N/A: I'm soooryy! I know I'm late, but I finally finished this chapter!
In theory I should have posted this chapter much more quickly seeing I had half of it already written down. The problem, really, was that what I had already written was on papers scattered all around the house and I lost, like, one week on finding them all. Beside this, I also had to write the other half of the chapter, and the uni had started again, and I dohave a life, you know, so...yeah, hehe...sorry.
To make it up to you, however, this chapter is much longer than the other two. I hope you enjoy ;D
An enormous thank you to all those who followed/favored me and my story and especially to those who reviewed:
Cherry101; Sblck; unnamed guest1; ChaoticallyAwkward; unnamed guest2; Pool-sempai; wolfawaken; EvejHoang; SleepyMangaHead; sousie; twilightserius; Firehedgehog; Tomcat; Silvermane1; kat; NikyNakoleT; kat1316; kai19; KIPPERtheART.
THANK YOU ^^
For those who replied to my Question:
I thank you all for having given me your opinion and I wanted to let you know that in the end I decided on a middle course with Sirius: he'll come to Gaia later than Harry but he will already have an established place when they meet. You'll see a 'hint' (if it can be called such, it is not really a hint but, rather, more like me telling you) of this in this chapter.
Now, on to some replies:
Sblck: Sorry, Sirius will not be a cetra. He will, as I've said earlier, have an established and rather important role by the time he and Harry meet however.
ChaoticallyAwkward: Yes, they are my favorite as well, dear reader ;D
Unnamed Guest2: Sorry, your suggestion was pretty good, and for a moment I've been tempted to change my mind but, as you will see in this chapter, I had already decided on Harry's weapons. Besides, in this story there are no Deadly Hollows, so no Master of Death thing and such. I hope you'll like how I went about this anyway.
Pool-sempai: thank you, I'm glad I could evoke such emotions in you ^^ As for the rest...well, Gaia does not have time. To Her, everything is happening at once. Thus she could choose to drop Sirius anywhere on the time stream, really.
EvejHoang: You got it right, it isNanaki's grandfather xD and yes, I agree it would be so marauder of him! I must thank you for having made me change my mind ;)
SleepyMangaHead: I know I've already told you this, but just to let those who care to read know...Nael and Nanaki will be really close, as you will see in this chapter, and yes, Nael will be attracted to Materia. Cloud will have a crush on Nael but it won't be 'love at first sight' and all that. They will meet during Nael's travels and then they will become close friends when they meet again in Midgar.
Silvermane1: hahaha, I agree, but it wouldn't be a Harry-thing to do
kai19: hahaha, you're right, I had not thought about that. However, I'm sorry to say, Sirius will not be any of the FFVII character we all know and love ;)
Kat: I'm sooorry! I felt like telling you this 'personally' because you are the one who asked me so much to update. ^^ thank you, I'm glad you like my story.
To all the others: thank you for your compliments and comments. I really appreciated it.
.o00o.o00o.o00o.
Chapter Title: Memories
Chapter Words: 10.037
Chapter Warnings: N/A
Summary: After studying the Veil for years, Harry finally discovers its true nature. Tired of how things are going in the wizarding world and searching for redemption, he steps through.
It has been 7 years from the war. 7 years since he has lost his only reason for living.
Now in a different dimension, Harry has to start over from the beginning, this time under the guidance of his Mother.
With a new purpose, he'll find himself involved once again in events that will shape the course of the world.
Faced with different magiks, obstacles and battles, Harry will have to fight to not lose his new life, new friends and family, as well as the one he thought lost; for things are never simple for Harry Potter. SLASH–––you've been warned.
Disclaimer:I do not own either Harry Potter or Final Fantasy VII, if I did, there would have been lots of SLASH everywhere - I own only the plot. No profit is being gained from this story by anyone.
Well, on to the story now I guess ;D
.o00o.o00o.o00o.
CH3: MeMOriEs
(From this moment on Harry will be called Nael - or Nay, it depends. Harry, Nael and Nay are the same person)
[μ] εγλ 1984 - [Cosmo Canyon]
Mako green eyes looked curiously into shy, intelligent ochre ones.
Nael observed the strange animal in front of him in fascination. He had never met a being like that before, nor with such levels of intelligence, and it was highly fascinating to observe the feline's reactions. Besides, that swinging, fire-lit tail was simply amazing. He could feel his eyes follow it closely from the side even as they locked with the other's, his hands twitching to reach out and try to grab it. He blamed his baby instincts for that.
Aside from that, however, there was another reason he was so taken with the feline cub before him.
There was something in his presence that reminded Nael of his Mother.
It was strange, it felt different but at the same time so alike it soothed the longing his soul had felt since being reborn.
The feline in question stared back apprehensively. He had never been around a human cub so young before and he worried he might hurt him—his body was so small after all.
The weight of that intense green stare didn't help very much either.
For how apprehensive he was, however, he could feel something inside the little boy that called out to him.
It was warm and soothing and it made him want to stay closer to the small human cub, no matter how afraid he was. It made him feel almost protective somehow.
The two looked at each other for a long while, each lost in their thoughts
Then, the baby boy did something unexpected.
Small, chubby hands reached out entangling themselves in the soft, fire-red fur before he gurgled happily, looking up at the young feline with a warm, reassuring smile.
His eyes widened at that, staring at the baby in wide-eyed wonder before a childish, feline smile took over his face.
The cub giggled, liking the small boy's cheek and making him gurgle happily again in reply.
The baby reached up further then, cuddling his face in the soft fur before yawning cutely and falling asleep like that.
The feline looked down at him in wonder before smiling again as he curled around the small body on the bed; a sleepy yawn escaping his muzzle as well.
He cuddled the boy closer to him, sighing contentedly as he closed his eyes.
Not even two minutes later, the two were both asleep.
Guardian and half-Cetra intertwined with each other.
Neither seemed to remember the third figure in the room, an old man looking at them from the side, his eyes twinkling happily as he caressed his long beard.
"Ho Ho Hoooo! What an interesting reaction"
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 1985
"Bu-gen-ha-gen"
An old, bald man with a white beard slowly articulated as he looked into the intelligent glowing eyes of the small boy in his laps.
Neither seemed to notice they were sitting on a levitating, green ball.
The small boy narrowed his eyes, his baby face scrunching up in concentration.
"G-guu…Pu…Bu…Buu…"
The old man nodded encouragingly.
"Yes, like that!"
"Buu…gghe…"
The man nodded excitedly again, urging him on with his eyes.
The small boy was almost cross-eyed in concentration now.
"B-bugee…nn…"
"Ho Ho Hoooo you're half way there!" the old man exclaimed excitedly, leaning closer in anticipation.
"…nn…nh…"
He leaned even closer.
The small boy took a deep breath then, face set in determination as he prepared for the final part.
"Bbugenhg!" he exclaimed at least, looking up at the man in expectation.
The two remained still for a few seconds - their looks seemingly frozen in time - before Bugenhagen deflated, sighing in disappointment even as he shook his head in reply.
The little boy pouted cutely at that, frustrated, and the old man couldn't keep in a chuckle at his expression, which came out louder as the baby turned to glare at him in reply, only managing to look even cuter in the process.
"I'm sorry my boy" he chuckled jovially to placate the small baby "Let's try again. Now, listen well: it's Bu-gen-ha-gen"
"Grandpa, isn't your name too difficult for him right now?" a young voice asked from behind him.
"Ah, Nanaki!" Bugenhagen exclaimed happily, turning around.
His eyes looked warmly on the strange feline cub that had come into the room at that moment.
"You are most probably right. His body is still not yet developed enough for him to say so many different syllables together" he admitted regretfully.
"Maybe he should just call you Bugen or Grandpa too" the feline suggested quietly, and the man nodded thoughtfully.
"Yes, perhaps we should give up on the more complex words for now. It isfairly soon after all"
As man and feline spoke, neither noticed the boy's face lit up and then scrunch in concentration once again at the sight of the animal; eyes set in determination as he started mumbling something under his breath, until…
" 'Nnaki!" Nael exclaimed finally, looking up at the other two occupants of the room in bright expectation.
Bugenhagen and Nanaki stared at the baby boy, startled, before Nanaki gave a sort of childish, feline laugh, glowing with pride at being the first word his baby brother said.
"Good job Ney!" he exclaimed.
Nael beamed up at him, clapping his small chubby hands together as he gurgled happily.
The old man looked almost ready to pout at that before those large, glowing green eyes stared up at him in happiness and accomplishment, expectantly awaiting for his judgment.
He chuckled instead.
"Ho Ho Hoooo! It seems like you managed your first word, my boy!"
He exclaimed jovially, smiling as the small boy appeared to glow with pride and happiness once again at his reply.
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 1986
Confused ochre looked into the glowing green orbs staring down at him determinately.
Nanaki blinked sleepily as he met the gaze of the small boy before him.
The sun had gone down for a good while now, and he had been busy sleeping just till a moment ago.
He had been having quite agitated dreams when a foreign sound woke him.
He knew immediately someone was in his room.
He had been ready to bolt out of there and go to warn his grandpa before that green gaze set upon him.
He did not know how the little boy made it to his room—not to mention he was supposed to be asleep with Bugenhagen right now, not trotting around – somehow, however, he had made it here and was now staring down at him with a determined expression.
Confused as to what he might want, Nanaki simply stared back, waiting for something else/more to happen.
For a moment, time seemed to stop as neither of them moved; human baby and feline cub staring right at each other.
Then, the boy sat down with a quiet "thump"
"I swleep 'ere"
The words left the baby's mouth in a matter of fact way. His tone certain and commanding.
The animal looked startled at him for a moment, before a childish, feline laugh left his lips.
"If you want"
The baby boy beamed at that.
He had debated for a while if he should come here or not, but in the end he had given in and came anyway. He just felt so comfortable when he was near the fire-red feline. They were both connected to Mother after all, although in different ways, and through Her, to each other.
The baby boy nodded pleased to himself.
"'ood P'py" He complimented in a satisfied tone as he gently pat the feline's head. "Now swleep" was the last command before launching himself at the strange being. Nanaki stumbled back, surprised, but then that childish, feline laugh left his lips once again as he cuddled the boy close. Not even two minutes later the two had fallen asleep, culled by the Planet' song.
An old man looked on amusedly from afar, eyes twinkling as he observed the two's antics.
"Ho Ho Hoooo!"
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 1987
On the second floor of the observatory at the top of the canyon was a small, circular room.
It was pretty cozy, filled with all kinds of strange trinkets and fascinating objects.
In the middle of it, sitting at a round wooden table piled with books, were two figures.
They made a strange pair, and yet they fit in perfectly with their background.
The older of the two was a bald man with a long withe beard. He was floating on a green ball.
On his laps was a little kid. He couldn't have been more than three – with messy black hair that had bloodied streaks running through them and a cute, slightly chubby little face – but his green mako eyes shone with high intelligence.
Before the two of them lay an open book. It was thick and old, its pages yellowed with time.
Words of mako, Lifestream, Shinra and the Planet came alive from them, passing between the two figures. The old man was reading about mako reactors when the little boy on his laps started to tremble slightly.
"What is it, Nael?" the man asked, slight concern evident in his voice.
The boy trembled again, a lone tear making its way down his smooth, chiseled cheek.
"Mother is crying" he whispered. His tone reflecting the deep sorrow in his eyes.
"Mother?" the man inquired, hugging the boy closer to his chest.
Nael nodded shakily.
"The Planet, Mother Gaia. She is suffering" he explained "Humans are a cancer, slowly eating away Her life source. They are hurting Her, day after day, with their ignorance and greed. Yet she does nothing. Mother is powerful and all seeing, but She prefers slowly fading away rather than hurting the ones destroying Her; because although a cancer, they are a part of Her and She loves them too much"
The two remained in silence after that; Nael too caught up in his thoughts while the old man observed him thoughtfully. Then, the man chuckled softly, startling the kid.
"Ho Ho Hoooo! You really are an interesting boy, Nael" he exclaimed.
Then, he turned him around, bringing them face to face; twinkling eyes boring into the glowing ones before them.
"If you don't like how things are right now, then be the one to change them! Remember my boy, sometimes one person is all it takes. Ho Ho Hoooo!"
At those words Nael looked deeply into the old man's eyes, as if searching for something. Whatever it was, he must have found it because he nodded, a determined expression overtaking the sadness and grief.
"I will" he stated
The man chuckled again before going back to reading the old book before them.
"Ho Ho Hoooo!"
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 31 July 1988
Nael observed pensively the burning flame of the fire.
That night, they had celebrated his birthday outside, near the bonfire that always lit the village after the sun went down.
They had come around the fire till midnight came, telling stories and eating delicious food.
Other people had joined in as well, listening eagerly to his grandpa' stories and happily chatting away. They had kept near a big, luminous clock from Grampa's collection and as the lancet stuck midnight, all had cheered for him. It had been an incredibly familiar - and all the same unfamiliar - way to pass his birthday. Everyone present, even those who did not know before it was his birthday, had given him a gift, and although it wasn't anything too great, the simple gesture warmed his heart incredibly.
Like every other year since he came here, Mother had been near on this day as well.
Her presence was always closer to him that usual on his birthdays, so much so he could almost feel Her singing under his skin.
Nael sighed contentedly in the now silent night, turning his gaze away from the blazing fire and up towards the starred sky.
After some begging and pleading for Bugenhagen to let them sleep outside, he had finally acquiesced on the condition it would be the only time and that they stayed near each other at all times. The half-Cetra and Guardian agreed immediately of course (not that they had intended to do differently in the first place).
Hearing a rumble under him, Nael turned around, coming to face with Nanaki's sleeping face.
He smiled, cuddling back into the soft warm; Nanaki's burning tail a comforting warmth on his skin as he instinctually curled it around the boy protectively.
This had been his best birthday ever.
From that day on, a new tradition had been set.
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 1989
Mako and ochre eyes stared down at the green and purple marbles before them.
That day found them inside Layreil's Materia Shop, completely enthralled by the power they could feel emanating from the small orbs.
Nael could feel a shard of his Mother in them, and could feel the Lifestream inside himself longingly reaching out to it.
Since they had been allowed to wander around on their own, this has been one of their favorite destinations. For how often they came, however, they had never dared to touch anything, settling for merely watching.
That day however, unbeknownst to them, something different was going to happen.
The owner of the place, Layreil, had been keeping an eye on the two since they'd started coming in her shop. Today was no different in that sense, as she observed them thoughtfully like she always did. After a while, however, she nodded to herself and got up. Making sure her two guests were too occupied to pay her any attention, she went into the small backdoor behind the counter.
The two didn't even look up as she disappeared for a few moments, only to reappear not much later with something in her hand. Making sure they had not seen her, Layreil hid the object behind her back before making her way to the two.
Nael and Nanaki were startled from their intense observation when someone spoke up suddenly from behind them.
"Hello", a gentle voice said.
Startled, they twirled around only to come face to face with the shop owner herself.
She was a rather plain middle-aged woman, with long, brown hair and a kind face.
"H-hello ma'am" replied Nael after a few seconds, while Nanaki just looked at her wide-eyed.
She chuckled. "Sorry children, I did not mean to startle you. I just noticed you have come in my shop every day the last weeks without buying anything"
The two looked at her sheepishly at that.
"I apologize, ma'am, we just find your merchandize fascinating, but do not have any gill of our own and do not want to trouble grandfather" Nael said respectfully, looking up at the woman with his best doe-like eyes.
Nanaki nodded at his side "We're sorry if we have inconvenienced you ma'am"
The woman looked startled for a moment, before simply chuckling and shocking her head.
"My, what intelligent and polite children" she said smiling at them, feeling even more certain in her choice now. The two blushed slightly at the praise.
"Ne, you two really like Materia, right? What would you say if I made you a deal?"
The two looked at her curiously.
"What kind of deal?" asked Nael.
"Well, you see, I have here a new Materia that spawned from my own just yesterday" she said, finally taking the hand hidden behind her back to reveal a shiny, green Materia on its palm.
Their eyes went wide, never having seen a Materia so close before. In the shop they were all put behind showcases after all.
Layreil smiled inwardly at their reaction.
"What is it?" asked Nanaki while Nael was still too enthralled by the call he could feel coming from the small orb.
"It's a Cure Materia"
"C-can I touch it?" Nael asked, still looking at the Materia in the woman's hand.
She chuckled warmly
"You can do much more than that if you agree to my deal"
This caught the boy's attention effectively as his head shoot up, mako green eyes locking into hers.
"Deal?" he repeated.
She nodded.
"Yes. If you two agree to work for me a few hours per week, you can have this" she raised the cure Materia for emphasis "for free"
Both Nael and Nanaki's eyes widened comically at that.
"R-really?" Nael stammered, speechless.
Layreil nodded.
"Y-you'd let mework at your shop as well?" asked Nanaki in a small voice.
"Of course. Why shouldn't I? I'd say you are more than intelligent and polite enough" she affirmed with certainty, looking straight into the feline's eyes.
"If you don't want it, however, you only have to say so" she then added, throwing a sly glance in Nael's direction,.
"NO!" the boy exclaimed urgently before flushing in embarrassment as he saw the amused grin on her face.
"I-I mean…"
"We would be extremely grateful ma'am" Nanaki intervened.
She grinned at that.
"Good"
.o00o.
Mako green eyes looked in fascination at the green Materia before him.
It had been a few weeks since they had accepted Layreil's deal, and they had yet to separate themselves from the Materia she had given them.
Looking at it intently, the boy slowly reached out with his small hand, carefully curling it around the swirling marble.
He held it delicately in his hands, concentrating.
He could feel his Mother's essence in the small orb, calling out to him, reaching for the part of Her essence that now flowed through him.
Eyes closing in concentration, Nael started following Her call, reaching out to the energy in the Materia with his own. It felt warm and soothing, a feeling he now knew to associate with a Cure Materia.
As the Materia's essence came in contact with his own, it began to glow a bright green as it had every time he had done it before. What he did not know, however, was that his own eyes were glowing as well as it did, of a mako green much brighter and more alive than the Materia's own.
Gently, while silently asking for its permission, he reached even deeper, following the trail he could feel calling to him from an even deeper well of energy.
The Materia let him through without any problem by then, its gentle nature coming to light as it almost guided him through the process.
Once he reached the enormous well of power, he felt his Mother' song embrace him, and he almost lost himself in it.
Mentally shaking himself Nael focused once again on his objective, delicately following the Materia's energy through the trail, coaxing it out as it followed him almost eagerly.
Finally, he felt a surge of warmth envelop him and he opened his glowing green eyes, watching in fascination as the skin of his hand knit itself back together. In mere seconds, the only trace of the small cut he had inflicted himself was the small trail of blood on his hand.
"You have gotten really good at this, Nael" a voice called, making the boy beam as he looked at the feline beside him.
"Thanks 'Naki!" he exclaimed excitedly "You are pretty good yourself though"
Nanaki shook his head modestly.
"You are better"
"You only have to practice more, here!" he said with conviction, handing the Materia to the feline.
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 1990
Mako green and ochre bored into each other, assessing.
The two observed each other, trying to see what the other was thinking, their bodies tense and ready to sprint at any minute.
Nael tightened his grip on the long, wooden stick he had found, while Nanaki readied his own makeshift weapon. They had been a gift from Bugenhagen shortly after Nael became 5 years old and Nanaki passed his 31st birthday as well, with the promise to be careful and that they would learn to fight well with those before they passed onto real ones.
For a moment, neither moved. Then, the two sprinted at the same time, coming at the other.
Nanaki launched himself at the human boy, trying to knock him to the ground, but Nael dived just in time before taking a swing at the other with his long stick, using it as one would a short sword.
Nanaki dived to the left, but was grazed all the same, a slight groan escaping him.
With now even more vigor the feline gave a swing of his huge pawn, making Nael grunt as he fell to the ground at his left, before launching himself at the boy once again.
He rolled to the side swiftly however, making the Guardian miss his hit, and quickly got up.
The two went on like this for a while, fighting each other with as much fervor as they could.
The fighting seemed like it would go on forever till one of Nael's attacks hit its mark fully.
Nanaki wined softly, stumbling to the ground and Nael took the opportunity to launch himself at the feline.
The two stumbled on the ground for a bit, each struggling to remain on top of the other, till the feline finally managed to hold the boy down with his greater strength, long, sharp fangs pressed lightly but firmly against the other's neck. The Half-Cetra however was not to be outdone as almost at the same moment he raised his 'sword' at the other's own neck.
The remained like that for a while, staring each other down as they tried to regain their breath.
Then, a huge smile broke out on their face and they retracted both their 'weapons'.
Nael couldn't hold in his laughter as he lowered his 'weapon', Nanaki joining him a second later as he rolled off the boy to lie beside him on the ground.
"We tied" the Guardian said, sounding almost surprised.
"Yeah" the boy nodded "What did I tell you? You are not weaker than me. You even held me down!"
The great feline remained quiet for a while, appearing to be debating with himself
"Maybe" he replied at least.
"You are not" was the matter-of-fact retort.
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 1991
Nael blinked up towards the universe, trying to find something familiar in all the stars and planets his grandpa's planetary could show him.
There was nothing.
It was all completely new to him, apart, perhaps from the sun and the moon. It was hard to think how some things could be so different and yet so alike at the same time.
Unnamed – to him – stars blinked down at the boy, almost as if observing him.
Here, in the planetary, they seemed so close, almost as if he could touch them if he only reached far enough.
It was a breathtaking sight.
The one he preferred the most, however, was the reproduction of the Planet floating between the twinkling stars.
"Do you see, Nael?" The old man beside him said "The universe is infinite, we are so insignificant in the grand scheme of things. And yet, our Planet shines more brightly than all others, standing out even between all those bigger planets and stars"
Looking at the reproduction of his Mother's physical body, the boy could not help but agree. His Mother presence could be felt even like this.
"We are lucky to reside on such a magnificent Planet, to be part of it, yet most humans do not understand it. Most of them simply do not know it, but others simply chose to ignore it, preferring to pursue their own goals at the expense of all others" the man continued sadly.
Nael looked for a moment longer at the universe laid out over him, before turning around to face the older man.
"Well, we only have to let those who are truly ignorant, know the truth of Mother's magnificence. If the majority of the humans knew of the truth behind Mako and the Lifestream, I'm sure they would stop their harmful actions"
"But what of those who would still prefer going after their own interests?"
Nael's face darkened at that.
"We'll simply have to eliminate them or make them change their mind"
His voice was hard and matter-of-factly and his resolve hardened when he felt his Mother' song resonate closer to him. He knew his reply had pleased Her.
After all, no matter how good Mother was, She could still be ruthless when the time called for it, and She won't let a treat be if it put in danger the Whole. Even if She would not exterminate a whole specie of Her own useless it was really the last option; if some of them had to die then She would show no mercy—especially not for those who brought it upon themselves.
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 1992
"Nanaki! Nanaki look!"
A small boy of about eight years old ran through the canyon planes holding something in his arms, all the while yelling for his furred companion under the amused chuckles of those who saw him pass.
Hearing Nael's voice, the Guardian turned around, just in time to catch the boy as he clashed into him, sending them both to the ground.
"Nael!"
The boy just grinned.
"Hehe, sorry about that 'Naki" he said getting up "But look here! Look at what I found in the outer planes!"
"You went there alone again? But Nael you know how grandpa-"
Nael huffed "Yes, yes, I know, but don't worry, I'm alright, ne? Anyway, look at those!"
Still looking a little worried, the feline finally looked at what the boy held in his arms...and promptly dropped his jaw in surprise, eyes wide open.
For there, in Nael's arms, were two weapons. Two real weapons.
"How.." he murmured, still shocked.
"I found them buried in the ground! Someone must have dropped them a long time ago because they are pretty rusty now but…well, they should be in good enough condition for our needs"
The astonishment in Nanaki's face transformed into childish excitement at this and the feline grinned at him.
"You're right! With those we can finally train properly!"
Nael nodded back enthusiastically, opening his mouth to say something in reply, but before he could a sharp, scratching voice interrupted them.
"Yeah, right, as if a coward like you would even know what fighting means. You'll flee at the first sign of real combat!"
Startled, not having heard anybody approaching them in their excitement, the two whipped around, coming to face with the yellow eyes of Deneh, the only other known living member of Nanaki's specie.
The female was looking at Nanaki with scorn, never having made a secret of how little she thought of him.
Deflated, Nanaki lowered his head, eyes turned away as he did not want to see Nael's reaction to her proclamation.
He had always know he was a coward – how could he not be with whose blood ran through his veins? – But he did not want to appear weak in his little brother's eyes.
What Nael said next, however, made him whip his head up in surprise.
"That's stupid" the small boy said in a matter-of-fact way.
As Nanaki looked up, he could see his luminous green eyes were glowing with conviction and determination as they bore in Deneh's yellow ones.
"And why is that?" Deneh asked, seemingly taken aback, not having expected for her words to be contested.
"Because Nanaki is not a coward and he will grow to be a very strong warrior, thus making what you just said rather inconsequential" he affirmed with conviction.
Wide-eyed, Nanaki looked hard into his brother's eyes, searching for a sign of doubt or lie. He found none.
Deneh's eyes widened slightly at that before she snorted, shaking her head scornfully.
"If you say so boy. I don't think that could ever be anything but a coward"
With that, she turned away, walking back towards the bonfire; but this time, her words had not fazed Nanaki at all. He almost didn't even hear her, for he was too shocked by his brother's words.
Nael huffed silently as Deneh walked away.
She obviously couldn't tell a true warrior from a lowly rat. Of course, Nanaki would not look all that promising to some people, but Nael knew there was a huge potential in him. He just needed someone to believe in him and support him. In that regard, the Guardian reminded him a lot of Neville.
"Do you really think that?" an unsure, almost timid voice asked him, interrupting his thoughts.
Nael turned towards Nanaki, smiling warmly at him.
"Of course 'Naki. You will be an excellent Guardian one day, I assure you"
Nanaki looked into his brother's eyes, once again searching for lies or deception, but he only found sincerity, warmth and conviction.
His brother really believed in him.
Nanaki nodded, a determined, happy smile stretching his feline lips.
"When does the serious training begin?"
Nael merely grinned back
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 1993
"Down Ney!" a voice bellowed.
A young boy of no more than 9 crouched down on the ground just as a giant claw slashed where his head had been only seconds before.
Swiftly, with a grace no 9 year old should possess, the boy, Ney, twirled around, his dagger barely a glimpse as he slashed the feathery chest before him. A shriek filled the air as blood began pouring from the wound. The creature readied itself to attack again in retaliation but before it could move, an orange-red blur launched itself at it, knocking it to the ground.
"Thanks 'Naki!" Ney exclaimed even as he ran towards the two fighting forms—his only reply being a higher roar.
The orange-red feline had started attacking the beast with his sharp claws and fangs, not giving it the time to get up. Avoiding the trashing body parts, the boy threw himself back into the fight, slashing at the creature's wings.
The giant bird roared in pain at that and with a last struggle, it finally managed to fling 'Naki away.
Trusting his companion was alright, the boy rolled himself under the creature as it rose from the ground, but only managed to scratch it as the Griffin took repair in the sky.
Breath labored, the fire-red feline came to the boy's side, both watching wearily as the winged creature twirled through the air in circles for a while, appearing to be observing them.
It flew erratically now, one wing moving with visible difficulty even as it circled the air.
Barely a few seconds passed before a curse left the boy's mouth as he noticed the beast reading itself again.
He did not need to say anything to 'Naki as the two companions quickly dived away in opposite directions, barely avoiding the attack.
Not giving the creature the time to steady itself again, boy and feline were upon it in seconds, one slashing with his dagger and the other piercing it with claws, fangs, and his hairclip, even as the Griffin gave back as much as it got.
The two moved in almost perfect coordination, sign of a deep familiarity with each other's fighting style. There were still some errors, some openings were left and some not taken advantage of, and some moves were a bit franetic while others could have been implemented more smoothly, but they had the determination to improve.
Finally the Griffin roared again and managed to dislodge the two from its body, taking the chance to escape once again in the sky.
Chests heaving, boy and feline watched as the beast soared erratically through the sky.
Then, the two exchanged a glance, a silent message passing through them before the feline nodded slightly.
Seeing this, the boy readied himself, a deep look of concentration taking over his face as he curled his hand before himself.
Eyes closing, Ney took a deep breath, concentrating on the energy flowing inside of him. Gently, he took hold of it and guided it to the outside, using as a catalyst the small orb hidden around his neck.
While the boy concentrated, Naki never took his eyes away from the winged creature, ready to warn his companion.
He kept watching as the Griffin moved to attack them once again, even as Ney's hand started to glow. Softly in the beginning, but always more strongly as the seconds passed.
The giant bird was approaching them swiftly, but still Naki did nothing. He remained immobile till the Griffin came closer, then when it was barely a few meters from them, he finally took action.
"Now!" the feline exclaimed before diving behind Ney.
Before he'd even completed the word however, the boy had already reacted.
Opening glowing green eyes, he grinned wickedly at the beast, before outstretching his hand before him and releasing the sphere of light.
Not having the time to avoid it, the Griffin could do nothing as it flew into the burning light head on and fell down with a pained shriek.
The beast tried to move again, but the numerous wounds it had received during the combat and the blood loss, made it an impossible task. Weakly, it struggled again for a few seconds before finally giving in.
Time seemed to stop as the beast fell immobile on the ground and for a moment, all was silent.
Boy and feline continued to watch it warily for a few seconds, bodies still tensed in fight. Then, as the creature still didn't move after a few minutes, their bodies relaxed and the little boy jumped high into the air, whooping in triumph.
"We did it! We did it!" he cried out happily, still bouncing up and down.
"Did you see that 'Naki?' it was so much fun!"
"Yeah, you did great!" the feline exclaimed excitedly.
The boy twirled around, coming face to face with the strange lion-like creature.
He grinned happily at the feline, holding his hands behind his back as he leaned forward.
"You did great as well! You are so strong and agile; I still have so much to catch up to!"
The animal gave a sort of grumbling, embarrassed laugh, shaking his head softly.
"Let's just say we both still have much to improve upon then"
"Yeah, we should keep training! I'm counting upon you to help me better myself"
Nanaki simply gave him a modest, feline smile, his eyes brimming with excitement.
"I'm counting upon you as well"
Before anything else could be said between the two, the Griffin from before shrieked again, getting up slowly.
The boy looked back at the huge beast sheepishly, not appearing at all alarmed that the powerful beast he had been fighting against so fiercely just seconds before was still alive and giving him a sort of bird-ish glare through its pain.
Instead, a warm sheepish smile still on his lips, Nael moved quickly towards it.
"Sorry Gyf, don't worry, I did not forget about you" he said, placing a hand over the injured bird.
Giving the creature one last reassuring smile, Nael closed his eyes, his face set in concentration.
A few seconds after, a warm, greenish light surrounded his hand before slowly spreading over the Griffin's injury.
The beast crooned softly at the sensation.
"There, there" he murmured soothingly, moving his hand to hover upon each injury.
"All healed up" he said finally, running his other hand into soft feathers as the glow returned to his hand once again, before dimming and disappearing completely
He laughed as the bird gave him a happy chirp, nipping softly at his hairs in thanks. Nael then watched in curiosity as the bird began searching for something between its long feathers. When it looked up again, in his beak was a feather.
Seeing as the boy merely kept watching, the bird nudged him on his shoulder impatiently. Finally getting its message, he stretched out his hand, watching with wide, green eyes as the Griffin crooned approvingly before finally dropping the item in his outstretched hand.
"Thank you Gyf" Nael said in gratitude, putting away the Phoenix Down he had just received and stroking the bird one last time in thanks.
The giant bird crooned happily once again, basking in the boy's attentions for a few seconds more before taking off again, spreading its powerful wings and soaring high into the sky.
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ 1994
It was night in the canyon.
The sun had hid itself behind the horizon long ago, replaced by the moon, and thousands of stars had come out to play under their mother's light.
The small village of Cosmo Canyon had gone asleep under them, the only light being that of the dying embers of the bonfire and the feeble rays of moonlight that reached it.
A young boy of ten sat upon a cliff away from the small village, legs hanging from the top and hands outstretched behind him, supporting his body.
His long, midnight hair seemed to absorb the light, the red streaks barely visible. The only thing you could clearly see was the boy's luminous green eyes. They shone so brightly in the darkness they appeared to be glowing and if you looked closely enough, you could see in their depths the lazy swirls of the Lifestream.
Those eyes were doors to the Planet' soul.
At the moment, the green orbs were filled with pain and sorrow as the boy gazed up into the starred sky. So much he had gone through, much more than his small body could have permitted. It was a pain too old for so young a soul.
Usually, the boy tried to hide it—the sorrow and guilt that still consumed his being—and most of the times his youth allowed him to forget. To be the child he physically was and have the childhood his Mother wished for him to have.
It was like having two minds in one body. One, old and filled with sorrow, and another, far younger and with the childishness and carefree thoughts of youth - albeit perhaps more intelligent than the norm.
Usually, his younger mind prevailed, and he allowed it to, knowing it was the mind his young body was supposed to have.
But when his older mind bled through, the pain returned back in full force, hitting him with vengeance for having ignored it so long.
He couldn't help but wonder what was going on in his old world; what his precious people were doing.
Were they ok? Did they miss him? Was Severus lonely once again?
He did not even know what time it was there.
He often wondered if he would ever meet Sirius again as well. Would the man recognize him? It was true he did not change too much—his skin was paler, his eyes greener and his hair longer and dipped in blood—but he had changed inside. He was so different from the young fifteen years old boy his godfather last remembered that he often wondered if the man would accept him now.
He was not innocent anymore and his soul had become so black since then. He had become…a monster. There was no other way to describe him, after everything they had done to his body and humanity, and he wondered if Sirius would be able to accept those changes. Even more, however, he wondered if the man would forgive him.
But how could he? How, when he could not even forgive himself.
Memories kept haunting him and the pain and guilt sometimes was so intense he couldn't breathe. At those times, the only thing that could soothe him was Mother's voice.
She was everywhere; he could feel Her through the stones, see Her in light and darkness, hear Her song in the wind. She was in everything, Her presence a deep pulsating warmth—a heartbeat- flowing through the very Earth.
She whispered in his ears at night, guided his steps through the day, and gave him strength when he needed it.
She was everything to him.
He had not forgotten his real parents of course, they will always held a special place in his heart but they were too distant, a fading image in his mind by now, while She was here and he could feelHer essence in his very being, pulsating, flowing through his veins like his blood and magic. He even had visible proof of Her presence inside of him now: a tattoo.
A strange, twirling design that went from his left arm to his left shoulder, with the edges licking at his chest, neck and shoulder-blade. The tattoo was in the same mako green of his eyes and it looked kind of strange…like it shone from under his skin.
It had appeared only a few days ago, on his tenth birthday, and it was now a part of his very soul. It would pulse and glow whenever he used his powers with a certain intensity or whenever his Mother's presence was particularly strong, but it usually remained unseen otherwise.
In the beginning he had been unsure about it, worried even, but now he found he rather liked it; it made him feel even more connected to his Mother.
§…Mother…§ he whispered almost desperately into the night, feeling lost.
And when a responding warmth surrounded him as it always did, embracing him just as a mother would, he basked happily in it.
§… Childe…§ Mother whispered into his ear, Her voice coming from all around him and inside him, thousands of voices merging into one.
He closed his eyes then, a little smile appearing on his face as he hummed in contentment.
§…Mother…§ he whispered again, but this time his tone was light and relieved.
§… Childe…§ she repeated. It was difficult for Her to speak to him clearly when he was awake and She usually spoke with images, feelings and impressions when it happened.
Usually, when he called out to Her like this, She always replied with sensations of warmth, love and waiting.
This time however, something was different.
§…Warmth/Childe/Mine/Love/Time/Duty/Readiness...§
Nael's eyes widened at that. Duty…time…readiness...
§…Mother?...§ he enquired back uncertainly. Was She asking him what he thought She was?
§…Warmth/Leave/Guide/Together/Love/Night/Sleep/Day/Leave…§
His eyes widened further at that, and he could feel his ten years old mind coming to the surface once again as an excited smile stretched over his face.
He sent his love back to Mother then, along with a feeling of assent and anticipation, before finally lying down as another wave of warmth enveloped him, basking in the sensation even as Her song carried though the wind, culling him to sleep.
Mother always washed the pain away.
.o00o.
Harry put away his last things before tying the small pack on his back; his expression blank even as his eyes glinted with a determined light.
It was time; Mother had whispered to him the other night. He had to go.
He spared one last look at the room that had been his own for the last ten years before closing the door behind him. He had already taken all he valued; his only regret being not having his few precious possessions brought from his old world.
It would seem they did not make it through the Lifestream.
His heart tightened at not having anything to remind him of his Beloved, but their memory would always be close to his heart, no matter his biological age.
Sighing, Nael made his way through the observatory.
"I have to go" he said, stopping before the man who he had come to know as a grandfather during his years here. "Mother is calling"
Bugenhagen looked down at him, smiling jovially. "Ho Ho Hoooo! I see my boy. I always knew we should expect great things from you. You are a Cetra after all. Ho Ho Hoooo!"
Nael didn't wonder how the man knew what he was, and he did not say. He had seen the knowledge in the man's eyes the first time he had called the Planet 'Mother'.
"Ho Ho Hoooo! I believe you're leaving something behind however" the man said and then floated out of the room, completely ignoring the inquiring look Nael gave him. The little boy could only wait patiently, used to the other' strange antics. Really, the old man sometimes reminded him too much of Dumbledore. He was less manipulating and underhanded thought, fortunately. Not that he did not care for his old mentor, he just…wished he had done things differently. So many things would have gone better if only the old man had told him the truth…but he knew what happened wasn't only the man's fault. No, he was the one to blame in the end after all.
"Here" the man's voice finally broke through his thoughts.
Mentally shaking his head, the boy looked up and what he saw almost took his breath away.
"How…" he murmured disbelieving, for there, in the elder's hands, were his old and most trusted weapons.
They were two long daggers – twin blades – made of the hardest metal known to wizard: Black Aintyum.
It was a magical metal that never deteriorated and which allowed one's magic to be roughly channeled through it if treated right.
His daggers were made completely of it and, where the hilt joined with the blade, was encased one swirling blue orb. Small veins could be seen start from each orb, thinning the further they went from it. Nael could see each vein pulsate with power and he could feel it calling out to him, making his hands twitch to touch them.
But, even more importantly, he could see the small chain attached to the hilt of one of the daggers. At the end of the chain, shrunk as much as possible, was a miniature leather pouch.
"Ho Ho Hoooo!"
The elder's laugh startled Nael then, bringing him back from his musings.
Shaking himself inwardly once again, Nael looked back up towards Bugenhagen.
"I found them the day I took you in" the man said even as Nael felt his Mother whisper to him and the boy nodded in understanding.
§...yourcore/yoursoul/apartofyou/followhere...§
It made sense after all, Voldemort made those twin blades with a part of him, making them true extensions of his body and magic.
He noticed they were a little different though; not by much, but their 'feeling' was a little different, and the once pure blue in the swirling orbs, as well as the veins on the blades, were slightly greener than before.
§...change/Childe/bond/link/Lifestrem/change/together/follow...§
Nael nodded again, looking up at the elder with gratitude and determination.
"Thank you grandpa" he said, and looking in the glowing green eyes the older man knew he wasn't thanking him only for the weapons.
He smiled. "Ho Ho Hoooo! It is me who should thank you, my boy. You gave me a chance at something I didn't think I could ever have: a son. You and Nanaki will always be my sons, even if only in my heart"
Nael looked startled into the man's eyes at this, then, he smiled, a warmth spreading through his body.
"We all have to thank Mother" he said.
The man nodded with another laugh. "Ho Ho Hoooo! Thanks to The Planet indeed"
"So you really are going" a young voice said from the open door, interrupting their conversation.
The boy turned around slowly, having already sensed the other's presence. He nodded, looking at the feline intently.
He had grown in the last ten years, Nael noted absently as he observed the Guardian.
By now, they were around the same age, with Nanaki being around 11-12 years old by his specie' standards. However, they were still children (even if for him it was more in body than mind, his more adult mindset slowly bleeding through now that he was growing up).
He could see it looking into the feline's eyes. They were young and innocent, naïve like only those of a child could be; and yet, Nael could still see a hidden fire burning in their depths.
"Yes" he nodded simply, looking intently into those intelligent ochre eyes.
Nanaki looked away dejectedly at that.
"I see..." he murmured.
Looking at him, Nael could feel doubt sneaking up on him. He loved Nanaki like a brother, he did not want to leave him behind, alone and dejected. Perhaps he could…feeling his Mother's presence hum gently under his skin in approval, he smiled.
"Would you come with me, 'Naki?"
Nanaki's head whipped towards him at that, and the feline looked at him whit shocked, hopeful eyes.
"You…you'd let me come with you?"
"Of course I would. You are my brother after all, and I want to be with you. Besides, Mother approves"
The feline looked ready to burst in happiness at that, and for a moment, Nael was sure he would say yes, but then his powerful, furred shoulders slumped, and he shook his head, turning away.
"I'm sorry, but I can't" he said with regret.
Nael frowned at his reply. He could feel the self-hatred in his tone, and he did not like it at all.
"But why? I'd love it if you came with me"
A flash of happiness passed through the ochre eyes before Nanaki shook his head once more.
"I would only be an inconvenience to you. I'm an unworthy coward after all. How can I not be with whose blood runs through my veins? I would only abandon you when you're counting on me the most, exactly as my father did" he shook his head, shoulders slumped as his eyes looked at something too far away.
"When I think about my mother I'm full of pride and joy…and that's fine. But when I remember my father, my heart is full of anger", he said, muscles tensing at the last part.
Nael looked at him pensively at this, tilting his head lightly to the side as he listened as his Mother murmured something in his ears, even as Bugenhagen looked sadly down at his more furred 'son'.
"You really can't forgive your father?" he murmured.
Nanaki growled slightly, looking back at him.
"Of course. He… left mother for dead" he replied before shaking his head in anger "When the Gi tribe attacked, he ran off to himself, abandoning mother and the people of the Canyon!"
Nanaki shook his head once again, but before they could say anything else, a voice interrupted them.
"I think you should show him grandpa" Nael said.
The elder looked startled at him for a moment before nodding.
"Ho Ho Hoooo! Of course my boy, of course! I would have shown him earlier had I know those were his thoughts" he then looked towards Nanaki again, who was watching the two confusedly.
"What are you saying?" he asked a little lost, for once sounding all in all like the small kit he was in this moment of vulnerability.
Nael tilted his head slightly, petting his head in a reassuring way and causing Nanaki to relax under his touch almost instantly. He would support his brother in his moment of weakness like the other always supported him till now.
"Mother spoke to me before. She told me what your father really did and showed me a place. He is waiting there now, forever petrified"
Nanaki looked at him with huge, wide eyes. "What are you talking about?" he asked again in that lost tone.
"Come Nanaki, there is something I have to show you. You are coming as well Nael? It may be dangerous usually but I have a feeling this time it won't be much of a problem" he said knowingly.
"Of course grandpa. I wouldn't want for you two to go there alone, despite all. Besides, 'Naki will need my support"
"Ho Ho Hoooo, what a considerate boy you are. Well then, bring your weapons, both of you"
With that, Bugenhagen started floating out of the planetary, not looking back to see if they were following.
"…?"
Nanaki looked confusedly at Nael as the old man left, asking for an explanation, but the boy only smiled reassuringly.
"Sorry brother but I do not know the full story. Bugen' should be the one to explain it to you"
The feline nodded unsurely at that, before they both went after their grandpa; weapons securely with them.
.o00o.
[The majority of dialogs in this scene are mostly taken directly from the game]
In the depths of Cosmo Canyon, was a shadow-filled cavern.
It was exactly like in the image Mother had given him, dark, damp and filled with malevolent presences.
Even so, they had barely met any monsters till now, and Nael rather thought it was thanks to his Mother's protective presence, as he could feel It pulsating slightly around them. Yet again, he did not bother to wonder how Grandfather had known.
"Ho Ho Hoooo!" exclaimed Bugenhagen, coming before them.
"My boys, here are the ghosts of the Gi tribe, killed in a certain battle" he said.
Nanaki looked at him curiously at that.
"A certain battle…?"
Bugenhagen nodded.
"Yes. The vengeful spirits of the Gi didn't disappear, and couldn't return to the Lifestream…now be careful my boys, for we still have far to go. Ho Ho Hoooo!"
With that said, the old man started floating again.
Nael and Nanaki exchanged a glance before they followed after him, Nael giving the feline another calm, reassuring smile.
Even with Mother's protection they still engaged in some battles as they proceeded through the cavern, meeting the ghosts of the Gi Bugenhagen had told them about; and Nanaki saw for the first time the monsters that caused his mother's death and made his father run away. Or so he had thought before – he was starting to doubt what he'd always considered certainty before.
They were becoming rather tired and the spirits were perhaps a bit too much for them to fight alone, even like this, but they were together and their grandpa had faith in them. They knew he would have never let them in the cave had he not though them ready. However, they did not let any of the monsters come near him, because despite his wisdom, the old man lacked the knowledge and body to fight.
Nael rolled around as a sharp claw pierced the earth where he had been just seconds before. He twirled around, inflicting further damage with his daggers even as Nanaki launched himself at the beast. Feeling a movement behind himself, Nael turned around swiftly, locking his twin blades with the claws of the other Gi spirit. Panting in exertion, he threw himself into the fight, trusting Nanaki could cope with the other one on his own. Pushing against the claws with all his body, Nael then retreated suddenly and slipped to the side under the monster's body, causing it to lose balance and stagger. He did not give it the time to re-stabilize itself however, and with a swift move, he sank his twin blades in the creature's neck, effectively putting it K.O.
Breathing heavily, Nael turned around just in time to see Nanaki deliver his own final blow. He stabbed the spirit's hearth with his Mythril clip before tearing at its jaw, making it fall limp on the floor. Panting, the feline looked at him, accreting himself he was alright, before turning back towards their grandpa, who was looking at them with mixed pride and concern.
"Ho Ho Hoooo, you did well my boys, you have grown strong. Now I know it was not a mistake bringing you here"
Nael and Nanaki both flushed at the compliment, the boy embarrassedly shifting his feet even as the feline looked away.
"Thank you grandpa" Nael Muttered at the end and Nanaki nodded beside him.
"Of nothing my boys, it is the simple truth after all."
Said this, Bugenhagen looked around himself, observing the cave they were walking through.
"As you can see, this cave leads to the back of Cosmo Canyon. It was unfortunate that the Gi were larger than us. If they had attacked through here, we wouldn't have stood a chance.
"…." Nanaki looked at him intensely at this, trying to see where he was getting at even as a part of himself denied it.
"Knowing this, a warrior went through the cave alone, fighting attackers one after the other…"
"Grandpa…that warrior…" Nanaki murmured uncertainly.
"Ho Ho Hoooo! Come my boy, I have something I want to show you, we're almost there"
With that said, Bugenhagen passed through a small internal cave.
Nael and Nanaki exchanged a glance at this before following after him. Nanaki troubled and uncertain and Nael reassuring and supportive.
Going after their grandpa, they came out under the starred sky.
They had reached the other entrance of the cave, and were now gazing upon the huge cliffs surrounding them.
There, at the top of one of them, a strong figure could be seen.
"This is…" Nanaki murmured to himself.
"The warrior who fought against the Gi" confirmed Bugenhagen as they came beside him.
"He kept them from taking even one step into Cosmo Canyon. But he was never able to return to town. Look Nanaki. Look at the warrior, Seto"
"That…that's…Seto?"
"Seto continued to fight the Gi tribe here. To protect this Canyon and his family. Even after the Gi's poisonous arrows turned his body into stone…even after they all ran away, Seto continued to protect us. And he continues to do so, even now"
"Even now…" Nanaki repeated.
"You thought he was a coward and ran away, but he, alone, risked his life to protect Cosmo Canyon. That is your father, Seto"
"That…that is Seto? Did mother know?"
"Ho Ho Hoooo…she knew. The two of them made me promise to keep this cave shut. They asked me to seal this cave myself and not to tell a soul. They said we should forget about it"
Nanaki looked back at his father's form at those words. In his eyes a strange combination of emotions.
Nael, who had kept silent till now, finally spoke again.
"You see Nanaki, your father is not a coward. He is a hero. Thisis the blood that flows through your veins."
"A hero…" Nanaki repeated, a touch of awe entering his voice as the realization finally sunk in. all those things he'd thought about his father were lies. His father wasn't a coward, he was a hero.
Suddenly, he felt ashamed of himself to have thought of him as such. To have thought so badly of him. His father had died to save them, to save him, and he had not even wanted to recognize him – had been ashamedof him.
Looking at him, Nael smiled warmly.
"Yes, a hero. Don't worry Nanaki. I'm sure your father does not care of what you thought before. I'm sure he is simply happy you came to see him" he said reassuringly, tracing his hand comfortingly through the burnt orange fur "So, you see, you cannot be a coward, it is not in your blood. Now you know this, what do you say, do you still want to remain here?"
Looking into those luminous green eyes, perfectly visible even in the darkness of the cave, Nanaki nodded. Shoulders set and head held high, he could feel his resolution strengthening.
"I'm Nanaki of Cosmo Canyon! The son of the warrior Seto!" he roared, and for once there was pride in his voice when he spoke about his father. "I'll come with you and become a warrior true to this noble name!"
Nael beamed at him at those words, happy with how his brother had grown up seemingly right before his eyes.
It was then that they noticed something.
A drop was falling from the cliff were Seto stood. One after another those drops fell, coming from the petrified body's eyes.
Bugenhagen watched shocked at this.
"That's….Seto's…Seto…"
"Seto…fa-father" Nanaki murmured.
"You see, he is not angry at all. He is happy you came here and that you finally know the truth. He has waited till now to see you"
"He…has waited for me?" Nanaki asked, looking at him with wide, surprised eyes.
"Yes. So why don't you go to greet him now?" he confirmed with a smile.
Nanaki stared at him for another shocked moment, before looking back at where his father's petrified body still guarded the entrance to the cave and nodding, face set in determination.
"I will" he said. Then, with a few long leaps, the Guardian climbed to the top of the cliff.
There, settling down beside his father's body, he raised his head to the moon and started howling in his father's honor.
.o00o.
"Are you ready?" Nael asked Nanaki as the feline came beside him.
"I am" he exclaimed excitedly.
Nael smiled. "Good. Let's get going then"
With those simple words, they started making their way outside of Cosmo Canyon.
They did not look back at their grandfather, for they knew they would not want to leave if they did. They had already said their farewells and there was nothing more to add.
Mother was calling him after all, and Nael would come to Her aid. It was his duty and honor as a Cetra. Besides, they will come back one day.
.o00o.o00o.
[μ] εγλ Unknown Time-[Unknown Location]
It was cold.
Terribly so.
The ground was covered in pure-white snow as a freezing, unforgiving wind shook the sky.
The light hid behind dark, foreboding clouds as soft, white flakes of snow fell to the ground.
They hid everything from sight, falling with deceptive strength and violence, sweeping away all that met their path.
On the ground, half-covered in icy white, the shape of a man could feebly be seen.
The man had shoulder length, shaggy black hair, which moved everywhere the wind took them. He was dressed in shaggy clothes, half torn and now wet from the snow.
His face, which looked incredibly drawn, appeared to be slowly rejuvenating. Laugh and stress lines smoothing out, and the sign of malnourishment and poor heath disappearing completely.
Shaking, the man took harsh, swallow gasps, trying desperately to move.
He felt strange, his entire body was numb; the only thing he could feel being a strange tingling sensation spreading throughout himself. His head worked hazily and it felt full of cotton. His memories becoming further away with each flake of snow that fell on his face. Only one thing was strong enough to remain fresh and clear in his mind, even then.
Gathering his last remaining strength, he shakily raised his head, managing to move a few inches in the midst of the unforgiving white storm before crashing down again. His strength and consciousness leaving him completely.
One last, shaky word slipped past his frozen lips, the memory flying away in the wind as his mind was plumbed into darkness.
"Harry…"
As he lay unconscious on the ground, the man never saw the shadow looming over him.
.o00o.o00o.o00o.
A/N: Finished! It is done, finally. As you can see, this chapter was much longer than the others, and I plan on one or two other long enough chapters to relate Nael and Nanaki's travels.
I'm planning on dividing it in two chapters, but we'll see. Like for this chapter, I had already written some parts down somewhere (I'll have to search for them...again.Damn my untidiness), but still have the other half to write.
After that, I guess you could say the 'real' story begins.
Now, I have another Question I'd like to propose you, one Ireallyneed an answer to because I'm completely lost about this: How should Nael's magic make things different? I dohave some ideas, but there is one point I cannot seem to find a solution to. His magic and Spiritual energy (Lifestream and all that) have merged. thus, it stands to logic this will affect both his normal magic that the Materia spells. Only thing being...I don't know how! It can't be all advantageous/disadvantageous, because then it wouldn't be at all realistic and no matter that we are in a world(technically two worlds) of fantasy, I refuse to write something completelyunrealistic (heh, I've always believed to be something like half Romantic and half Realistic as a writer; at least, I try to be as realistic as possible but I don't know if I manage it...oh well).
Anyway, I hope you'll be able to give me some ideas, because otherwise there are many parts of the following two/one chapters I won't be able to write...
well, anyway, I really hope you liked this chapter as well and I did not disappoint your expectations ;)
Please review and let me know what you think. It really doesmake me post faster, because I'm definitely too lazy to do things fast enough without incentive, hehe...
A/N [2] : Edited! I didn't add anything new this time either but I changed some things around and corrected some mistakes (I hope).