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Fandom: Final Fantasy VII/Heralds of Valdemar
Title: Delivery Boy
Author: GW Katrina aka![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-userinfo.gif)
icedark_elf
Theme: 03-Curiosity(General Table)for![[insanejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/ij-community.gif)
30_somethings
Pairing/Characters: Zack, Cloud, Tifa, Aron(oc), Sephiroth mentions of Angeal and Genesis
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: 2096
Disclaimer: As if I owned these guys....
Critiques: yes
Summary: Zack and company make it to the Vale
Zack was exhausted. He had been doing his best to keep all of them moving towards the Vale, but his head was throbbing, and it made focus a little harder. Still, he Felt the person coming before they popped up, and had just enough time to warn Aron, who warned Tifa, before the scout got his head bashed in by a startled Companion.
"Herald Zack Fair, former-student of Herald-Mage Angeal Hewley, bringing a message to Sephiroth." The second name got a reaction, which was just as well, because Zack had had it beaten into his head that if he saw one of the Tayledras, there was probably three more in the trees he couldn't. And he really didn't feel like having pointy things stuck into him.
And mentioning he was a student of Angeal's was something to help keep the pointy things away. Especially if he was surprising them.
"The bird-message said there was one of you."
Zack glanced back at Cloud, who was looking at the scout with wide eyes. "We ran into Cloud and Tifa here about half a day ago. And did you know your woods were infested?" He glanced at the man. "It should have only taken us an hour to get here, but there are a lot of...magic-changed predators out there."
Much more than there should have been if Angeal had been telling him things right, especially this close to the Vale. And he wasn't sure how else to describe the monsters that had been after them.
There were a few tense moments as the scout looked at him, and he looked back, then the man nodded. A woman seemed to melt from the trees and stood next to him. Giving a whistle, a large black bird stepped out onto the path behind the scouts. "He will lead you to the Vale. Follow him, and he will return here afterwards."
A good choice. Gave him something he couldn't counterfeit to prove he'd met the scouts, and let them know he'd gotten to Vale safely as well. Zack nodded, still wishing for some tea, and patted Aron's shoulder as the chocobo walked, and his Companion followed.
I want to see what these hot springs they are so well known for look like, Aron said softly. He shifted some, glancing back to Tifa. Oh, yes, the Tayledras are well known for having allies with more than two legs, so they build their hot springs so that said allies can enjoy them. Which means we get hot soaks for once.
The mare behind them perked up some, which had the effect of making Cloud smile. Zack relaxed some. Cloud had been quiet since they had met, and he was starting to worry about the kid some.
"So, where are you from?" he asked as they walked along the path. Blue eyes focused on him, and then Cloud shrugged.
"From the Plains. I was heading for Hawk's Nest when Tifa found me. I, um, hadn't gotten very far. And we've only been traveling a few days before those things attacked us."
New bond, and the kid was heading away from anything he'd ever known. Still didn't have any idea why Tifa had gone this far south for a Herald, but who knows. The Plains didn't have a lot of blonds anymore, at least he didn't think so. But who knew. He'd never been down there, and he'd only had what others had recorded to go by. And Zack was not the most diligent of students when it came to sitting in a classroom and reading.
"Well, when it's time to go back home, you can come with us, and until then, I can start giving you some basic lessons, like how to shield and such."
That got him a shy smile, and he grinned back. Okay, this kid was adorable. And he'd have to make sure to do his best. At least enough to hold him over to get him to Haven where he could get some real training. Or maybe someone here would have a few ideas on what to do for such a strong Gift for fire starting.
Still, priority was to get Sephiroth the message, and figure out what to do from there.
///
Sephiroth had been expecting the message soon enough, and when he got the delicate touch from one of the mages who were out with the scouts, he was not surprised to hear that Angeal's student had appeared. What did surprise him was that the boy had managed to pick up a follower already.
Still, maybe he had should have. Angeal had even mentioned Zack's uncanny ability to collect strays in the oddest of places. There hadn't been much on the paper the bird had brought. Just that Zack was being sent their way, and Angeal had a large favor to ask of Sephiroth. Zack would be bringing the details.
So when the bird arrived at the entrance of the Vale, Sephiroth was waiting for him. Dressed in his typical gear, which was decorated with feathers and his bird perched in the tree above him, the mage watched as the two Companions picked their way through the Veil, a ripple rolling over their skins at the tingle of magic. The chocobo came up to him, beak picking the green he offered up carefully, then turned to start back to where his partner was. While not as capable of mind to mind as some of their other allies, the chocobos were perfectly capable of following instructions.
"Hello," he said calmly, looking up at the pair. "Stay on your Companions, if you would. We'll be going across Vale, and it will be faster this way." A soft whistle called his own chocobo over, and he mounted easily, turning the bird's head towards one of the paths that edged the Vale as his falcon took to the air, flying ahead of them.
The others followed easily enough, though the blond child seemed to start at every unexpected sound. All of them looked the worst for wear. So the rumors had been true. There was something going on, sending monsters into previous cleaned lands.
"So, Sephiroth?"
Angeal's student's voice drew his attention off the thoughts of what could be herding the creatures, and he glanced back and nodded. "You must be Zack. Angeal spoke of you often. Which tells me that you are Aron." This was to the Companion. "Though the message did not say anything of you two."
The blond flushed, ducking his head down and mumbling something that sounded vaguely of an apology. Sephiroth quirked a brow. Not expected. Granted, he only knew a few Heralds, but those he had met seemed to be more confident in general.
"Spike here was someone I ran into on the way in. Being attacked by something, not sure what they were, but we managed to drive them off."
"My name's Cloud," the boy said, giving Zack a faint scowl. "Not Spike. This is Tifa."
The affection he had in his voice as he ran a hand over his Companion's shoulder was the same as any other Heralds, and that made Sephiroth smile faintly.
"You will have to tell us of your preferences when it comes to where you wish to stay. Most of those from outside prefer to have a dwelling on the ground. But if you would rather, we can provide an ekele for you if you'd prefer."
That got blank looks from all of them, and he wondered what Angeal had told his student. Though his friend had preferred to keep his feet on the ground. Sighing mentally, he pointed upwards, and the party paused as they looked up. There, in the tree, was the glow of light, and it only took a few moments to pick out the shape of the rounded dwelling that laid in the giant branches.
Both of the newcomers looked fascinated, and he decided to request an ekele for them. One close to the ground. They were, after all, people who had grown up without a home that moved under them. Besides, it would keep them closer to their Companions.
It only took a bit to find what he had been looking for. With their appearance, he had decided a bath and food would be best for all of them, and the hertasi had prepared things. One day, someone would figure out how they seemed to know exactly what was needed, but this was not that day. Instead, he slipped off his bird, giving him a scratch before the chocobo trotted off.
Taking that as a cue, both of the Heralds slid off their Companions, grimaces over stiffness flashing over their expressions. Ah, so he had been right.
"There are baths for all of you here if you would like, as well as food. Zack, if I could have my message...?"
The man gave him a sheepish look, and then dug through his packs before handing over a tube of metal. Taking it, Sephiroth gestured at the pools. "Please, feel free. There are fresh clothes available, and things to eat while you relax."
Obviously Zack had heard tales about the hot springs, because after he stripped the tack off of Aron, he didn't hesitate to work on his own supplies and follow his Companion into the water. Cloud was slightly slower, but did the same when he seemed to realize that Sephiroth was paying no overt attention to him.
And Sephiroth wasn't. Most of his attention was on the papers he had pulled out of the tube, though he did keep some focus on the new ones, just to make sure nothing happened that he needed to be aware of.
Unrolling the papers, he settled on a rock that was perfectly shaped to be sat upon, and read his friend's words.
Sephiroth,
It's been a long time, and I wish I was there as well, but you of all people should know how duty is. Genesis sends his regards, knowing or not.
The main reason I sent this message with Zack is I have a favor to ask you. He is an Empath. The strongest we've been able to find record of. While there have been Empath's before, he is capable of doing things that none of the Chronicles even hint at, not even the ones that hold all the dirty secrets. I can't teach him anymore, and the Healers can only teach him so much. Even for them, he's an oddity with the strength of his Gift. Also, he's a Herald, and he will face combat. We need him trained in using his Empathy in ways that I know your people can.
He's fully trained, there is just more he can learn from your people than he can learn here. Perhaps when it's time to come back, you can come along and visit as well.
Send a bird when you get this, please, to let me know that he made it there without getting himself killed.
Angeal.
Re-reading it a few times, Sephiroth flipped through the rest of the pages. From what he could tell, it was notes over Zack's training so far. It had been well done, but while Angeal had a minor ability in empathy, that would only teach his student the basics. And the healers that Sephiroth knew had a different approach than those who planned to use their skills in an offensive manner. From the looks of the notes, the Healers of Valdemar were the same.
Setting the letter to the side, he looked at the pair. "How are your supplies? Clothing and such?"
Zack blinked at him, and shifted so he could face the man, arms resting on the edge of the pool, chin set on them. "I got a week or so. It was all I could carry and still keep Aron's supplies and the stuff I needed for traveling."
Mostly hidden by Tifa, Cloud just shook his head. "A few days. Maybe."
Considering this, Sephiroth nodded. "I will talk to the hertasi about making you new things."
That got a slight frown and a bit of confusion from Zack, and Sephiroth did have to agree that Zack's shielding was prefect. Not a hint of that confusion radiated from him.
"You'll be staying here for a bit. Angeal asked me to help you learn more about your Empathy. I've decided to do so."
The startled expression on Zack's face was amusing.
This was going to be entertaining.
Title: Delivery Boy
Author: GW Katrina aka
icedark_elfTheme: 03-Curiosity(General Table)for
30_somethingsPairing/Characters: Zack, Cloud, Tifa, Aron(oc), Sephiroth mentions of Angeal and Genesis
Rating: PG-13
Wordcount: 2096
Disclaimer: As if I owned these guys....
Critiques: yes
Summary: Zack and company make it to the Vale
Zack was exhausted. He had been doing his best to keep all of them moving towards the Vale, but his head was throbbing, and it made focus a little harder. Still, he Felt the person coming before they popped up, and had just enough time to warn Aron, who warned Tifa, before the scout got his head bashed in by a startled Companion.
"Herald Zack Fair, former-student of Herald-Mage Angeal Hewley, bringing a message to Sephiroth." The second name got a reaction, which was just as well, because Zack had had it beaten into his head that if he saw one of the Tayledras, there was probably three more in the trees he couldn't. And he really didn't feel like having pointy things stuck into him.
And mentioning he was a student of Angeal's was something to help keep the pointy things away. Especially if he was surprising them.
"The bird-message said there was one of you."
Zack glanced back at Cloud, who was looking at the scout with wide eyes. "We ran into Cloud and Tifa here about half a day ago. And did you know your woods were infested?" He glanced at the man. "It should have only taken us an hour to get here, but there are a lot of...magic-changed predators out there."
Much more than there should have been if Angeal had been telling him things right, especially this close to the Vale. And he wasn't sure how else to describe the monsters that had been after them.
There were a few tense moments as the scout looked at him, and he looked back, then the man nodded. A woman seemed to melt from the trees and stood next to him. Giving a whistle, a large black bird stepped out onto the path behind the scouts. "He will lead you to the Vale. Follow him, and he will return here afterwards."
A good choice. Gave him something he couldn't counterfeit to prove he'd met the scouts, and let them know he'd gotten to Vale safely as well. Zack nodded, still wishing for some tea, and patted Aron's shoulder as the chocobo walked, and his Companion followed.
I want to see what these hot springs they are so well known for look like, Aron said softly. He shifted some, glancing back to Tifa. Oh, yes, the Tayledras are well known for having allies with more than two legs, so they build their hot springs so that said allies can enjoy them. Which means we get hot soaks for once.
The mare behind them perked up some, which had the effect of making Cloud smile. Zack relaxed some. Cloud had been quiet since they had met, and he was starting to worry about the kid some.
"So, where are you from?" he asked as they walked along the path. Blue eyes focused on him, and then Cloud shrugged.
"From the Plains. I was heading for Hawk's Nest when Tifa found me. I, um, hadn't gotten very far. And we've only been traveling a few days before those things attacked us."
New bond, and the kid was heading away from anything he'd ever known. Still didn't have any idea why Tifa had gone this far south for a Herald, but who knows. The Plains didn't have a lot of blonds anymore, at least he didn't think so. But who knew. He'd never been down there, and he'd only had what others had recorded to go by. And Zack was not the most diligent of students when it came to sitting in a classroom and reading.
"Well, when it's time to go back home, you can come with us, and until then, I can start giving you some basic lessons, like how to shield and such."
That got him a shy smile, and he grinned back. Okay, this kid was adorable. And he'd have to make sure to do his best. At least enough to hold him over to get him to Haven where he could get some real training. Or maybe someone here would have a few ideas on what to do for such a strong Gift for fire starting.
Still, priority was to get Sephiroth the message, and figure out what to do from there.
Sephiroth had been expecting the message soon enough, and when he got the delicate touch from one of the mages who were out with the scouts, he was not surprised to hear that Angeal's student had appeared. What did surprise him was that the boy had managed to pick up a follower already.
Still, maybe he had should have. Angeal had even mentioned Zack's uncanny ability to collect strays in the oddest of places. There hadn't been much on the paper the bird had brought. Just that Zack was being sent their way, and Angeal had a large favor to ask of Sephiroth. Zack would be bringing the details.
So when the bird arrived at the entrance of the Vale, Sephiroth was waiting for him. Dressed in his typical gear, which was decorated with feathers and his bird perched in the tree above him, the mage watched as the two Companions picked their way through the Veil, a ripple rolling over their skins at the tingle of magic. The chocobo came up to him, beak picking the green he offered up carefully, then turned to start back to where his partner was. While not as capable of mind to mind as some of their other allies, the chocobos were perfectly capable of following instructions.
"Hello," he said calmly, looking up at the pair. "Stay on your Companions, if you would. We'll be going across Vale, and it will be faster this way." A soft whistle called his own chocobo over, and he mounted easily, turning the bird's head towards one of the paths that edged the Vale as his falcon took to the air, flying ahead of them.
The others followed easily enough, though the blond child seemed to start at every unexpected sound. All of them looked the worst for wear. So the rumors had been true. There was something going on, sending monsters into previous cleaned lands.
"So, Sephiroth?"
Angeal's student's voice drew his attention off the thoughts of what could be herding the creatures, and he glanced back and nodded. "You must be Zack. Angeal spoke of you often. Which tells me that you are Aron." This was to the Companion. "Though the message did not say anything of you two."
The blond flushed, ducking his head down and mumbling something that sounded vaguely of an apology. Sephiroth quirked a brow. Not expected. Granted, he only knew a few Heralds, but those he had met seemed to be more confident in general.
"Spike here was someone I ran into on the way in. Being attacked by something, not sure what they were, but we managed to drive them off."
"My name's Cloud," the boy said, giving Zack a faint scowl. "Not Spike. This is Tifa."
The affection he had in his voice as he ran a hand over his Companion's shoulder was the same as any other Heralds, and that made Sephiroth smile faintly.
"You will have to tell us of your preferences when it comes to where you wish to stay. Most of those from outside prefer to have a dwelling on the ground. But if you would rather, we can provide an ekele for you if you'd prefer."
That got blank looks from all of them, and he wondered what Angeal had told his student. Though his friend had preferred to keep his feet on the ground. Sighing mentally, he pointed upwards, and the party paused as they looked up. There, in the tree, was the glow of light, and it only took a few moments to pick out the shape of the rounded dwelling that laid in the giant branches.
Both of the newcomers looked fascinated, and he decided to request an ekele for them. One close to the ground. They were, after all, people who had grown up without a home that moved under them. Besides, it would keep them closer to their Companions.
It only took a bit to find what he had been looking for. With their appearance, he had decided a bath and food would be best for all of them, and the hertasi had prepared things. One day, someone would figure out how they seemed to know exactly what was needed, but this was not that day. Instead, he slipped off his bird, giving him a scratch before the chocobo trotted off.
Taking that as a cue, both of the Heralds slid off their Companions, grimaces over stiffness flashing over their expressions. Ah, so he had been right.
"There are baths for all of you here if you would like, as well as food. Zack, if I could have my message...?"
The man gave him a sheepish look, and then dug through his packs before handing over a tube of metal. Taking it, Sephiroth gestured at the pools. "Please, feel free. There are fresh clothes available, and things to eat while you relax."
Obviously Zack had heard tales about the hot springs, because after he stripped the tack off of Aron, he didn't hesitate to work on his own supplies and follow his Companion into the water. Cloud was slightly slower, but did the same when he seemed to realize that Sephiroth was paying no overt attention to him.
And Sephiroth wasn't. Most of his attention was on the papers he had pulled out of the tube, though he did keep some focus on the new ones, just to make sure nothing happened that he needed to be aware of.
Unrolling the papers, he settled on a rock that was perfectly shaped to be sat upon, and read his friend's words.
Sephiroth,
It's been a long time, and I wish I was there as well, but you of all people should know how duty is. Genesis sends his regards, knowing or not.
The main reason I sent this message with Zack is I have a favor to ask you. He is an Empath. The strongest we've been able to find record of. While there have been Empath's before, he is capable of doing things that none of the Chronicles even hint at, not even the ones that hold all the dirty secrets. I can't teach him anymore, and the Healers can only teach him so much. Even for them, he's an oddity with the strength of his Gift. Also, he's a Herald, and he will face combat. We need him trained in using his Empathy in ways that I know your people can.
He's fully trained, there is just more he can learn from your people than he can learn here. Perhaps when it's time to come back, you can come along and visit as well.
Send a bird when you get this, please, to let me know that he made it there without getting himself killed.
Angeal.
Re-reading it a few times, Sephiroth flipped through the rest of the pages. From what he could tell, it was notes over Zack's training so far. It had been well done, but while Angeal had a minor ability in empathy, that would only teach his student the basics. And the healers that Sephiroth knew had a different approach than those who planned to use their skills in an offensive manner. From the looks of the notes, the Healers of Valdemar were the same.
Setting the letter to the side, he looked at the pair. "How are your supplies? Clothing and such?"
Zack blinked at him, and shifted so he could face the man, arms resting on the edge of the pool, chin set on them. "I got a week or so. It was all I could carry and still keep Aron's supplies and the stuff I needed for traveling."
Mostly hidden by Tifa, Cloud just shook his head. "A few days. Maybe."
Considering this, Sephiroth nodded. "I will talk to the hertasi about making you new things."
That got a slight frown and a bit of confusion from Zack, and Sephiroth did have to agree that Zack's shielding was prefect. Not a hint of that confusion radiated from him.
"You'll be staying here for a bit. Angeal asked me to help you learn more about your Empathy. I've decided to do so."
The startled expression on Zack's face was amusing.
This was going to be entertaining.
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Still enjoying this...
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You may have nailed the crossover jackpot, serioudly at that, in my book. Nothing I love more than either Mercees Lackey or FF7. -cough- Also, correct me if this is someone else I was thinking of, but aren't you the author who also does Dresden Files fiction? It that is you, I may as well just hand you the entire internet right now, damnit.
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(>____________________>) Small cameo from Firesong?
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<.< This is the second fic in the series. Go to my main journal page, there should be a link to the table for these. *grins* Glad you like it. And Seph is so a Hawkbrother. All that long silver hair.... *gets distracted*
*coughs* Anyway, this is set well after the Mage Storms series, though there -might- be a mention of a ghost or two.
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Anyway, the Tayledras are many people's ideal characters. (*o*) I have so many OC's for Valdemar...(@__@) All male and all lifebonded to each other [small note: another good series for this is Nightrunners by Lynn Flewelling :3]
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But, yeah, rough times are coming if there is an insanely strong Empath -and- an insanely strong Firestarter both popping up like that.
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Herald-Zack and Herald-Cloud! Glee!!! Tayledras-Sephie! More Glee!!!
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So pretty.
You know I'm going to want more now. :P
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I'd been wondering when someone would do this crossover....I'm just surprised at how long it took.
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And I'm not the first.