Disclaimer: I own the plot, and the names and characterizations of Skyvra and Kilijra (the red mages who are always wandering around). I also don’t own FF8, which is referred to in the tale of Shiva.

AN: Decided not to rewrite, too much work, and it could just as easily be converted into something original if I rewrote it.

Warnings: Shonen-ai, dark. Don’t care if you flame, would probably amuse the hell out of me.

Pairings: Zidane/Kuja.

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“Are you sure?” Blank frowned, according to the map, Dali was the only safe place in this general area. However, if anyone would know of a safe place, it would be a red mage. Baku had often lamented not knowing the secret passageways the mages used to travel through the mist without using an airship. They appeared anywhere and everywhere, and never set so much as a toe on the commonly used form of travel.

“Positively absolutely. However,” she paused, trying to think of a way to phrase it. “...you won’t be able to enter or leave unless you have a red mage with you, the entrances are keyed to our energy to protect us from outsiders.”

“You’re letting us in your village?” The Prince asked, eyes widening slightly. Skyvra had mentioned once that outsiders, like them, were not allowed no matter how close they were to the mages themselves. She glanced at him and nodded.

“This is an emergency, and once Kilijra gets there, Grandma will understand. Come on, follow me.” She started walking, hair swishing behind her. Prince Zidane and Vivi exchanged looks, and quickly set after her. As soon as the fact that his prince was leaving got into his brain, Steiner followed them

Skyvra lead them out of the village towards the mountains, casting a wary eye out for monsters. As tired as they were from the trek through the ice caves, even the weakest monster could finish them off if they were caught unaware. Thankfully, whatever god was looking after them kept the path to the entrance clear, there would not be any monsters on the path home. Taking a deep, calming breath, she stood in front of relief carved in the mountain’s side.

Though she might not show it, she was kind of anxious about bringing strangers –outsiders- into her people’s village. However, it was too late to turn back now, and she needed them –at least she needed Zidane and Vivi- to fully explain the situation to Grandma. There were some parts she was rather fuzzy on, especially on the ‘Garnet’s turned evil’ bit. She was such a sweet girl when she had met her when she was a tyke; Skyvra had to wonder what had happened.

“Are you going to do something, or are you going to stare at the wall all day while we get eaten by monsters?” Blank demanded, scowling at the mage before glancing at the carvings in the mountain-face. He had seen them before, but had never thought much of them. Skyvra sighed, then raised her hand to touch the dragon in the carving’s nose.

‘Lord Bahamut, King of Dragons, allow me entrance to your domain.’ She whispered, magic curling about her fingertips. Somewhere in the distance, she heard a dragon roar and then smiled as the carving came to life, wings spreading as it, and the stone it was carved on, disappeared, revealing the path to her village.

“Keep your head down and don’t speak until Kilijra gets here.” She urged quietly, ushering them through the gate before slamming it close behind them. Her brother could open it on his own.

They trudged towards the village, no less wary than they were before. Dimly, Skyvra hoped Kilijra caught up with them before the village guards intercepted them. She could only hope all went well.

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TBC

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Thanks to all for reading and reviewing, I appreciate it.