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Leaving The Nest
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In the tranquil morning embrace of O'lhah's farmstead, the rustling leaves and the distant murmur of a gentle breeze created a symphony of nature's whispers. Early birds, their melodic chirps harmonizing with the rhythmic creak of a nearby windmill, announced the gradual arrival of dawn.
The soft glow of the sun, its rays caressing the dew-kissed grass, marked the beginning of a new day.
Amidst the tranquil nature, Zack engaged in a series of squats, the crisp air filling his lungs as the warming sunlight embraced his determined movements.
O'lhah's chocobo, a curious onlooker, observed the measured cadence of his exercises with a strange curiosity.
It took a few steps closer, tilting its head cutely as it observed Zack for a moment before attempting to squat as well.
It got partway there before it lost its balance and plopped down on its rear with a startled squawk. "Kweh!"
Zack let out a laugh at the chocobo's attempt, his rhythmic squats momentarily interrupted by the comical display.
"Nice try, buddy." He remarked, giving the chocobo an encouraging pat on its feathery head. "But I don't think your legs are built for it…"
Unfazed, the chocobo persisted in mimicking Zack, eliciting a good-natured chuckle from the displaced warrior.
With renewed determination, he resumed his squats, striving to restore his body to its former prowess.
Though he had made progress in his recovery, he admitted to himself that, at this point, he might only rival a mid-tier 2nd Class SOLDIER— well, perhaps more realistically, a fresh 2nd.
I need more time. He thought to himself, only to halt abruptly in his exercise.
The echoes of the recent Qiqirn encounter resonated in his mind as the cold, morning breeze blew around him.
"Maybe I don't need more time." He pondered out loud.
The fight had been relatively easy, all things considered, and if those were considered powerful creatures— at least judging by the look of shock he'd gotten from Andellet— he might not actually need to wait any longer.
Uncertainty, however, continued to claw at his psyche.
Zack, the puppy. He recalled the nickname given to him by Angeal. Everyone around him thought he was unflappable, with a smile ready to dazzle any who would speak to him.
His year on the run, however, had changed him.
Zack's contemplative frown deepened as he raised his gaze to the forest, the tranquil scenery clashing against his internal struggle.
Leaving Gongaga had been a pursuit of heroism, a journey that had unraveled unexpectedly— and most bitterly.
He hoped beyond hope that Cloud made it out of there. He wasn't a fool. He'd seen his fair share of Mako poisoning cases, and Cloud had been the worst one he'd witnessed.
And yet… Zack thought as he remembered watching the younger man crawl through the mud to get to him.
He shook his head. Cloud would be fine— Zack believed in him.
He shook the thoughts away as he focused on the matter at hand. After some thought, he decided that it was time to move on from this place.
He couldn't hide away from this new world forever. Zack was many things, but a coward was not one of them.
The decision to leave O'lhah's farmstead solidified in his mind.
The chocobo observed him with curious eyes, sensing the change in him.
O'lhah emerged from the house, a tray of breakfast in hand. "Morning, Zack. Ready for a good meal?"
Zack nodded appreciatively. "Always. What have we got today?"
"Freshly baked bread, some cheese, and a bit of fruit." O'lhah replied, placing the tray between them on a small table. "Dig in."
As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation flowed naturally, touching on various topics from farm life to Zack's experiences in this unfamiliar world. Eventually, both of them spoke at the same time, prompting laughter.
"You first." Zack insisted, curious about what O'lhah had on his mind.
O'lhah chuckled, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Zack, my friend, I've seen the restlessness in your eyes these past few days. It's as clear as the morning sun— you're thinking about leaving, aren't you?"
Zack's surprise was evident, but he didn't deny it.
O'lhah's laughter resonated as he continued. "No need to look so shocked. I've been around long enough to recognize the signs. Adventures come and go, lad. So, what's on your mind?"
Zack's gaze dropped, and a shadow crossed his face. "What if this ends the same way? I left my home looking to become a hero, but all I found was… pain and tragedy. I don't want to see something like that again."
O'lhah nodded understandingly. "Every journey has its risks, lad. But you can't let the fear of the past dictate your future. Sometimes, the path forward is the only way to heal the wounds left behind."
The weight of O'lhah's words lingered in the air as Zack took a deep breath. Could it really be that simple? The uncertainty of the unknown loomed, but a spark of determination reignited within him.
"Thanks, O'lhah." Zack said, his smile small and vulnerable. "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that."
"Anytime, lad." O'lhah said before his expression shifted into one of mischief. "I do hope you'll say goodbye to Ar'Ho before you go. She's very fond of you."
Zack grimaced, realizing she wouldn't take the news well.
The two men spoke for a few more minutes, sharing stories and laughter. Eventually, O'lhah got up, stretching his limbs.
"Don't leave just yet, Zack." He requested. "I've got a few errands to run today. How about you stick around until I'm back? I want to treat you to some good food before you depart."
"That would be great." Zack said with a nod, watching as O'lhah left the farmstead proper, likely intent on procuring more supplies and tools.
Zack's smile faded as he contemplated breaking the news to Ar'Ho.
He supposed there would be no better time than this to do it.
The anticipation of her reaction weighed on him as he headed towards the house to find her.
"Ar'Ho?" Zack called out as he took a few steps inside. "Are you there?"
"In here, Mister Zack!"
Following the sound, he found her sitting on the floor, surrounded by a makeshift tea party setup. Stuffed animals and her doll adorned the small table.
"Hey, Mister Zack!" Ar'Ho exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. "Wanna join our tea party?"
Zack couldn't help but smile at the sight. "Sure thing, Ar'Ho. Mind if I take a seat?"
Ar'Ho eagerly nodded, making room for him among the stuffed companions. The doll was carefully placed on a miniature chair as if it, too, was part of the gathering. The simplicity and innocence of the scene tugged at Zack's heart.
Zack smiled, appreciating the sweetness of the moment. "This is nice."
"Mhm!" Ar'Ho nodded, happy as a clam.
It made what he was about to that much more difficult.
"Ar'Ho." Zack said, getting the girl's attention for a moment. "Can we talk for a bit?"
Ar'Ho tilted her head, curiosity shining in her eyes. "Talk? Okay, Mister Zack!"
Zack took a moment, trying to find the right words.
"Ar'Ho, I... I have something to tell you."
The girl looked at him with wide eyes, her doll still in hand. "What is it?"
"I... I'm leaving, Ar'Ho." He finally got it out. "I won't stay here anymore."
Ar'Ho's eyes widened further, and her smile faded.
"Leave?" She said, her slitted eyes growing watery. "But... but you can't! We're friends!"
Zack nodded, trying to reassure her. "We are! But sometimes, people have to move on."
Ar'Ho looked down at her doll, her small hands gripping it tightly. "I don't want you to go..."
Damn it, I'm going to make her cry.
"I have to, Ar'Ho." Zack tried to explain, feeling a pang of guilt. "It's not that I don't want to be here with you and O'lhah. It's just... something I need to do."
"Do what? What do you need to do?"
Zack looked down at that. It was such a simple question, but he didn't know the answer to it.
Rather, he knew the answer, but he did not say it out loud.
"I… I want to go home." He finally let the words out. "To my people— my family."
Home. The mere thought of it brought him sadness. The voices of the people who had affected his life came to him in bursts.
"Zack. You have my thanks." "Traitor…" "Like you've been there." "This is my job!" "Not scary at all…"
There was a long moment of quiet, with both occupants of the room stuck in their own little worlds of sadness.
The girl looked up at him, tears starting to well in her eyes. "Promise you'll come back?"
Zack reached out to gently pat her head. "I promise, Ar'Ho. And we'll have another tea party when I return, okay?"
"Okay, Mister Zack…" She sniffed, trying to smile. "But don't take too long."
Zack nodded, his own emotions stirred. "I won't, Ar'Ho. You take care of your dad while I'm gone, alright?"
She didn't answer, and he took it as his queue to give her some space.
As Zack left the room, he couldn't shake the heavy feeling in his chest, knowing that goodbyes were never easy.
Once outside, he decided to throw himself into his usual chores. The routine tasks became a refuge, a way to distract himself from the emotional weight of impending farewells.
He tackled each chore with determination, gathering firewood, tending to the chocobo, and completing the additional errands with a mechanical precision.
The physical exertion helped to numb the ache in his chest, at least temporarily, as he navigated through the farmstead, trying to find solace in the familiar rhythm of the tasks at hand.
As the day wore on, Zack found himself immersed in the chores, and before he realized it, he had completed every single task he had set out to do.
With this, O'lhah could relax for the remainder of the week, maybe even well into the next.
Perhaps this would serve as a fitting farewell gift, a tangible expression of gratitude for the support he had found in this unfamiliar world.
Zack wiped the sweat off his brow, a satisfied grin crossing his features, as O'lhah returned with a large pack full of goods.
The worn-out but determined look in his eyes caught Zack's attention, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity.
"Hey there." Zack greeted, curiosity evident in his eyes, but he refrained from immediately asking about the pack's contents.
"Ready for lunch?" O'lhah asked, the pack suggesting that it held more than just a simple meal.
O'lhah called Ar'Ho out to join them, and as she exited the house with a somber expression, Zack couldn't help but feel another pang of guilt.
O'lhah, noticing Ar'Ho's demeanor, asked. "Seems you told her."
Zack sighed. "I did... she took it fairly well, surprisingly."
O'lhah nodded, sharing his wisdom. "Children are more resilient than we think. She likes you a lot, you know."
That only makes it worse, damn it.
As Zack and O'lhah settled down for lunch, the atmosphere carried a mixture of gratitude and unspoken farewells.
Ar'Ho, however, seemed to bear the weight of a melancholic understanding.
"Ready for lunch?" O'lhah's voice broke the quiet tension, and Zack nodded in response.
"Yeah, sure. What do you have in that pack?" Zack asked, finally breaking under the weight of his own inquisitive nature.
"Oh, just a bit of this and that. Supplies for your journey, lad." O'lhah dismissed Zack's curiosity with a wave of his hand.
"What?" Zack asked, raising his hands. "No, you shouldn't have—"
"Nonsense. You've been a tremendous help, and it's the least I can do. Now, let's eat. Ar'Ho, I brought you your favorite!" O'lhah beckoned, attempting to cheer the little girl up.
Ar'Ho responded with a subdued. "Okay."
Her eyes betrayed a quiet sadness as she focused on her food, avoiding direct eye contact.
O'lhah, breaking the somber silence, leaned forward. "Zack, my boy, I've been thinking. You should talk to some of my friends in the city. They might have some work to get you started. A strong lad like you, skilled with your hands, would be in demand."
Zack, appreciating the gesture, responded with genuine gratitude. "I appreciate that, O'lhah. Any specific information or contacts you can share?"
"I have a list of their names and addresses written down, lad. Just don't run afoul of the guards and you'll do just fine."
"What do you mean?"
"They've been pretty tense ever since the Garleans decided to try to invade again." O'lhah said, pausing for a moment. "Last I heard, there was a major skirmish all the way out in Thanalan— which we won, though I admit that I heard the news a while ago."
Zack raised an eyebrow. "That's a ways away, isn't it? If I remember the maps you showed me correctly."
O'lhah chuckled, shaking his head. "It is, but you don't know the Garleans. You've not seen Baelsar's Wall, or a shred of what they're capable of. Once you do, you'll understand just how much of a threat they truly are."
Zack leaned in, his curiosity evident. "Baelsar's Wall? What's that all about?"
O'lhah chuckled, taking a sip of his drink. "That, my friend, is a massive structure built by the Garleans to keep their hold on Gyr Abania. It stands as a stark reminder of their power and the challenges our realm faces."
"That's a lot to take in." Zack muttered, realizing the intricacies of this world extended far beyond the farmstead.
"Don't you worry about it too much." O'lhah said. "As far as you're concerned, you're just going to find work in Gridania."
"Yeah... I suppose you're right."
The trio continued their meal, the conversation drifting to lighter topics. Ar'Ho seemed to perk up a bit, engaging more in the discussion.
As lunch came to an end, O'lhah stood up, stretching.
"Well, Zack, it's about time you set off. I think I've kept you long enough."
Zack nodded, gratitude in his eyes. "Thanks for everything, O'lhah. I won't forget it."
"And if I know my girl, I'm sure she has a few words for you." O'lhah said, giving Ar'Ho a gentle nudge forward.
She looked like she wanted to say something, but wouldn't meet Zack's eyes.
Zack crouched down, his eyes meeting Ar'Ho's. "Hey, kiddo. I'm really gonna miss you."
Ar'Ho's eyes welled up, but she fought back tears. "You promise you'll come back, right?"
Zack smiled warmly, holding up his pinky. "I promise."
She looked at it in confusion. "W-what's that?"
"This is a pinky promise." Zack said, keeping his face serious as he took her hand and linked his pinky with hers. "It's how the most sacred oaths are shared, and I vow to see you again, my little friend."
Then, he smiled. "Until then, do you mind taking care of O'lhah for me?"
Ar'Ho didn't say anything, doing her best not to break out in tears again. Then, she nodded, mustering all her willpower to speak. "I— I will, Mister Zack…"
"That's what I want to hear." Zack said and straightened up, ruffling her hair gently before turning to O'lhah. "Thanks for everything, my friend."
"No need, but before you go... You might want to look into the pack. I included some traveling clothes for you."
Zack went ahead and checked it, eyes widening at the good quality fabric he saw. "How much did you spend on this?"
"Far less than Andellet made off of the Qiqirn you slew, so don't worry about cost. Go on and change. We'll be right here."
Nodding, Zack went inside and methodically changed into the new clothes, the fabric feeling both foreign and comforting against his skin.
As he fastened the buttons of the shirt, the earthy scent of the material enveloped him, hinting at untold stories embedded in the fibers.
Once fully attired, he stood before a weathered mirror, examining his reflection. The light blue shirt complemented the depth of his mako-enhanced eyes, accentuating the subtle determination within them.
The dark trousers hung loosely, just the way he liked it, and the reinforced boots completed the ensemble, grounding him in a sense of readiness.
Staring at the mirror, Zack felt a peculiar blend of nostalgia and anticipation.
These clothes, though they reminded him of his SOLDIER uniform, symbolized a departure from the familiar, a step into the unknown.
With a deep breath, he squared his shoulders and embraced the image before him— a new man prepared for the next chapter in an unfolding tale.
I'm starting to sound like Genesis. He let out a quiet chuckle and stepped out, seeing O'lhah's smile.
"Now you look like an adventurer, lad."
Still touched by the unexpected generosity, Zack smiled gratefully. "I don't know what to say. This means a lot, O'lhah."
The older man clapped him on the back. "Think of it as an investment in a friend's journey. Now, go make your mark out there, lad."
"...I won't forget this. Thanks for everything, O'lhah."
Zack took his first steps away from O'lhah's farmstead, feeling charged with purpose. As he walked, he heard Ar'Ho's voice calling out from behind.
"Goodbye, Zack!" Ar'Ho's shout reached him, filled with a mix of sadness and well-wishing. He turned to see her waving. The weight of leaving settled on him, but he managed a wave back and a smile.
"Take care, Ar'Ho! Have lots of fun!" Zack called back, each step forward carrying him closer to the unknown adventures that awaited him.
After an hour of walking, Zack found himself in an open clearing by a babbling brook.
Slightly thirsty, he decided to take a moment to drink from the cool, clear water rather than use the water he'd stored for the trip. A moment later, he sat down, enjoying the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
His mind drifted back to the days in Wutai, as a SOLDIER 2nd Class under Angeal.
He remembered the man's smile and his voice, but he'd forgotten what they were talking about. Aside from Angeal messing with him by telling him the story of how he'd met Genesis, Zack didn't remember much.
"No story is not worth telling, huh?" Zack said, almost picturing a dumbapple in the palm of his hand.
Without that story, he would never have figured out where Genesis had been hiding all this time.
Zack's gaze dropped.
What the hell was the war with Wutai for, anyway?
Like everyone else, Zack had been fed the official narrative painting Wutai as the aggressor, but ever since that day in Nibelheim, Zack had taken to questioning everything.
He wasn't stupid. He knew some people viewed ShinRa with open scorn, but he'd always assumed they were competitors or disgruntled ex-employees. Now, their negative view made sense.
The sound of rustling leaves to Zack's right drew his attention, triggering an instinctive tensing of muscles.
To his relief, however, the source of the sound revealed itself as a small family of deer, their eyes meeting his briefly before they gracefully moved toward the water, sipping from the brook.
Zack observed them for a while, captivated.
However, a simple shift in his position shattered the tranquility, prompting the deer to bolt away in a sudden burst of movement.
Zack shook his head, dispelling any disappointment, and rose from his seated position. He took a moment to brush off any specks from his new clothes, and hoisted his pack back onto his shoulders.
The remainder of the trip to Bentbranch passed relatively without incident. He had to scare off a few predators, but hadn't had to do much more than that.
The lack of a sword on his back was starting to prove tiresome, but it wasn't like he could afford one with the gil he had— he'd asked O'lhah already.
As Zack emerged from the trees, a well-trodden road stretched ahead.
To his left, the village of Bentbranch revealed itself in the distance— a thriving settlement known for its bustling Chocobo stables.
The thatched roofs of the buildings peeked through the greenery, signaling a place where the partnership between man and nature blossomed.
The air carried a mix of scents, from the earthy aroma of the surrounding forest to the distant hint of cooking fires. It felt like stepping into a haven after the journey through the woods.
The guards at the entrance stood vigilant, each one wielding an unusual lance with a pointed end made of hardened bone, seemingly crafted to pierce through anything with effortless precision.
Their stern expressions hinted at the seriousness with which they approached their duty, creating an imposing sight for anyone seeking entry.
Silently, Zack passed by the guards, exchanging a nod with one of them, reciprocated in a subtle acknowledgment.
Amidst the bustle of the settlement, Zack moved at a deliberate pace, taking in the sights and sounds of various merchants hawking their wares.
His gaze wandered, observing the townsfolk diligently plying their trades.
However, his attention was inevitably drawn to the center of the town, where a large, floating crystal bathed in a gentle, light blue glow commanded the attention of all who drew near.
The Aetheryte.
Zack approached it, his eyes drawn to its mesmerizing rotation. Contraptions surrounded it, intricately designed to harness the energy emanating from the crystal.
As he observed the scene, the thought crossed his mind once more— ShinRa would have killed to have something like this.
The sheer latent energy inside this thing could likely power the Gongaga reactor for years on end…
Zack extended his hand towards the Aetheryte, recalling O'lhah's advice. A subtle jolt coursed through him as his fingertips made contact, a strange connection forming with the crystal's energy.
For a moment, the bustling town, the merchants, and the sights around him faded into the background as he grappled with the influx of information.
Somehow, he knew that, no matter where he was, he could come back here at will, and instantly so— teleportation.
That sort of thing had been deemed impossible in his world; if it were achievable, the scientists at ShinRa would have undoubtedly discovered it.
Despite his amazement, Zack composed his expression as he finally noticed someone approaching— a portly Hyur man in well-tailored attire.
"First time touching an Aetheryte, eh?" The man greeted, a friendly smile on his face. "The first jolt always takes you by surprise. Be careful, though; too much exposure, and you might end up with aether sickness."
"Really?" Zack replied, intrigued by the warning and quickly moving his hand away. "Thanks for the heads-up."
He had no idea what aether sickness was, but he wasn't going to risk anything.
As Zack turned to leave, the man piped up. "Hold on a moment! Are you in need of work, adventurer?"
Zack shrugged. "Adventurer?"
The term seemed to follow him, just like when O'lhah used it.
"You've got the look of one, lad." the man said with a grin, extending his hand in introduction. "The name's Thaddeus Stonehand."
Zack stared at it for a moment before giving it a firm shake. "Heya. I'm Zack Fair."
"Well met, Zack." Thaddeus Stonehand grinned as he assessed Zack's grip for a moment before letting go. "Strong, sturdy, you're definitely a fighter, aren't you?"
"Something like that." Zack said and furrowed his brows, unsure of what Thaddeus had in mind. "So, you want me to fight someone or something?"
Thaddeus chuckled.
"Not exactly. I find myself in need of someone to help protect my caravans." He said, gesturing off to the north end of the settlement. "We're bringing supplies to Gridania, you see. The route itself is not very dangerous, but having a capable person like yourself would provide extra security. Of course, you'll be compensated generously for your services."
"You've clearly had no trouble making it all the way here from wherever you've come." Zack said, still unconvinced. "You're on the last leg of the trip to Gridania; it can't be more than a day's travel away, no? Why would you need me?"
Zack was just a random stranger to this man— and he didn't buy Thaddeus' spiel of being able to spot fighters of quality.
He wasn't stupid. He knew when he was being buttered up.
"Well, one of the men I hired, frankly, turned tail and ran halfway through." The portly man admitted, looking uncomfortable. "And though I still have one adventurer accompanying me, I would feel far safer with another."
"Hmm..."
"And besides." Thaddeus added. "With what's happened recently, I don't think anyone is truly safe."
Zack filed Thaddeus' words away before nodding. "Fine, I'll help you. But just so we're clear, I'm not a permanent guard for your caravans. Once we reach Gridania, we're done."
Thaddeus grinned, seemingly pleased with the arrangement.
"That's fair, lad." He said. "I appreciate your willingness to lend a hand. We'll set out at first light tomorrow. Rest up and make sure you're prepared. We'll be waiting at the northern entrance."
"Sounds good to me." Zack said, and they shook on it once more.
"Until then, Zack Fair."
He watched the man go, reflecting on what had just happened. Though he was curious about the recent happenings, Zack decided not to push his luck on questioning the man, and instead accept the easy gil.
He'd need every coin he could get his hands on if he wanted a new weapon, after all.
His past words came to him now: "I'm going to open a business that does everything! Troublesome things, dangerous things… I'm going to do everything, depending on the reward."
"Hey, Cloud..." Zack said, his eyes turning towards the Aetheryte still floating beside him. "It looks like I'm going to be starting my business alone. I know I promised I wouldn't leave you hanging, but… I'm sorry, my friend. You'll have to do it alone."
There was no answer.
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Zack will likely have trouble letting go of the past for quite some time…
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To those who wish to remain anonymous, thank you!
A big thanks to Caroline, Harrison, Jake, James, Jared, Jess, Joe, Mac, Moss for being Acolyte Supporters!
An extra thanks to Asibo, Johannes, Miles, Richard for being Mage Supporters!
Andrew, Connor, Sayainprince! Thank you so much for being Somnian Remnants. The world fears you! I hope your confidence in me is well-founded.
A super thanks to my Alo-Ra supporters: the Big Bloodthirsty Bastard — Mand'alor; Myth the Shol'va, who probably grew his beard back a little; Mael, the Overman; The Second Primarch; Logan; Lost1nCarcosa; Matthew; Peter; ProfoundMagician; Saahas; TheBerryMan; Trevor; sketerpot.
And last but most certainly not least, my undying gratitude to my Dreamweaver supporters: Selminth; Adrian; Indigo; Juan; Zogio; Óisín. I am immensely grateful to you for believing in me. I won't forget it.
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