Red XII was an animal that Hojo performed experiments on. You gain him as an ally your first time through the Shinra tower. His real name is Nanaki and he is from Cosmo Canyon. Bugenhagen is his grandfather who helps you out for a major portion of the game. His kind live for hundreds of years, so he is basically a 16 year old in our terms. He is very intelligent and sophisticated for a 16 year old though.

Red is a hybrid fighter, meaning he can use magic and physical attacks. His limits do different things from hurting the enemy, to casting haste on the entire party. Definitly someone you should have constantly on your team. He and Cloud are portrayed as best friends in Amano sketches.