Final Fantasy VII: On The Way To A Smile: Case of Nanaki

Part One

Oh, Gilligan please begone. Just who are you? Nanaki who was also known as Red XIII faced the moon and howled as he tried to spit out the pitch black monster that had nested itself inside him. His howl echoed across the cold plateau of the night. The burning flame at the tip of his elastic tail lit up the red fur that covered his entire body as he shook and howled.

There was nothing around to answer Nanaki's distant howl. It had always been the same but just this time, he thought there was a sign. It was one that told him he will most likely have to resolve this problem alone. Gilligan was inside him and was his enemy alone.

It was just a few days ago that he realised its existence. Gilligan was born after Nanaki was - or so that was the order it happened as he thought back.

After the journey with Cloud and the others to defeat Sephiroth and save the planet ended, Nanaki returned to Cosmo Canyon. The people of the valley warmly welcomed the return of Nanaki who helped end the battle and listened to the story of his travels with deep interest. Nanaki was filled with pride.

Then Nanaki went to see his father, the brave warrior who fought the Gi Tribe and now stood petrified watching over the valley.

"Father, you and mother were fine warriors who watched over this valley. That's why I tried to protect it just like you did. And I think I managed to do it. That's why I will be travelling again, father. This time it won't be about fighting. I will look at life around the world. Chocobos being born, trees withering and hmmm - I don't know what else but, I'll look at all sorts of things, everything. Grandpa told me. He told me that it's my errand to continue watching such things, remember it all and tell my descendants all about it. Oh and-" Nanaki's gaze ran over his father looking at his petrified eyes and ears as he thought, "And I will tell you everything too, father. Yes, I'll do that."

Nanaki then told the people of the valley the very same things. That he was going to obey the last words of his deceased grandfather Bugenhagen - and make "the journey to record the world" his new errand. They all encouraged him saying it will be very meaningful. And reassuring him that they will always be here for him, they saw him off.

Leaving the village through the plateau, Nanaki looked back after going down a steep path. The people of the valley were still waving to him. In answer, he sat back and raised his front legs, head high in the air and howled. Farewell. I will be back. Take care. With that, he ran down the rest of the path in a single breathe. Before long he arrived at a crag. It was the spot he would always stop to look back whenever he left the village. After he leaves it, the village will be out of sight. Just like those times he looked back up - but he couldn't see it. A giant boulder that he was sure wasn't there before blocked his view. Ah yes, Nanaki thought to himself. The lifestream passed through here. That must have caused the boulder to fall down from somewhere. When I made my way back here, I noticed the geography has changed in many places. At the very least when he went to check nearby, he found layers of rocks and parts that had once protruded out of ledges had all collapsed. It can't be helped, thought Nanaki. The changes weren't troubling anyone. When compared to say Midgar's reconstruction and its destroyed cities, this was nothing. Nanaki leapt off a small boulder and moved on. He took care as he walked on his feet. He took one step. Then another. Then he realised something was wrong. It had nothing to do with his surroundings but his body- no, inside his heart. Nanaki stood still and closed his eyes. He looked deep into his heart. There it is. This must be it. How to describe it, thought Nanaki. This was the way Nanaki looked at and tried to understand matters. This was- pitch black. It was as if a hole had opened up in his heart. No it wasn't a hole. It was like a black "soul of memories" sitting there. Something was attached to his heart very firmly. Before long he could feel it starting to vibrate violently. He believed it was changing shape. I wonder what's it changing into- Just as the thought came to mind, Nanaki trembled all over with fear.