The Unnamed Race of Red XIII (Nanaki)

Red XIII belongs to a unique and unnamed species—rare, mysteri­ous, and unlike any other creature on Gaia. Though speaking the human tongue and possessing formidable intellect, his kind walk the world on four legs, bearing the appearance of a red-furred lion-wolf with a flame-tipped tail. Their origin is unknown, but their silence in history speaks of both mystery and loss. Nanaki believes himself to be one of the final survivors of his race. Another known member, Deneh, appears only in the ancient tale of Before Crisis, suggesting his people once numbered more. Whether others remain, or whether his bloodline endures, is a quiet hope in a lonely heart. Red XIII’s species embodies the role of guardians—they are not wild beasts, but sentient protectors of Gaia. Their form may invoke feline or canine imagery, but they stand apart: wise, honorable, and deeply tied to the world they defend. The species remains formally unnamed throughout the lore. Creator Tetsuya Nomura devised Red XIII as a “beast-type SOLDIER,” capable of magic and speech, designed to serve as a guardian of the Buga tribe—the people of Cosmo Canyon. His unnamed race echoes themes of both animal strength and civilized insight. Though unnamed, hints suggest a mythic origin: their form evokes the statues of lion-dogs—shisa or komainu—meant to ward evil at temples and gates. Like those guardians, Red XIII’s species serves as a living bulwark for the planet’s balance. Their appearance blends feline elegance and lupine instinct. With canine howls at the moon and feline grace in motion, they embody both sun and moon symbolism. Their flame-tipped tails—bright and living ember—denote spirit and life-force in every stride. Stories speak of crossbreeding: Hojo, in his hubris, sought to mate Red XIII with Aerith, hoping to preserve what he thought was a rare lineage. Though unproven, such acts suggest his race once carried promise—before they became nearly extinct.