OK, we know a lot about Red XIII....but in the end, there's still a lot left unexplained. Why does his tail glow? What do those tattoos mean? What IS he? I've decided that these questions need to be answered. And without further ado... I'll turn this over to Nanaki!

I'll try to answer these as best I can...though even I don't know the answers to some of them.

#1. Ummm....what are you, exactly? A lion? A wolf?

Well....my people could best be described as a cross between a lion and a wolf. We have characteristics of both canines and felines, but we are felines. For example, all big cats have 4 toes on their front paws, and one smaller toe farther up the leg, called a dewclaw. We also have 4 toes on our back paws. However, we have the sharp senses of smell and hearing of a wolf.

#2. What is the name of your species?

Well...I don't know. We have never called ourselves anything. Several historical texts, however, give us the name 'the Guardians.' I feel that is a fitting name.

#3. What do all your tattoos mean?

The small red ones on my face were put there when I was a week old, in a ceremony where I was named Nanaki. And if you think it is cruel to inflict pain upon a little cub, I can assure you that the procedure was completely painless. The one on my front leg represents one of my victories in war against an enemy tribe, as do the tattoos on my back legs. I think you all know where the XIII comes from....

#4. Where did you get all the things you wear?

The earrings and bracelets were birthday gifts from my parents and grandfather. The two feathers behind my head are my headdress. When I get older, I'll add more feathers, until I have 8. I also wear my father's Seraph Comb and my Limited Moon at all times. They help to remind my of my father, and Grandpa...

#5. We never found out what your mother's name was. What did she look like? What did Seto look like?

My mother's name was Sadakko....I inherited most of my looks from her. She had the same colour fur as me, and the same colour hair. She had a headdress of 8 brown feathers. She also had 2 gold stud earrings in each ear. She had a kind, warm face, and a long, glossy mane. But I got my face and body from my father. He had dark red fur and black hair, and tattoos all over his legs. He was very strong, but he was very gentle, as well...

#6. Did you have any brothers or sisters?

No, I have no siblings. My mother waited a long time to have me...she said that she was 'waiting for it to be me.' I'm not really sure what she meant by that....did she know what I would be like?

#7. What did you do when you were little?

During the early part of my childhood, Cosmo Canyon was defending itself from the Gi and other hostile tribes. Since my father was a warrior, I had to train. I hated it... I didn't want to fight. I just wanted everyone to live in peace. I really didn't understand the concept of war...and it didn't make it any easier that we had no reason to fight the Gi. Other than that, I would study with Bugenhagen. I loved that!

#8. Do you think there are more of your people out there?

I don't know. There may be.... I hope so....there have to be....

Well, you've already found one...does that give you hope?

OH! Yes! Sita....it does give me hope. I know there are more of us out there, hiding...

#9. Why does your tail glow? Is it on fire?

Hahaha! Thankfully, no. If I was on fire, then I would be in a bit of trouble...
It glows because of a reaction to a chemical that Hojo used on me.

#10. Why did you call Bugenhagen 'grandpa?'

Bugenhagen was a very close friend of my parents. He was so close that he was there when I was born! I called him Grandpa because he was such a good friend of ours.
When my mother died....he took care of me. So it was like he was my real grandfather...

#11. Do you still keep in touch with Cloud and the others?

Of course! We see each other quite often.
Cloud and Tifa got married. They live in Costa del Sol, and Tifa helps manage the bar there.
Barret became the mayor of North Corel, and I'm happy to say that it has started to rebuild.
Cid builds airplanes, and he also replaced the Tiny Bronco. I think he still yells at Shera...but not as much.
Yuffie is currently in 11th grade at high school, and doing pretty well, from what I've heard.
Cait Sith is at the Gold Saucer, telling fortunes. Reeve is an assistant manager there.
Vincent...he's changed. He still has his claw hand, but his emotions have started to show again.

#12. Speaking of Yuffie, she mentioned that she picked on you....what did she do?

~shudder~ She would sneak up on me, pull my tail...it was terrible! And I never did anything to her, either. But she's a nice girl. We get along fine.

#13. Have you and Sita been on a date yet? ^_^

What kind of question is that?! 'Have I been on a date...'
.........
Well, I took her out for dinner once. But I wouldn't call that a date.

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