Fragmented Memories (Open)

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The Realm of Darkness. It's where so many fates begun and ended. The truth of the matter was that the Realm of Darkness use to be part of the Realm of Light. Ancient scrolls spoke of both Realms being one before the great Keyblade War split them. Kingdom Hearts created the Realm of Darkness and brought forth a wave of light that would plague the Worlds for many years to come. Xehanort sought out to return the World's to their original state: all connected. Through many trials and tribulations he had failed, but always came back with another fierce plan for his goal. Though this Xehanort had a bit of trouble remembering who he was. Fragmented memories had blanketed his Heart. They were split between men known as Terra, Master Xehanort, Ansem, and Xemnas. Though he had memories of his own, as an apprentice in Ansem the Wise's castle. The strongest and most influential memories were that of the old master, which is why he started to call himself Xehanort again. Though this peaked his curiosity: why did all of these fragmented memories start to show themselves all of a sudden? He remembered his Heart being examined by Ansem the Wise, under guidance by Braig, to bring out his deepest memories. After that things were a bit of a blur.

But this was where he was awoken, surrounded by Darkness. Though he wasn't sure if he was brought here by choice or chance. Very vague memories of Thirteen hooded men in a round white room were present, but he wasn't sure if they were his own, the Masters or Xemnas'. All the names and experiences seemed so surreal. The silver haired apprentice surveyed his surroundings. There was nothing but Darkness all around him with some dark structures in the distance. They each had faint blue glowing stripes on all of them. Most would be scared to be in such a place, but Xehanort was not. He embraced the Darkness and knew how to channel it, why it was so important to living beings and the Worlds. That was his reason to not leave such a place immediately. It was like second nature to him. Xehanort walked down the winding and jagged road, trying to recollect anything else. The only thing that comes to mind is Kingdom Hearts. It's locked away in the depths somewhere in this Realm, far from anyone's reach. He lifted up his right arm and held it out in front of him. Slight shades of purple, blue and black surrounded his hand and in a flash he summoned his Keyblade. Only us Keybearers have the potential to unlock it, but this is not the right key.

A jolt of pain hit his mind as he tried to remember why he knew so much about Kingdom Hearts. Silver hair was soon tangled around his left hand's fingers as he tried to cope with such sudden pain. As a researcher he knew so much about the Heart and knew a lot about Kingdom Hearts, but because of the flood of memories he couldn't figure out where they came from. Do these memories of Kingdom Hearts come from the Old Master? He let his hair loose and relaxed his arm, the pain had passed. These memories are becoming more of a nuisance thnn they were before. Xehanort was mentioning when he was just an apprentice for Ansem. He had similar fragmented memories, but they were very deep inside of his heart. Back then they would only surface when he would sleep and dream. There were only two memories that came to him then: Terra and Master Xehanort. Ever since he was reformed, he could draw upon the memories of two others: Xemnas and Ansem. Why. That's all he wanted to know.

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G  r  o  g  g  y
D  i  z  z  y
L  i  g  h  t  h  e  a  d  e  d  n  e  s  s.

Everything was black until her lids cracked open. As soon as they open, they closed with a discomforted grunt. She held her head as she sat up feeling her equilibrium sway with each movement, “I really need to stop getting like this.”

On her knees, she took in her surroundings after shaking off the grogginess. The horizon swirled in black and purples; the land was desolate and cold with only desaturated blue mountains decorating the terrain. Her heart raced; her throat clenched; it became harder to breathe.

I

I remember this place…

Shining light
Another day turns into moon

It seems like I've been walking for ages.

A long winding road
where only darkness thrives and
where light fades away

How long have I been down here?

a lonely passage
darkness is waiting for her
to yield and give in.

Maybe...I should fade...

succumb to darkness
relinquish your heart, your light
and never be whole.

She’s been walking about tirelessly in the infinite realm; there wasn’t a beginning or end. She wandered aimlessly hoping to find a seam to slip through. She walked with purpose as darkness eroded her heart. All she could do was walk, live, and fight.

                                                              Walk                           Live                                           Hope  Wish                           Hope
                                                                      Live           Walk         Fight                         Walk                    Live            Pray            Fight
                                                                              Fight                          Fight       Fight                                      Walk                               Live
                                                                                                                       Live                                                                                            Walk

                                                                             I keep walking to live…                                       There are promises to keep....

                                                                                                              I keep walking to fight…



                                                                                                                                                                                         There were people to find…

She can see the ghosts of her steps and whispers of her voice laced in the void. The memories were so far. Was the budding will to pursue them brought her here? How much would she grasp? She had broken free before somehow. On her feet, she wasn’t sure which way to go or which voice to follow. But she wasn’t alone. A bouncing bubble of darkness rippled next to her, a dog.

A heartless.

Aotori would’ve chopped it in half by now, but she knew it was sent for her, tailing her. Funny, the rabid dog was out of sight for most of her roaming. Did Hades not trust her to return, or did he think she’d end up broken?

“Have you been here before?” Of-course she wouldn’t understand it, but it broke the silence; this world had a lot of it, “It’s not the warmest place neither is the Underworld.”

It truly wasn’t much of an upgrade, but at ‘home’, she could ascend to the outside bright world of Olympus and watch in the stands of the Coliseum. The swirly eyed heartless gave a scratchy bark before licking its mouth with a long lolling tongue, “I won’t be here long. You can guide me out, but first…I need to find something.”

Anything…

As she walked, more whispers drift by her calling her to remember, but she was only scratching the surface.

“T  h  e d  a  r  k  n  e  s  s c  a  n  t h  a  v  e y  o  u!”

She’d echoed those words to the Darkside that tried to snatch away an Artefact Lightening held and take them both with it.

“Y  o  u w  o  n  t t  a  k  e m  e l  i  k  e y  o  u t  o  o  k t  h  e  m a  w  a  y f  r  o  m m  e  !”

Them. Who was ‘them’? Who was I before this, before I felt nothing?

Woman and dog strolled across the bland realm without much to go on. In the distance, her interest piqued. Someone else was here. The closer she walked she noticed it was a male; he held a blade in his hand, which she didn’t take much notice of.

“Are you lost or trapped?”

She approached him from behind not seeing his face. Something in the back of her mind made her frown. Her nose wrinkled unsure what was going on. It was at the tip of her finger.

Utter confusion

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After struggling with his memories, Xehanort was going to traverse the Realm of Darkness a bit more before leaving it. Would finding Kingdom Hearts be able to reconnect his memories or did he need something else, something to unlock it? His Keyblade wasn't enough to open such a door. There was something that he needed, something stronger. It was a Keyblade, but what kind of Keyblade was it? The numbers Thirteen and Seven flashed in his mind, but as of now they meant nothing. They were more of a cryptic omen in his eyes. Did he have a plan to unite Thirteen and Seven, was it to break them apart? Were the connected to the white room and cloaked men? What really was Xehanort after? The only way he would know was to get his full memories restored.

Before he could step another foot forward he heard a womanly voice. Someone else traverses this dark land? Thought Xehanort. From what he knew only a few were able to freely enter and leave the Realm of Darkness. Those that did enter and couldn't leave were trapped forever. However those that had the means to leave would've done so by now, unless they were searching for something too? Once he turned around, his golden eyes could not look away from what he saw. "Friend." Xehanort spoke out loud as if he was trying to remember. Stepping back he winced again, raising the hand with his Keyblade in it up to his own face. The blade was pointing out to the side so it avoided any kind of contact with his person.

Though this was not the 'friend' that he previously remembered. Once short and bright blue hair had turned dull and long. Hey face looked like she had been to the deepest depths of the Realm of Darkness. The familiarity with the person in front of him resonated with three memories. Terra and Xemnas saw her as a friend, mostly the former. And then there were the memories of the old master. His memories of the blue-haired woman were a lot more foggier, but still existent. All he remembers is clashing against the woman, but for reasons unknown. Was this a person for Xehanort to trust, seek answers, or to rid of completely? The grip on his Keyblade tightened as he moved it away from his face, as if he was ready to get on the defensive. What was her name?

Immediately he answered her question. "Lost, but in search of something." Still not knowing if he could fully trust the woman, he kept his grip on his Keyblade firm. "This Realm holds secrets that reach out far beyond our own comprehension." He remembered his reports that he wrote in the guise of Ansem. "Deep within is such a powerful tool, one that could restore lost memories." His focus turned to the path behind the woman and the dark abyss around her. "But such a thing is completely out of our grasp." Xehanort would continue to keep his distance from the woman until he could figure out what her motives were. She might be able to prove some use to him.

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When he turned, Aotori's read his face; either he was just as lost or the elevator didn't scale to the top. He was out of sorts and inflicted; it was discerning as a peculiar blade was clutched near his head. Her eyes widdened for a split second as if she recognized it; it felt ominous with its jagged edges and the blue eye that stared at her. She too subconsciously took a step back feeling a sudden chill. Glancing at the rabid dog at her ankles, it padded around to stay in her shadow. She had to clear her throat from the harsh dryness.

He was looking for something, and it felt like a trend of this realm; people only entered for soul-searching. It wasn't the most hospitable, but maybe that was the point. There were puzzles, traps, and trials to cross to prolong anyone from getting what they want. In that case, why did she come here the first place back then? She looked how she felt now, decrepit. What she sought out then was out of her reach and nearly led to her end, or did her end happened leaving her to pick up the scattered pieces?

"What are you looking for," she asked hopeful, "the tool that can bring back memories?"

Shadows chased her. Ghost lingered around her. Words echoed, and enough people thought they knew and recognized her. There was a life before this place, and a life before her current awakening. She had searched for the fey Maleficent and came home empty every time, and each time she was more confused and unsure of what she wanted. It was hard to turn her back on the dreams, the past, when they're floating around her. She's already here at square one; at this point there wasn't a point in turning back.

"How can anyone do this, search aimlessly and not loose themselves in the process?" Her eyes cast down breaking the eye contact, "I've been here before. I don't know how and why. It must have been for some time if I am what I am because of it. I can't remember anything before it."

Looking back at him, she wondered if she should unveil that much to him, a stranger, but he had relatable problems, "Does it call come back to you randomly in scattered pieces? It's like pictures flashing in your face blinding you."

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Xehanort noticed the equal expression of shock that the woman gave him. Perhaps that they truly did know each other at one point in time. The memories did not seem to lie this time around. The woman followed up by asking more questions. Questions always formed more questions. That was a fact Xehanort knew as he would end up with more questions after seeking out so many answers. Regardless if it was nature or the memories, he always sought out something higher. He was never satisfied with learning anything face value. Xehanort would always probe deeper to learn the inner workings of things and that held true even through his amnesia. Though it seemed like she was here before, but she didn't seem like the type to enter and leave freely. She wasn't like Xehanort, even though her outward appearance seemed devoid of hope.

"It is locked so deep, yet a handful of people know the means of obtaining it." Xehanort continued, answering her question. "Kingdom Hearts." Softly, Xehanort spoke about the Heart of Heart's. The big one, the Heart of all Worlds. It always came down to Kingdom Hearts one way or another. Perhaps it was his other memories that wanted to guide him toward the mythical Heart. It very well might have been a legitimate desire to use it to return his memories. Or it could've been his memories longing for the Keyblade War, he couldn't tell at the moment. He did realize however if he could get another to join him on his long-term crusade to find Kingdom Hearts it would be easier.

"Exploring this Realm is no easy feat. Many have tried and just about all of them failed." Xehanort motioned his bladeless hand toward the endless abyss all around them. "Easily they were lost to Darkness, but there are a few exceptions." That's when he pointed at the woman and then placed his hand on his own chest, before lowering it back down to his side. "Though I cannot say the same for your memories." Xehanort had finally loosened up his body and the grip on his Keyblade, but kept the weapon drawn still. You wouldn't say that he was totally relaxed, but he was now more comfortable around the woman. It didn't seem like she had any ill intentions.

Something she said next definitely struck him. They flash? It was like a truck hit him in his face, he knew exactly what she was talking about. So it did seem like she had something quite similar to what Xehanort was experiencing, if not the same. Maybe our loss of memories are linked in some way. He took a second to think if they really were connected somehow. "Yes they d-.." Another flash of memories hit him, both of his hands reached up toward his face because of the pain. Xehanort was careful to not let his own blade cut him. He could see the woman standing in front of him with a Keyblade at Radiant Garden, his old homeworld. Then he saw another distinct memory of Xemnas in a white room with armor and the same Keyblade that the woman held. Maybe she was the cause of this?

After another deep breath he lowered his arms once more and looked directly into the womans eyes. This time he held out his Keyblade in front of him, but he wasn't pointing it at the woman. "Does this weapon look familiar to you?" He had to know, there was no way he wouldn't pursuit truths. "I remember you held a weapon similar to my Keyblade, that's what I just saw." The Realm of Darkness was a good place to start searching for answers after all.

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Long ago, people live in peace, bathed in the warmth of light. Everyone loved the light…

Kingdom Hearts, the heart of all.

It felt as memorable as a fairytale. If she was at another place at a different time, it would’ve been appropriate to smile at the glimpse of a younger and innocent version of herself. Her hair was so short then; she had worried people would think she was a boy, but her girlish attire help set confusion straight. Her eyes were brighter then with wonder looking up at the star filled sky.

Like a fantasy, she was easily recalling word for word of the legend that rang truth.

Then people began to fight over it. They wanted to keep it for themselves, and darkness was born in their hearts.

“And here I was hoping for something smaller,” it would be a humble request to only retrieve her memories from Kingdom Hearts, but it was too sacred and people were imperfect. They all started at humble beginnings, but one give and make ambitions grow dangerously.

“…then darkness spread, swallowing the light and many people’s heart,” she can hear her mutterings; a smile cracked wondering how she could’ve possible re-jogged that memory so fluidly and peacefully. Of-course this realm wouldn’t be easy.

The true light sleeps, deep within the darkness…

His hands rose to his head. She budged wanting to step up to him, but something told her to still. Her faced grimaced in sympathy. Recovering memories could be painful experiences; she was in deep denial to brush them off as nightmares. It was easier for them to be trick of the mind rather than haunting regrets and remorse.

“You saw something,” it was a declaration not a question.

but someday a door to the innermost darkness will open…

What door opened in his mind? What did he saw? She looked at him confusingly as he held the keyblade out to her. Her eyes refocused on it only to feel a sudden chill, but the presence of the blue slit eye unnerved her more.

He wielded one a keyblade, but it had one of those.

Her eyes searched for any indications in his, “I’m not-”

"Then, keyblade-bearing warriors will flock here from each and every one of them, to battle for the light within Kingdom Hearts!"

Her mind was jumbled unsure what to say first. What did he went through to obtain The Eye of Darkness. How did she even know such detail? Her eyes looked at him in disbelief, “I had one, a keyblade.”

Her fingers shifted together feeling empty. She held her hand up staring at it. She must have one before all of this. “What happened to me? What happened to us?”

From the corner of her eyes, she looked to him for answers, “What else did you see? When? Where? H-how did you see me? You knew me…”

She was growing frustrated with herself repressing from her eyes from watering and the bad habit of biting her lips, “I want to remember, but not at that price…”

                                          Did I come here looking for it?                                           Was it for answers?

                                                                                                 Was it for memory?                                                        Was it for power?

Why would I do that?

Is that why I’m so empty?

Did I lose myself to darkness?

Who am I?

Who was I?

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Xehanort knew that there were other ways to restore memories, he experienced that first hand. Mostly they could be restored through experimentation and through other various means. Xehanort knew a Keyblade could possibly also fix memories, but he would not dare try that on himself. He only had used his Keyblade for very intricate things like removing Braig's Heart from his body to create his Nobody: Xigbar. It was an option to try again in the future, but only once he regained more memories. What he found interesting was that interactions, like the one he was having, was actually slowly restoring what was once lost. It's a bit more effective than when he was left amnesiac in Radiant Garden. Back then nothing would trigger his latent memories outside of his own partnership with Braig. Even then that was whatever he apparently told the Sharpshooter, memories that he still doesn't remember. Braig might've held the answers to the rest of his questions, but where exactly was he? Was he still around? A few memories in his Heart point him in different directions, so they were a bit moot to listen to. However he could remember one thing now: that the white room was in a World that was not meant to exist, very much akin to Nobodies.

Something strange was happening with the woman before him. She seemed a bit more confused than before. Golden eyes studied her movements and the way she talked. She repeated something that Xehanort had read about in the Radiant Garden library, the legend of Kingdom Hearts. It was a very faint and slight recollection of the tale, but he knew that line was familiar. Memory loss or not, Xehanort had studied a great deal about Kingdom Hearts so no lore, folk-tale, or secret would get by him unnoticed. The woman was interested in what Xehanort had saw and she also seemed somewhat frightened by his Keyblade. Keyblades were formidable weapons and his definitely gave off a creepy vibe, however they usually never made anyone that nervous. My instincts to be on-guard might've been worth something after-all. Thought the Keyblader, unsure what the woman would do next. Xehanort brought his Keyblade down to his side and continued to study the woman's actions.

Her words followed through with her actions. She was curious on what had happened, not only to herself but to Xehanort as well. She definitely wasn't a threat, not yet anyway. Her curiosity almost matched Xehanort's thirst for answers. That had made Xehanort smile ever-so-lightly at the situation. It might've been a bit inappropriate to match how she was acting, considering that she was extremely close to breaking down into tears. It didn't matter. Her yearning for memories and to know what really happened pleased Xehanort. They would be able to help each other slowly regain memory and that would be beneficial for both parties, especially Xehanort. Once the woman exclaimed that she had a Keyblade, his eyes narrowed. Can she not summon it? Or perhaps.. He reminded himself of the armor left alone in that barren white room. Once she shed her armor, did she forgo her ability to wield? Keyblades and armor were definitely not connected, otherwise Xehanort wouldn't of been able to carry one. Though it was definitely something to note for later.

"Kingdom Hearts itself wouldn't cause a toll on the user." Xehanort responded to her statement. "As for your other questions.." He took a moment to think it over. Would telling her everything he knew benefit him in some way, or would it come back to bite him in the end? His eyes closed for a moment. When they opened he looked directly at hers, as if his gaze was piercing right through her. It was a trait the old master had. "Radiant Garden. We were both there, alone. A dark cloud shrouded the capital of Light." When he tried to recall the memory it seemed there were two different memories that day. One from ...Terra? And another from.. the old master. Why did the memories conflict with each other and what really did happen that day? Now that he thought about it, that particular memory angered him slightly. He clutched his Keyblade again. "That's all I remember." He said somewhat bitterly.

"Is there anything you remember from that day?" Quickly Xehanort retorted to distract from the bitter-inducing memories. "A suit of armor perhaps?" He referred to the one memory he had gotten from Xemnas, but didn't refer to where he saw the armor. That detail was probably better left unsaid for now, at least until he could figure out what else the woman might know.

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"Radiant Garden," she repeated, but all she got was the sweet phantom smell of flowers and the soft falls of water. It sounded tranquil, and it should be for a world to be deemed a Capital of Light. Since her release into the worlds, she hadn't been there, yet. Her eyes flicked back at him noting the shift of tone. He's been at this battle for a while not knowing but slowly grasping. She hummed in empathy. It can be crippling and frustrating.

The tables turned on her and her feeble memories.

Did she remember that day?

Could she?

"No, but I remember being here," she started. while her eyes wandered over the grey skies, "I was falling in darkness from the light, and I ended up here alone."

"I was walking here alone."

There were times she wasn't completely alone; red eyes trailed after her from time to time or the usual yellow hunger from the heartless. Her arms crossed over her chest to bring back some warmth; really this place only made her skin prick. It felt odd to be under a spotlight, so she busied herself with a slow revolving stroll. Motion kept her mind going and off the fact that he was watching her. Her pace was slow halting with every pause as her steps carried around him.

"I remember them coming for me, the heartless," her steps stopped as she tried to grab a name, "they're called..." 

Rain.
Water.
Buildings.
Dull TV Screens

           i  ii  i   ii   i   ii   i   ii   i   i  ii  i   ii  ii   i   ii    i   ii   i  
         i  i       i    i   i    i   i    i      i     i    i   i i   i   ii  i  i  ii
         ii   i  i    i    ii   i   ii   i   ii  i    ii   i  ii   i   i i   ii  i

A bluebird and a canary being crushed by a black hand. 

ii  i  i i   ii   i  ii   i  i   ii i  i   ii  i   i    i   ii   i   ii   i  i  i
i ii i  i  ii  i  i   i   ii  i   ii  i  i  ii i   i  ii   i   i    ii   i    i i

Rain fell as the fought the beast with a hole in its heart,
a cavern in it's chest, a heart shaped void.

She finally broke her daze looking at him, "Darksides. There were a lot of them. I guess I was trying to find a way out..."

A lone blue haired teen walked the realm alone. She was downtrodden forgetting how to smile, how to wish, and how to believe. Shadows loomed over her waiting for a single sign of surrender. Her face was placcid; she looked like she didn't have a friend in the world or they were just so far away to reach.

"...I should just fade here..."

"...but I looked so tired."

"I was saved though." Her face wrinkled trying to draw the details.

"Maybe it was light, a keyblade, or hope. I don't know."

She stopped her pacing accepting what she could get; she was still bewildered by how much this realm was triggering, "Being here clears up some things. Still I don't want to go through Kingdom Hearts. Something tells me I shouldn't."

She looked to him wondering if there was a silent calling to leave it be. Perhaps this world, "there is another way."

"You."

"We're connected somehow. You saw me," it was an odd phrase, but it was true, "You remember something of me, and you wouldn't have if I wasn't here. You can help me help you."

Every card hit the floor one by one.

"If I have a keyblade, help me find it and whatever armor," there was so many loose ends and guess; she couldn't help, but shrug and feel overwhelmed with a sardonic chuckle, "Radiant Garden can even be...mind-opening."

What other memories can hit them like a brick, "Either way, it seems we're interlocked."

[Deleted]

She had remembered the place, but didn't remember what transpired there. It was a pity since Xehanort needed more memories to go off of. Though what struck him odd was that she remembered the Realm of Darkness when he mentioned the Capital of Light. The connection between the two places were definitely solidified, considering that the Final Keyhole which unlocked the Realm of Darkness was located in the Capital of Light. However he hadn't accessed that yet at that moment of time, not to his memory anyway. What else happened on that day? How did she fall into Darkness? Was it his doing? More and more questions started to fill in Xehanort's head. It was giving him a lot of pleasure, trying to figure out the mystery and the possible outcomes of the all-powerful question: "why".

The woman also mentioned that the Heartless had attacked her. A very specific name was mentioned: Darkside. That was one of the many Heartless that Xehanort had studied. It was a natural-born Heartless and usually appeared when a World was about to fall to Darkness. There were very rare occasions where multiple were in one location, however those places had an extreme affiliation to Darkness. "It's difficult to travel this realm alone. Very few have survived." Xehanort spoke, almost as if he was consolidating her. His left eyebrow perked up at the mention of Light and Keyblade inside of the realm. Was there another in the Realm at the time? He knew that he didn't save her, at least not to his knowledge. There weren't any Keybladers that were active at the time where they could've freely traveled the Realm of Darkness. It was probably a question better saved for a later date. She still seemed to avoid the subject of Kingdom Hearts, so Xehanort responded, "Very well. It still is out of our reach regardless of our circumstance."

The mysteries of the Heart were a strange conundrum indeed. Memories that were stored seemed to unlock through key events and meeting people who acted as a key, almost like a Keyblade. At the least it was very possible that memories could be a possible Keyhole while others Heart's and memories could be a Keyblade. While memories could be dormant in both parties, the recollection of such events could be what activates the 'Keyhole' and return a partial bit of that memory. So it was very likely what she said was true, that they helped each other along with their memories. Xehanort looked down at the light purple ground underneath them, a bit in thought. If I help her find her Keyblade and Armor, it could prove useful for my memories. He raised his head to look at the previous Keyblade wielder, a silver bang falling in front of his left eye.

On the other hand.. I don't like this feeling that I get when I remember that day. Would putting a Keyblade in her possession hinder me? He used his left hand to wipe the bang away, it was a bit of a nuisance. After weighing the pros and cons of the situation, Xehanort had finally came to a conclusion. "Radiant Garden would be a good start to our journey: to regain our memories ..-parts of them." However he would remain cautious with his decision and would have to create a plan if their excursion backfired on himself. "I agree. Our destinies are oddly, yet interestingly, intertwined." The plan was almost set into full motion, but something still seemed off.. like if he was forgetting something important.

[Deleted]

Keyblade.

An elegant weapon, unique in form, forged within the depths of the heart, and each blade speaking volumes about the one who held it. In appearance alone, these swords could tell much about their wielders: about their destiny, their memories, their strength, their light, and their darkness. But there was also a deeper voice, a low vibration that rumbled throughout the realms, across all worlds, speaking in a language that few could hear, or understand. By this very rumbling, Ansem had been drawn here. Indeed, it was this rumbling that brought both Ansem and the Heartless, and it was by the Seeker of Darkness' will that these creatures lurked just out of sight, waiting.

The Heartless could afford to be patient, the seeds of darkness were already sown,
and the slightest drop of rain would cause those seeds to sprout.

The rain would come, the seeds would sprout,
for the darkness was the soil in which they grew,
it was the clouds above them,
and it waited behind the star that gave them light.
The dark's patience is infinite.

Eventually, even stars burn out.

The sky was already dark.

Ansem had heard enough.

Where there was nothing, there was now something stirring, a creature of terrible darkness that had somehow stepped into their midst, going without notice, as if it was there from the very start of their meeting. It was dressed in a tattered robe, bent, weak, unable to keep its own head up; struggling to breathe, but never drawing breath. Like a mere shadow, it seemed as if a lone candle would be enough to destroy it, and yet, despite all this weakness, there was a certain confidence, a strength; a power that hung about its form; a certain deadliness that you almost couldn't be sure of, one that threatened to pull you under, drowning you in the darkness of your own heart.

This was Ansem, this was darkness itself.

There were no candles here.
Not in this place of fear.

As days are defined by the nights that divide them,
as stars are defined by the infinite black through which they wheel,
the dark embraced the light, bringing it forth from the center of its own self.
With each victory of the light, it was the dark that won.

Light has no power here.

Ansem spoke.

"Know this, destiny is never left to chance.
You may never know the eventual destination of your path,
but you can always choose in which direction to take each step.
The path you've set is most intriguing."

He gently raised one of his arms, undefined by the cloth of his robe, leveling it in a direction that lay opposite the path on which they stood, and in that same moment the shadows parted where Ansem had directed, opening a new road through the Realm of Darkness. In every which way, these two paths resembled each other, heading straight for some distance, before turning curiously out of sight. Indeed, there was not a single discernible difference between the two paths, except that Ansem was pointing at one. Just like the Seeker of Darkness had said, there was no way to tell what lay ahead, unless one were to walk these roads for themselves.

Again Ansem spoke, his words aimed at the hearts of both the Master and the former Apprentice.

"Do you realize how much you've lost?
You are so far less now than what you were;
you are like a painter gone blind, a composer gone deaf.
You can remember where the strength was, but the power you touch is only a memory."

[Deleted]

 

What was that feeling? 

Happiness. 

She genuinely smiled when he agreed; the silence was testing and gnawed at her. She wasn't aware that she held her breathe until an exhale of relief shuddered out. When was the last time she smiled ? It was simple and soft, but she felt it in her cheeks. She felt hopeful now and warm. 

"It is," although she couldn't see her destiny clearly, it did intersected his, "but it will clear up. I know it will." 

Was that all it took to feel so sure? Was he that much of fresh air, or did he simply helped point out a road worth living, a goal worth reaching? It was plausible now and feasible. The success was nearly touchable rather than an idea and hope. 

With warmth, there was cold, and it hit her bare upper back hard. Instinctively, her head whipped to the source. It literally wavered into place uncloaking a veil to reveal itself. Aotori naturally became tense. For a moment the reaper said nothing, but looked at them through an empty shadowed hood. What was it, or better yet who was it? Her stance shifted in a pivot to keep them out of her blind spot. Flicking her eyes back to the wielder, she searched for any signs of recognition. 

Who is he?

The more he preached the more she wanted to detach herself. Enigmas never sat well with her; they speak as if they could see a big picture beyond her site. They stare her down as if they could read her fate. They were objective being the outside looking in, while she was just a character playing a role. They knew the program and seemingly steps ahead. It reminded her of the mask boy in the forest; he spoke like he knew a precious secret. What did he have over them? What did he know that they didn't? Was his destiny to taunt or merely sit, watch, and wait? 

What's your purpose? 

"Good thing we know where to start," her voice was indifferent to mask how bothered she was. Who would know their lost better than themselves? They can feel the offset and emptiness; they can see the blank pages with the faintest clues lightly embedded in them. What reason did it have to taunt them. She bit her tongue to not be irate and swift with agitated retorts. Remaining calm, she looked at the pitiful decrepit figure, "a memory is enough; it's a start in the right direction." 

Looking towards her fellow traveler, she ended her side of the conversation; she couldn't entertain THAT, "we should go."

[Deleted]

All was set. Xehanort and the girl would eventually meet at Radiant Garden. They both would of had to leave the Realm of Darkness first, but an unexpected guest had dropped in before that would happen. His voice was exactly the same as Xehanort's: deep, menacing and inquisitive. Coming from him it would be a voice that would chill even the Darkest soul, but not Xehanort. His golden eyes shot to the robed figure. Why is he here? Questioned Xehanort as he tried to figure out Ansem's purpose. Memories of the Heartless took hold of his mind and instantly he backed up, away from the figure now standing in front of him. He wasn't frightened, just confused. The grip tightened again on his Keyblade, remembering a bright light coming from the Door to Darkness. But that wasn't him that was destroyed was it? So many questions were raised in his own mind and Heart. The Keyblader straightened himself out and leered at the Heartless, carefully watching his movements. His arm motioned to two paths in the Realm of Darkness and mentioned something about his memories. Was he just referring to Xehanort?

"Ansem.." Spoke Xehanort, sounding exactly like the Robed Figure in front of him. "That's your name, isn't it?" Clearly bits and pieces were there, but they weren't fully developed. Immediately another wave of memories passed by. This time a giant skyscraper in a dark city was present and then another memory of the thirteen cloaked men in the white room flashed before his eyes. Is he related? What was that Worlds name again? He went off of the girl's words. "Memories may be forgotten, but they are never lost." He brought his Keyblade somewhat behind him. "Eventually people and places restore lost memories.." She had signaled for them to go, but he raised his left hand for a moment to speak. His eyes acknowledged he request, but he wasn't ready yet. "..lest the Heart rejects them." He then moved his Keyblade-wielding hand over his chest.

"I've done research on the Heart myself." Once more he let his Keyblade rest beside him, but with a tighter grip. "If one was to be forced back into lost Memories at once, it could be devastating on the Heart." His gaze shifted over to the girl. "But interactions with others and slowly rebuilding a bridge would create a bond between the forgotten Memories and the current ones." Both eyes flicked from each path, to Ansem to the girl. "It's what I intend to do, no matter the cost." He reflected on the time he offered himself to be a live experiment to Ansem the Wise. "My own Heart was once prodded by a man, we all shared the same name at one point in time.. His meddling opened some memories up within the Heart, but it wasn't enough to fully restore what was once forgotten. Fragments only appeared, like a puzzle." He looked through both of them, out into the dark abyss.

"And I know the pieces are out there."

[Deleted]

Ansem's arm slowly dropped to his side. In an instant, a wave upon wave of memories had returned to him, not ever forgotten, but recalled by circumstance. He began to remember, all those years ago, when he first awoke in that laboratory, the moment of his creation and the events that followed. Like, when he first realized that he could freely travel the realms, when he was first in-tune with the hearts of others and could feel the Keyblades they wielded from across the worlds. He remembered how one Keyblade in particular, stood out to him from within the depths of the Realm of Darkness. He remembered when he followed the smell of that Keyblade, and first saw Her.

He remembered thinking that he should have been relieved,

But he wasn't.

In those days, Ansem had kept tabs on all of the Keyblade Wielders, and so he visited Her's more than once. From the shadows he would watch, always keeping out of her sight, and this wasn't unusual, for that was his way with all the Wielders. Ansem didn't want anyone to be aware of him, at least not until the appointed time. He had a tendency to not even interfere with their lives. And yet, whenever he watched Her, Ansem would subtly manipulate the Heartless around Her, oftentimes for her benefit and sometimes just to test her. He never understood why he did this, it was totally irreconcilable to him, but he continued to visit and watch in this fashion for a time.

He remembered thinking that he should be happy,

But he wouldn't be.

Everything changed. Very suddenly, Her Keyblade had disappeared, and with it, Ansem's means of finding Her. He remembered how he wasted no time in travelling back to the Realm of Darkness, looking, searching, and finding nothing. He remembered how long he kept this up, so much longer than the other Wielder's he had lost. He remembered the moment he realized that she was gone, and how he gave up and started to assume the obvious. No matter how much Ansem couldn't seem to comprehend it, it had seemed that finally, finally after all those years in this place; this place of ghosts, this place of fear, this place of fragmented memories; she had decided to yield to the darkness. His exact words: "So sad".

But he wasn't sad,

He didn't feel anything.

What was his purpose? Why was he there?
Honestly, he wasn't sure himself.

Ansem raised his head to meet her gaze, to look straight at the girl he had never met. He watched for a moment, carefully gauging her reaction, searching her thoughts, feeling the emotions just beneath the surface, and then he formed a picture in his mind. A picture of a misguided master turned into the lost girl through years of self-imposed exile. She was weaker than she thought, but still as confident as ever, and so incredibly sure of herself. And yet, this was more or less a front, a strong face to hide the pain, the fear, the rage she experienced on a daily basis. These were feelings that betrayed the darkness within her, feelings that Ansem could touch and manipulate. Controlling her would be effortless.

"You poor, miguided girl.
You hate the darkness, but the darkness has been generous with you.
It hides your true face in the dark beneath your skin.
And your true heart is shadowed deeper still."

If there was ever a time to undo all the things he had done. If there was ever a chance to wash the bloodstains from his hands, to drop on his knees and beg for the forgiveness of an old friend, to redeem himself by turning his power and knowledge to the cause of the light... It had just passed, and been forgotten. A black hand was already working its way to center of Aqua's being, tending the seeds that had already been planted. Ansem could not hope to control her through pain or fear, but the heavy chains of revenge had already bound her heart, bearing her irresistibly onward. All he would have to do is grip those chains, and pull. It was what Master Xehanort did to Terra, and it was how and why the feckless youth remained an empty shell of a man.

"But it has hidden more than your secrets.
It has hidden you from the truth of others.
It has protected you from what you dare not know.
I will release you now, and tear down that veil."

Ansem knew what he was doing. He may have sounded confusing, but he wasn't ranting like some madman. Each spoken word betrayed the depths of his knowledge. Each spoken word served to drive her towards one, horrifying possibility: that maybe, just maybe, not everything that had happened to her was a result of chance, bad luck, a cursed destiny. After all, hadn't Ansem said as much? "Destiny is never left to chance". It was true that someone always had the choice of where to step next, but what if someone guided their walk? What if someone, through subtle manipulation, made it seem like there was only one path to follow?

Ansem could smell the people on her,
the people she had met,
the people she loved,
the people that gave her hope.

So he poisoned each of those meetings,
with a seed of cruelty, a drip of contempt, a grain of doubt.
And during every meeting that would come after,
she would, perhaps, always wonder whether she had been manipulated to that point.

"I am Ansem, but that is just one of many names.
I am darkness,
I am the emptiness contained within these robes,
and the everything around you."

Ansem gestured around him with a slow motion of his arm.
Several Darksides appeared besides him.

He had precluded that she might be ignoring him,
and so punctuated his statement with the sense of danger.
They wouldn't attack. They were entirely symbolic, a silent way of saying,
"It was me. It was all me."

Darkness had been personified, evil had been given an identity. A name: Ansem. A face: the robes. A presence: nothing and everything. A symbol: the Darksides, or rather, the Heartless. For the purpose of bringing out the darkness in Aqua, Ansem raised himself up as some powerful, hated enemy. If this temporarily pushed her towards Light, then so be it. If this drove her to destroy him, then fine. None of that mattered, Ansem was already thirteen steps ahead of the curve. Her thirst for vengeance might inspire hatred throughout the worlds. Her rage could either make for a more violent Keyblade War, or a more brilliant vessel.

The mystery of the two paths had become evident. He was mocking her. For no matter what path she took, no matter the choices she made, no matter the friends she found, she would always be a slave to the one holding the chain. No matter what she did, Ansem would ultimately, always, benefit. He could fan the flames of her heart, because he knew that brightest lights cast the darkest shadows, because the flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long. The fact that Ansem and Xehanort had the same voice was merely icing on the cake. She wouldn't understand the significance now, it would just seem like another way to mock her, but how amusing would that day be, when she learned that her savior and her enemy were one and the same!

There was only one possibility of defeat, one minuscule way that Ansem might be thwarted. Aqua could ignore him. Because, for all his words, for all his machinations and chain-pulling, she would always be free to choose. It was her choice to listen to him, Ansem couldn't control that. It was her choice to be angry, Ansem couldn't change that. It was her choice to walk one path over another, Ansem couldn't make that decision. Whether she realized it or not, she didn't have to wait for some savior to come along and rescue her, she was her own hope, her own light, her own Hero, and with all the opportunities to be a Hero for others. She was strong. Stronger than she knew.
Maybe stronger than Ansem knew.

However...

The truth was that; in this place, during this current point in time; she, Aqua: the Guardian of Light, Aotori, the Keyblade Master, the Bluebird, the Dancing Waters; the one who almost single-handedly cast down Master Xehanort and nearly averted the Keyblade War; the most fiercest, most impeccable, most devastatingly powerful foe that the darkness had ever known...

just-

didn't-

have it.

"Aqua."

Ansem's words went unheeded for the last time.

"I've seen you rage and scream and try in vain to crush the shadow that has destroyed you.
For all your world-destroying fury,
it's only the Heartless around you that are destroyed,
it's your former self that falls further away."

"And in the end,
you cannot touch the shadow.
In the end you won't touch the shadow,
in the end you don't even want to."

"And when that time comes.
I. Will. Have. You.
I will take you, just like I took THEM.
You cannot win."

Ansem turned away from Aqua, then disappeared along with the Darksides.
Was that too cruel? Maybe. But song birds are taught to sing in the dark.
The Bluebird would be let out into the light, and she would sing.
And wherever she found younger birds, they would listen attentively,
being imitative, they would soon learn to sing that way too.

He hadn't ignored Xehanort. He had never once directly spoke with or motioned towards him, but the two were of one mind, one heart, and were able to communicate on a deeper level. At the very beginning of all this, the moment Ansem first lowered his arm, he had opened his thoughts to Xehanort. He allowed Xehanort to remember Ansem's own connection to the girl, Aqua. He allowed him to experience the emotions that Ansem had never felt. He allowed him to read his mind like a report. He allowed him to be, or at least see... Xehanort, the real Xehanort, once more, if even just for a few minutes. After all, what better way to start on a puzzle than with the corner pieces?

[Ansem has left the thread.]

[Deleted]

Aotori frowned at the title, poor misguided girl. She didn’t need his mockery or a shadow of sympathy. Who was he to belittle her? The more he spoke the more he knew nothing. Darkness wasn’t generous; darkness was selfishly withholding so much from her, and her so-called ‘caretaker’ and lord was content in keeping her in the dark. This was not a gift; there was nothing to be grateful for. Thanks to darkness she was lost, and although she doesn’t have room to be spiteful and hateful with her current predicament, Aotori was drawn let alone attracted to darkness.

He was a rambling naïve feeble creature. She doesn’t need his help or assistance. She will cast aside darkness herself; she will find her own path. Naturally as the stubborn warriorress she was, she would second guess every direction he points and will only follow what felt right to her.

Ansem the darkness, more like Ansem the Arrogant.

With every drop of doubt he planted, she couldn’t feel. Those memories were so far out of reach the poison couldn’t take now. With her ferocity, who knows how well it will truly develop? People maybe predictable, but the heart is a strange. It can be unpredictable and irrational, and the will was relentless.

Aqua.

Her eyes narrowed at him, at the name. Her chest jumped with a snort. She couldn’t feel the gravity of his words, and when he was down with his speech, she only had room for one sentence, “You obviously do not know me.”

That was a lot coming from a woman who barely knew her past, but the person in the present had a surge of over-confidence. She knew what she wanted, and she knew where to go. THIS was just a diverting speed bump to step on and walk over. He faded into the darkness, but something told her he wasn’t completely gone.

“He said he’ll have me,” her voice was as empty as a void before turning to Xehanort. When did she became so popular? “He’ll have to stand in line, but I’ll be giving enough to humor him.”

It will be last thing he’ll do.

“We should’ve left when I said so,” her tone was curt. She wasn’t going to entertain what just transpired or probe for answers on the connection between the two, Ansem and the fellow key bearer. He doubt he would be forth coming with her, since she apparently is a target. Regardless, she will find out; they are all interconnected now.

An unbreakable connection.