check." Remarked Sheena.
"I too was not born in this world, I will make sure Harry doesn't make the same mistakes I made." Said Emil.
"And I will make sure he grows up to find a super cool and beautiful girl to fall in love with, just like Emil did." Said Marta.
"Thank you." Said Raine too everyone.
"It seems the Symphonia Group now has a child to raise." Said Verius. "For the first time in many years, he is in good hands. I shall come and see you again, when Harry has had time to recuperate."
Raine nodded.
"Until we meet again." Said Verius.
With that Verius disappeared.
"So what now?" Asked Zelos. "Back to Altessa's?"
"No." Said Raine. "We have imposed on him long enough. I will send a message informing him that Harry is alright, but I am taking him back home with me, to Palmacosta."
"I will inform him for you." Said Tenebrae. "I will also report to Lord Ratatosk and Lord Richter, he will be most relieved to hear this. He may also wish to know about this parasite, it is not unlike certain magic I have seen before."
The Centurion then left before anyone could get him to elaborate on that.
"What did he mean by that?" Asked Emil.
"I'm not sure, but…" Genis began.
"You're thinking it's the same as in the Temple of Darkness aren't you?" Said Presea.
Genis nodded.
"What?" Asked Marta.
"Let's get back to the University." Said Raine cradling her child in her arms. "Genis can fill you in there. I… have other concerns right now."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Orochi and the messenger had left Altessa's, having learnt that the Symphonia group were not present their any longer.
Unhelpfully they arrived at the Martel Temple not twenty minutes after the group had departed there as well. After asking some of the villagers in Iselia, they learnt that the Rheairds were headed South, in the direction of Palmacosta. So they went after them.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Raine sat at Harry's bedside, her hand stroking his hair as he slept. She had made her decision, Harry was her responsibility now, essentially her son in the eyes of the law. When they arrived back, Chocolate had come from the Governor-Generals building asking if she wanted to transfer Harry outside Palmacosta jurisdiction, by returning him to Earth. Raine made her desire clear, and as simple as that Chocolate looked out an adoption form and asked Raine to sign it.
The adoption had to be approved by judicial commissioner and the Governor-General, but as Raine had both the means and the will to raise Harry, and was considered a responsible person for raising a child, there was no reason for her to be denied. Chances were she would be approved before sunset.
She was brought out of her musings by a knock at the door.
"Enter." Answered Raine.
Sparrow came into the room. "Hello Professor… how is…"
"He's going to be alright." Said Raine. "Did you learn anything from the Ranch?"
"Hawk did, I got something from POWs in Meltokio." Said Sparrow.
"What?"
"Hang on a moment, I'm not the only one with things to say. Orochi just debriefed a scout from Earth and is demanding to speak with you. Origin has plenty to say about the behemoth that left the Ranch and Tenebrae is back saying he and needs to speak about the Parasite."
Raine looked at Harry.
"He'll be out for a few hours at least." Said Sparrow. "Come on, we saved you a chair."
ORACLE2PHOENIX
"Professor?" Said Orochi. "We have urgent news regarding Harry's relocation to Earth."
"He's not being relocated." Said Raine decisively.
"Listen we… what?" Said Orochi calming down.
"I have made the decision to follow my heart, I believe that Harry needs someone who can provide him with a home and who can raise him to be a fine young man. I will swear on my heart and soul if necessary, but I will keep him here with me."
Raine's declaration was met by stunned silence. The conference room in the University was packed with dozens of people, in addition to the Symphonia group, there were officials from Governor-General's office, Bureaucrats from the Sylvaranti Confederation, the Tethe'allans including the military and representatives from the king, Half-Elves from Exire, Summon Spirits including Origin and Maxwell, Tenebrae, operatives from Mizuho and Yuan Ka-Fai. Representatives from all people bar the Elves of Heimdall were there.
"Oh thank the Green-Eyed Goddess." Said Orochi. "I was really worried."
"What?" Said Raine. "As far as I'm concerned this matter is over, Harry is staying with me and will have nothing more to do with Earth until he can decide otherwise."
At this point Origin spoke up. "The battle of the Remote Island Human Ranch has set events in motion. The Vanguard has proven resilient and Harry has been marked by a new enemy."
"A new enemy." Said Raine. "You sound like you're saying he has an old one. He's only six."
Several occupants in the room looked at each other.
"Perhaps we should place everything on the table." Said Lloyd. "Orochi, I think its best you start. Your people have done the most work in this area. In the coming months, it will likely be the words spoken here that determine everything we do from now on."
Raine narrowed her eyes. "What did you find?"
Orochi looked to his companion. "We have been looking to get people inside of both Magical and Non-Magical communities since your conference following Harry's arrival. What we have found is… troubling. As we have mentioned before, the two societies live in segregation from one another, the Non-Magicals largely not knowing of their Magical counterparts. The Non-Magical society is quite advanced and complex. We do not perceive them to be a threat to Harry, the Magicals however…"
"Harry is a child." Said Colette. "What threat could he face from a society?"
"Near as we can tell, and we have spent a considerable amount of time verifying this, Harry is famous in the Wizarding World for defeating a powerful Dark Wizard."
"Seriously." Said Genis, irritation evident on his voice. "He's six."
Orochi did not give any sign however he was joking. "It seems until about five and a half years ago, the Wizarding World was in a deep and bloody civil war. This war ended abruptly and suddenly without any warning or indication following the apparent defeat of the insurrectionist leader."
"A war." Said Lloyd. "That's… that's…"
"Troubling. But what does this have to do with Harry." Asked Sheena.
"Well… we're not entirely clear on all the details. But it seems that the night the leader was… well defeated… he was in the process of assassinating the Potter family. Apparently they were some of his strongest opponents." Said Orochi. "Harry's Mother Lily and his Father James were murdered and the insurrectionist tried to kill Harry, then a baby, but couldn't."
"What why?" Said Genis. "Not that I think Harry should be dead but…"
"There is widespread confusion surrounding that." Said Orochi. "There are a number of obvious questions about the incident that nobody we've encountered in the Wizarding World is capable of answering. All we know is that not only did Harry survive an attack he apparently shouldn't have, but that he defeated the insurrectionist."
"The insurrectionist sounds like a stupid name, can't you just use their real name." Said Zelos.
"Well." Orochi looked at one of the ninjas.
"We haven't been able to learn the name." Said the ninja. "And not for lack of trying. It seems that the population at large, even his supporters feared the leader so much that people still refuse to say his name."
"My other operatives all report similar stories." Said Orochi. "There are three distinct titles. He Who Must Not Be Named, You Know Who and the Dark Lord. Although the latter tends to only be used by his supporters and allies."
"Ok let's stick with the Insurrectionist, it doesn't sound nearly as stupid now." Said Marta.
"We are not entirely clear on what he stood for." Said Orochi. "There are elements of the society that seem predominantly conservative, and this seems to be where the bulk of his support came from at one point at least. However the majority of the conservative factions seemed to support the Ministry. We have yet to evaluate all our data, but it is clear that more resources must be contributed towards uncovering answers."
"We can discuss that later." Said Raine. "What is Harry's place in all of this?"
"In there society he is regarded not unlike the Chosen of Mana or the Chosen of Regeneration is in our societies. He is considered the hope against the great evil that has threatened the entire society." Said Orochi. "He also has enemies, as you can imagine. The society on the whole has developed a sort of cult following of him. In the time since Genis and Presea extracted him, the Government has been engulfed in chaos, the Minister is set to resign, a Professor with a lifelong respect and admiration has seen his image decimated in response to what has happened and reactions against the Non-Magical World have intensified with many placing blame on the Non-Magicals, namely Harry's Aunt and Uncle, for the situation."
"That's why you were so urgent to speak with me." Said Raine.
"Yes if Harry went back to the Wizarding World now, I'm not sure he could handle it. Between his relatives, the Vanguard and the Angelus Exsphere, I'm sure it could damage him beyond all hope." Said Orochi.
"It is probably best for Harry to at least stay with us until he is ready, should he ever want to go back to Earth." Said Sheena. "However his absence from the Wizarding World is of great concern. We are seeing a people in turmoil and we have a stake in the reason why. I feel a decision is going to have to be made about how we approach this, and we are going to have to make it soon. Especially if we are to continue with this espionage."
"Should we continue with it?" Said Raine. "If we do this, we may become further involved with the affairs of the Magical World, all we have done so far is grant Harry a safe haven. If we continue any more, we may find ourselves intervening."
"I'm…" Lloyd begun. "I'm afraid it may be too late for that, there is another thing that Origin needs to tell us. But you need to hear from Sparrow and Hawk first."
Hawk stood up. "Data recovered from the Remote Island Human Ranch has been rather difficult. Most of the drives were wiped clean, however I was able to gain some information regarding the vessel that fled the base. It is known as an Arial Warship. During the Ancient War these vessels were used by both sides primarily for largescale bombardment."
"I can vouch for that." Said Yuan. "These ships were used to obliterate entire armies and to wipe cities out of existence. I believe I once told you that my hometown wasn't called Asgard, part of the reason its name changed is that the original city was completely wiped out. Long ago it was a prosperous place and the capital of the Balacruft Empire. The ruins shown to tourists are all that is left."
"I'm not certain whether or not this vessel has significant firepower." Said Hawk. "As no offensive action was taken against our navies, I would have to hypothesize not. Furthermore there is no indication from the data available that any significant weaponry was installed, though heavy armour and artificial force fields were."
"Then why build it?" Asked Raine.
"That's where my intel comes from." Said Sparrow. "The Vanguard has been fighting a losing fight the last year. They have been unable to find a space to regroup and reorganize. With Brute's defection and the deaths of Alice and Decus they lack leadership capable enough to lead them to resurgence in such a hostile world."
"So they're regrouping on the ship?" Queried Raine.
"Unlikely." Reasoned Sparrow. "One would hypothesize that they are looking for another planet, somewhere they can reorganize and counterattack on our world."
"Can they do that?" Asked Genis.
"It is a farfetched and ridiculous fantasy." Said Sheena. "But they may have something to it."
"I spoke with some senior members of the Vanguard in custody in Meltokio." Said Sparrow. "According to them, the vessel was originally started by Rodyle as a means to defend his new empire against Cruxis. The Vanguard took over and continued construction following the failed uprising last year. Apparently Magnar's assistant, Malakai was fascinated by the appearance of Harry. He used Rodyle's database, which included many archives from Cruxis to learn as much about Earth as possible."
"I have been able to find evidence of the files existence but not anything notable that I can tell you." Stated Hawk.
"The Vanguard told me that Rodyle had information regarding incursions to Earth during the Kharlan War. He also had some details of an incursion that apparently took place over a thousand years ago." Said Sparrow.
"I had a hand in that." Said Yuan.
"You went to Earth?" Asked Lloyd.
"No." Replied Yuan. "I will explain later. For now I want to hear about the Vanguard's plans."
"It seems the Vanguard have been interested in gathering intelligence on Earth." Said Sparrow. "We believe this is where they are going, to reorganize and attack our world."
"I have attempted to track them." Said Origin. "I am no longer able to find them but from the route they were taking, it is beyond clear they are heading to Earth."
"But that can't work?" Said Tenebrae. "Earth is far too far away for a simple Skyship to reach it."
"Judging by the speed they were going, I would estimate their arrival on Earth would be in 6-10 years." Said Origin. "It is likely that once they have regrouped on Earth, they will attack Aselia again, likely after Earth has been conquered."
"That would make sense considering the design blueprints I found." Stated Hawk. "It seems that significant modifications were made to allow a vessel to survive in space for long periods of time, it is no longer a simple skyship, it has been modified to hold fuel and supplies to travel for a a considerable amount of time, more than 10 years."
"If what you say is true, the Vanguard could potentially reach Earth and create a space to reorganise and rise again." Said Tenebrae.
Raine closed her eyes. "If we do nothing, then the people of Earth will suffer as a result of our war."
"That is the implication." Said Sheena. "Whether or not they have the ability to subjugate Earth, we are not certain, but they certainly have the ability to cause a lot of suffering there."
At this point an emissary from the Tethe'allans stood up. "It is clear, the espionage plan must be implemented immediately. We must send our forces into Earth and prepare to meet the Vanguard in battle again."
There followed a series of nods around the room.
"Right now I am less concerned with the Vanguard than I am this insurrectionist." Said Tenebrae.
"Why do you say that Tenebrae?" Asked Emil.
"I have had suspicions about the parasite that was inside Harry." Said Tenebrae. "I believe that it would have taken a twisted and evil person to create such an abomination."
"You think the Insurrectionist infected Harry?" Asked Raine.
"In a manner of speaking." Replied Tenebrae, "I believe he used the same ritual used to create the Devil's Arms."
"Are you sure?" Asked Genis.
"Yes, that thing I believe was the fragment of a twisted and evil soul." Said Tenebrae.
"Does that mean someone was trying to turn Harry into a weapon, like the Arms?" Asked Presea.
"No." Answered Tenebrae. "The Devil's Arms were created by the Dark Lord Nebilim, using fragments of his soul. The ritual to bind the Arms is highly complex and once completed it is near impossible to remove a soul fragment without destroying the vessel. It is my belief that this insurrectionist created his own items in order to attain immortality."
"But Harry's still alive." Queried Marta. "Verius did remove the fragment… didn't she?"
"Yes Genis undoubtedly destroyed it, Harry is no longer bound to the soul fragment or in any more danger from them." Said Tenebrae. "This makes me think he was created it by accident."
"How can you create a Devil's Arm by accident?" Asked Lloyd in confusion.
"Nebilim wouldn't have." Said Tenebrae. "I met him a few times, and there is probably no more vile being that could have ever existed. But he knew what he was doing. This is just guessing, but I believe that this Insurrectionist must have been sloppy. If someone doesn't know what they are doing, if they are just allowing their soul to be torn apart again and again, then they can start to lose control, often not realising so until it is too late."
"How was Nebilim different?" Asked Raine.
"Nebilim was merely the worst case scenario." Said Tenebrae. "He knew consequences of splitting his soul, but even he did not realise everything until it was too late. By infusing his soul fragments into the Devil's Arms, he became more and more powerful, but the soul can only be fragmented so many times, even by one as skilled as him. When he performed the ritual on the Ninth Arm, the weapon took not a fragment of his soul but all that was left."
"So that's how Nebilim disappeared." Regal remarked.
"Indeed." Said Tenebrae. "He never resurfaced again, his power on the other hand was reorganized in Abyssion, had you not defeated him and destroyed the Necronomicon, Nebilim would have been resurrected."
"You said that it is near impossible for the hosting items to have survived, but Harry survived as did the Arms." Orochi queried.
"The Arms only survived because of the Necronomicon. When Abyssion was defeated, the fragments converged in the book, the Necronomicon is the only device in history that I am aware of that can recombine the soul, had you not destroyed the book those soul fragments would have brought about the complete resurrection of Nebilim. As for Harry, and this is just theory, I believe that this Insurrectionist created several items to house his soul fragments, enough that his soul has become unstable. A mortal strike against him would not kill him, but if powerful enough, it could damage him significantly all the same, perhaps breaking off a fragment of his soul."
"And that soul went into Harry?" Said Raine.
"If the Insurrectionist was wounded beyond what a mortal is capable of surviving then yes." Said Tenebrae. "The previous items would have kept him alive, but if what your spies say is true, it is likely this person is in hiding, unable to muster the power necessary to operate as he did during the war."
"Why would the soul fragment go into Harry, though?" Asked Sheena.
"A soul fragment can be bound to a physical object, but to do so requires significant skills on the part of the magic user. If a soul piece broke off without support it would need a life-form to attach itself to in order to survive." Said Tenebrae. "In this instance, Harry would have been its salvation."
"The definition of a parasite." Remarked Zelos.
"Somewhat." Remarked Sparrow. "What's our position on this Insurrectionist going to be?"
"He is clearly a threat to Harry." Pondered Raine. "However we have taken Harry out of the world, should the Insurrectionist resume the conflict, that shall be a matter for the Wizarding World to confront, not something we should interfere in. That being said…"
"We do not have very much information." Said Orochi. "We do not even have his name."
"The Vanguard is the most pressing threat." Stated Clara Dorr authoritatively. "I am all for an observation of both the magical and non-magical societies, however as of right now there is no cause for interference."
"It will take years to get a spy network properly set up in the worlds." Said Orochi. "It is likely we will have to hide additional combat forces on Earth."
"Maxwell and Origin both have the ability to open portals between here and Earth." Reasoned Sheena. "So long as we have secure locations on the other side we can send as many people as we need."
"Sparrow and Hawk have finished their work with me." Said Raine. "I think you should prepare to send them as soon as possible."
"Agreed." Said Orochi. "We'll also send in Panda. However there is a complication. Sparrow and Hawk are above the age one would normally start school."
"We can research how to be where we need to be no problem." Said Sparrow.
"That is not the problem. Although entering school late is an anomaly in the Wizarding World we do have a cover but it will make things difficult… we can claim you are orphan survivors of a deadly disease that has killed your parents and previously left you in quarantine." Said Orochi.
"What's the cover for breaking quarantine?" Asked Hawk.
"The disease has just been recently cured." Said Orochi. "There is recovery time that ends conveniently just before the start of a new school term. We can forge documents and get you into the system, however under wizarding laws, orphans remain wards of the school, Hogwarts. You will be kept there until you reach the ages of 17. You will not be able to return to this world or have easy contact with us for some time."
"We can go over those details later." Suggested Raine, she didn't miss the look on Sparrow's face. The Haitakas and Harry were going to be separated and reunions were not going to be that easy if they were to be kept in a school for the rest of their adolescence.
"Our mission is to take out the Vanguard remember." Said Clara. "Though I'm still unsure why they are going to Earth, this seems meaninglessly complicated just to save the Vanguard."
"It is possible that he believes there is a means on Earth to save his failed campaign." Said Yuan. "A warlord during the Kharlan went there with the same thoughts in mind, however as he found out their magic is inferior."
"Is that why you went to Earth as well?" Asked Dorr.
"No I never set foot on Earth." Yuan answered. "Over a millennia ago, one of my men was sent to kill the Chosen of Tethe'alla. However, he found himself… unable to kill her."
"Are you referring to Erika the Coward?" Asked Zelos. "The Chosen of Tethe'alla, who forsook her duty, ran away and hid while Tethe'alla suffered and fell further into decline."
"That is how your people remember her." Acknowledged Yuan. "When my subordinate was unable to kill her, he spilled the beans on everything: Cruxis, Martel, the Great Seed. As you can imagine, finding out everything you've believed is a lie had a toll on her. She was my prisoner and at the time I was half-tempted to end her life then and there, but… well I guess I took pity on them, the Chosen and my soldier. I helped her escape to Earth, with Maxwell's help."
"Maxwell helped you?" Said Sheena. "How did you manage that without Mithos finding out?"
"Maxwell's task was to keep Exire afloat. So long as he did that and didn't draw attention to himself Mithos would have no reason to investigate. My ally and the Chosen fell in love after they met. The two of them went to Earth together. The Tethe'allans believed she ran away from her quest in fear, we did not try to correct them."
"You said that Earth magic is inferior." Pressed Genis.
"Unfortunately yes." Said Yuan. "My subordinate sent messages to me for a time after he arrived on Earth, they spoke of battles. Though there were magic users with great courage, their magic was no match for his."
"I would characterise it as different myself." Said Tenebrae. "However there is no denying the magic you are able to harness is much more effective in a battle."
"Earth Magic users are more like problem solvers." Explained Yuan. "They do not use technology to function in society, they use magic as a personal and domestic convenience. While their magic can be used to overcome a single enemy it stands little chance against those who use exspheres, or magic like ours."
"It is not even just a question of power." Said Tenebrae. "Casters in that world lack our ability to utilise and manipulate a warriors status effects. They do possess the ability to heal but the magic is slow working and efforts to use it in battle can be impractical."
"That means that if the Vanguard attack, then Earth's ability to defend itself will be limited." Said Dorr.
At this point a Tethe'allan official stood up. "It is clear there is a mandate for us to intervene. I shall recommend to his highness that we join this undertaking."
"Palmacosta shall join too." Declared Mrs Dorr. "The other members of the Confederation shall have to make their own minds up, but I shall recommend that they join us."
"Mizuho is already committed." Said Orochi. "We shall combine our efforts with yours."
"There is obviously much to organise." Raine remarked. "I suggest we end this meeting now and organise our resources for this undertaking."
Everyone attending agreed.
ORACLE2PHOENIX
Raine returned to Harry's bedroom, her brother and Presea had left for Altessa's place to let him know what was going on. Meanwhile over the next few days she would have to attend to her new child's needs. According to what information was available, she had a lot to tell him. Part of her wanted to keep all this from him, until he was older. But Harry had been lied to so much, by his aunt and uncle, by his own people, it was going to be a lot to take in. Raine knew that he could not be kept in the dark, not after everything that had happened, both recently and on Earth.
Harry would be told everything, and he would be told soon. Events were set in motion. It was time to go to the Third World.
Sorry this took a while, my computer failed in a massive way and I lost all my files. I had a backup but it was about 6 weeks out of date so I lost over half my work. I don't think what I rewrote holds much of a candle to what I originally had but here it is. This story is nearing its end. Another two chapter are to come at least before the second story comes.