Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Before the Fall ❯ Just Communication ( Chapter 4 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Glancing to the side, Even walked beside Raine as they made their way down the streets full of random venders. He watched her questioning expression turn to him.

“Where are we going?”

He smiled lightly at her. “I told you it’s a surprise.” He lilted merrily and walked a few paces in front of her. Even could feel her heated glare assault his back, but that only made him chuckle. A grunt escaped Raine’s throat as she took a deep breath and shouted slightly to be sure she was heard, “Hey, Even, shouldn’t you be in Ansem’s lab right now? He teaches today right?”

Even halted and whipped around, a knowing look plastered on his face. “Actually, he doesn’t teach on Thursdays. Besides if he did Aeleus would be missing the lesson right now, he's got library duty.”

“Is that why we’re out of the castle, no lesson?”

“No, I was starting to get a little cramped there, though. Surely you enjoy being in the town for a while?”

Raine nodded, catching up to Even as he hadn’t move since she’d questioned his presence there. “Yeah, it’s a change. I haven’t been out here for a while.”

They had started walking again. “Why not,” he asked. She shook her head, “Haven’t had the time recently.” “Is that so? I’d expect you to have plenty of free time.” Raine’s gaze fell on him, “Oh, why’s that?”

Raine cursed at herself. She was still nervous, but in a different way than before. She was no longer concerned about how her manners would reflect on her family. She was now concerned with how Even would view her. Never had she worried about what a man thought of her, but Even was different. She could still recall his voice whispering confidently in her ear, though that had only occurred the night before, so it wasn’t very surprising. A guilt was churning in her gut as well. She had lied to him; she did have plenty of time to come to the marketplace of Radiant Garden, but with the kidnappings still going on her parents wouldn’t allow her to go without an escort. The argument she wasn’t a loner fell onto deaf ears.

She noticed that Even had not replied yet. Her eyes had swept ahead of her as she thought to herself, but as she glanced from the corners she noticed Even just staring at her. His expression was, she searched for the perfect word. He was staring at her as if he wanted to remember some detail about her, like he was searching for something. The guilt-ridden churning in her abdomen was replaced by what felt like small butterflies and her face flushed lightly.

Even did not notice her regarding him as he continued to do the very thing to her. What was so intriguing about her? Was she alluring to his eyes? Her chocolate waves fell on each side of her face in a natural cascade. Her indigo eyes were deep and careful as if wishing to hide something as of that moment. Yes, she was appealing, there was no doubt about that, but many women were. Especially women of her stature.

Raine was most definitely from a high-class family. Women descended from roots such as those were often raised in luxury with every beauty secret at their fingertips, but there something basic about her. Raine wasn’t the stunning beauty that would blow you off your feet at first glance. Yes, her face was gently sculpted with a small nose and a fair-sized mouth, but she preferred to dazzle people with the real her, not an assumed role. He could see she cared for her skin, but unlike the high-class women that often lavished Ansem the Wise with their presence, she wore only trace amounts of make-up. A neutral lip shade, light blush as well as eye shadow, and some liner beneath the eye to draw attention to their hue and shape. Even noticed all this as he stared at her, so lost that he failed to notice her stare at him.

Her eyes were not too large nor too small. They fit her, was all that Even could come up with to describe them. He allowed his observation to follow his eyes as they brushed down her form. He didn’t stare at her in a lustful way, though, no he stared at her as if she was an object that he wished to remember the details of as he did not possess a camera with which to capture the things he wanted.

Hourglass, that was her shape. The same as every woman on the world. Yet, this was all her own, unique to solely her. A dark violet skirt flowed from her hips to her feet, which were covered in her boots. A lavender blouse graced her top half, enforced by an ivory sweater that was only buttoned at the top. Her peach skin caught the sunlight, causing it shimmer beautifully. Even raised his eyes back up and that’s when he noticed her gaze. He bit back a smile and repressed a blush as he saw her. She’d seen every action he’d done. Her face was also turning scarlet.

“What are you staring at?” Even mentally slapped himself as his reply came out, “Your shoes…I thought you had something on them. My mistake. Sorry.” Raine bit her lip and let her gaze stare ahead. He was lying, it was so obvious, but she held her tongue. She was hesitant to admit it, but his appraisal of her was flattering. It made her feel important, more so than her parents had by their variety of gifts and compassionate compliments. She smiled softly and waved her hand away dismissing his apology, meaning it was accepted. “You zoned out on me, Even.”

Even did redden at this comment. He turned to her and raised a brow trying to think of an intelligent rebuttal. “Did I? Forgive me. What did you ask while I left this world?” Raine laughed, “Well…since you ignored me I should just leave you guessing,” she paused and put a hand to her chin as if thinking the idea over before staring straight into his eyes, “but I won’t as I’m too curious myself as to the answer.”

Even rolled his eyes at her antics, but allowed her to finish. “I want to know what makes you think I’d have enough free time to come to the marketplace often.” “What class are you from, Raine?” Raine wasn’t happy that her question had not been answered and spat his back at him, “What class did you come from?” “Nuh-uh, I’m asking the questions now, you may ask me any you wish after you answer mine.” “I asked you first.” “So you did,” he smirked, “but in order for me to reply to your question you must answer mine first. What class are you from?”

Raine narrowed her eyes at him for a moment, but with a dejected sigh replied, “I’m from the upper class. My great-grandfather on my father’s side discovered the recipe for sea-salt ice cream.”

Even chuckled, “Wow, I’d never thought I’d met the heir to the Sea-salt Ice Cream Fortune.” “Second heir, actually. I have a brother named Alexander who’s twenty-eight right now.” “I see, well you’ve answered my inquiry so thus I shall answer yours.”

Raine was eager to hear this, but gave no evidence of it. She listened patiently. “I considered that you probably descended from a high family. No offense, but you act like it. Your opinion at times seems to be produced from a life above normal society. You’re kind, don’t get me wrong, but you see my point.” She nodded at his statement. She was bias toward some things, aside from winter, that would center her out to be from a rich family. She understood that she was living in luxury while others were not so fortunate. She didn’t see life through rose-colored glasses, but she would not deny that her way of living had affected her in some ways. “That’s why I made the assumption that you would have a lot of time at your disposal. You’ve never seen a day of work have you?”

Raine’s head fell shamefully, “No, I haven’t…I’m not ignorant, though. I know others work extremely hard for the payment they get. I never want to come off as spoiled however, it’s a fear. So, I’m sorry if I’ve given that impression. When I have kids I want them to know the value of a dollar; that to some it’s not just a trifle thing…To some it means the difference between dinner and starvation…I’m very lucky to have been born into a family that never had to worry where and when our next meal or paycheck was coming from. Many would kill for my life. I don’t take it for granted.”

Even, nodded simply. “It’s refreshing that you’re so aware.” At the end of this comment a silence settled before he spotted the very building he had been searching for. Raine was apparently still lost in the thoughts his comment and question caused. He regretted taking her from her them, but couldn’t help a chuckle at her reaction when he abruptly grabbed her hand and pulled her to the right.

Raine’s eyes fell open along with her mouth. She gasped and he grinned widely unable to suppress the laugh that built up. Her leer at him was short-lived in spite of this as he bowed before her. It was just like day they had first met.

He gestured behind him, “Would the lady do me the honor of allowing me to treat her to lunch? I am famished.” Raine glanced at him and the building. It was a small, brick café-like restaurant.

“You want to treat me to lunch? I mean I have money so it’s not necessary to spend any quantity on me.” Her gaze was nervous. She didn’t want him spending any money he may come to need later on especially on her when she had plenty.

Even straightened and observed her, “I thought the correct etiquette was that the man paid for the meal between a women and himself. Am I wrong?”

Her face instantly flushed. “No, but…What if you need it later on?”

Even had known what she was insinuating the entire time. She, not knowing his income, was concerned about him spending any monetary value on her without just cause. He brought up a hand and silenced any further questions or arguments.

“Do not worry about it…How about this? If I ever come to need the money that I spent on you here I will not hesitate to ask you pay me back. Is that satisfactory to you?” Raine quickly nodded, reassured and Even lead her into the building. It smelled divine there. Freshly baked goods sat upon shelves and the scent of still baking bread wafted to her nose.

Her stomach gurgled quietly. She was a tad bit hungry she supposed. The place was small, only a few people seated at the small array of tables. Even led her to one by a window and pulled out the chair for her. He pushed it in, once she was seated and took a seat across from her.

“Have you ever eaten here?” At his question Raine shook her head. “No, but it smells wonderful.” Even smiled, “It should, it’s a bakery deli, my favorite place to come on the Thursdays I don’t clean the library.”

“So you’re a regular here. Well, do you have any suggestions as to what I should eat, expert?”

Even smirked. He’d planned this, hoping she hadn’t eaten there before. It was a rather unknown place, at least to the upper class, but he thought it was the best.

“Actually, I was hoping you’d ask…You should try their roast beef hoagie. It’s excellent.” “And to drink?” “Why sweet tea, of course.” He smiled again and Raine returned the gesture.

The atmosphere was comfortable, not tense. She felt she could say anything to him. She watched him order two of those hoagies as well two glasses of sweet tea. When he was finished his eyes found hers.

“I’ve heard about you all the way here. Any questions you’d like to ask me?” Even began casually while they waited for their order.

Raine knew exactly what she wished to ask, “Where did you come from before Ansem took you in as his first apprentice?” “I knew you’d ask that sometime,” Even said before placing his hands on the table, “I was born into an upper middle-class family. Ashamed of me yet?” Raine chuckled and shook her head. “No, go on. Stop pausing.” Her chide warmed his chest, but he moved on through his story.

“My father worked right here in this deli and my mom was the head maid of Ansem the Wise. They’re both retired now, living in the luxury I believe they deserve after raising me.” Raine nodded, indicating she was listening. “You’re an only child?” “Yes, but I was enough, trust me.” Raine giggled, but decided not to pursue that subject yet. “You said King Ansem took you in when you were seventeen, how’d he discover you if you don’t mind?”

Even intertwined his fingers in thought, “Hm…Let’s see how to relay that moment without telling you a story that would last hours. I was with my mother. I had an appointment to interview Master Ansem for a school project. He was an idol of mine at the time. He built a defense system for the town and brought on a large technological advance. It was as if a dark age had passed over us to be replaced by a renaissance of sorts. It was amazing and I yearned to speak to the man who had done it.”

Raine who had been quietly sniggering the whole time was suddenly found out. Even’s eyes narrowed at her. “Is this amusing to you?” His sharp tone stopped her giggles. She had offended him, but she could not hide her smile. “Sorry, Even, I wasn’t laughing to insult you. You still admire Ansem the Wise don’t you?” Even nodded, “He’s kind and generous. He follows instinct and does what he believes fit. He’s a man of his word, one who does all he can to right any wrong he commits.”

Once again she nodded her head in agreement. “I know, the world would be a better place if there were more men like him and you. You may not realize it, but I believe Master Ansem has shaped you to be a wonderful person. Every way you describe him is also a way to describe yourself, at least,” her face flushed and she did not hide it as there would be no use to, “I think so.”

Even cheeks brightened at her compliment. “You’ve known me for little over a week, perhaps, and you already judge me to be a nice person? Isn’t that a little quick?” Raine smiled, “Within the first minute of meeting someone you form a judgment of them. You were kind to me so I judged you accordingly and you have continued to be so. So, no I do not believe my opinion rushed. Don’t you already have a conception of me?”

“Yes,” Even replied, “and we’ve gotten off topic. You wanted to know how I came to be an apprentice. I went to see King Ansem and he gave me my interview and much more. He allowed me a tour of the castle. He showed me the labs and filled with excitement I questioned what he had them for. I basically blurted all I knew in the field of science and I suppose he was impressed. Not long after my interview he met with my parents to discuss some matters and before I was even used to it I was in the castle as his first apprentice. Braig was the next to join, then Dilan. Aeleus and Ienzo came to the castle together. They were discovered a week apart so Ansem the Wise saw it fit they come simultaneously. Xehanort was the last to join us. If you want to hear how they came to be here you’ll have to ask them yourself. Some of them wouldn’t appreciate me telling their tales.”

“I understand,” Raine responded shortly as their food and drinks arrived. They ate in silence for a while. Raine smiled at the first bite of the hoagie. It was excellent. Even chuckled at her obvious enjoyment, but that was the only sound for a few moments from either of them.

“Melody, did you hear about the latest kidnapping?” A voice from a table over asked.

Raine visibly tensed as another voice replied. Even’s stomach recoiled at her discomfort. He reached across the table and touched her hand lightly. She jumped and then looked down in embarrassment.

“Did you know the victim?” Even feared the answer, praying it was the negative. He was relieved when she shook her head no. However his ease did not last long. “I haven’t known anyone that was kidnapped, but…” There was a pause. She was still hesitant as to telling him what had caused her reaction. She had already started and it wouldn’t do to leave Even wondering, though. Her reply was soft and full of remorse.

“My parents feared the kidnappings. They wouldn’t allow me to leave the house alone and because my brother, his wife, and son are gone as well they sent me here when they left. My manor is empty and they believed that I would be an easy target for the criminals. If I was to have stayed at the estate and been taken my disappearance would have taken months to have been discovered. That’s why I’m here.”

Even was no longer hungry. Her words had driven his appetite away. He just stared at her for a moment. “That’s terrible.” That was all his mind could muster on the subject. Guilt began to engulf him. He knew how the people were reacting to the happenings, but to hear someone talk about how it had affected their lives to him personally was different. He couldn’t put a finger on why at first, but he finally surmised that it came from his affection towards the girl. His fingers rubbed her knuckles. “You’re safe at Ansem’s castle. Do not be frightened. Only a fool would dare kidnap someone from under the King’s nose in his own castle.”

Her head rose up and she smiled sadly, “I know, I just can’t picture losing someone like that. I mean what purpose do these kidnappings have? What could ever justify stealing someone from their loved ones, even if they lived on their own you know they had family somewhere. Somewhere there is someone who misses them. I don't understand it.”

“Perhaps someday we will.” Even removed his hand from hers and stood up. “Finished?” She nodded and Even laid the payment on the table as they left.
“W hat could ever justify stealing someone from their loved ones…?”

Those words haunted Even as he paced down the darkened corridors of Radiant Garden Castle after everyone else had gone to sleep. Everyone except the other apprentices and himself, that is. He wanted nothing more than for Raine’s question to leave him. It was so innocent and full of justice that it made him feel unclean. He was now once again questioning his involvement in these experiments. He wondered if it was to be the last time he was posed a question that turned his prospective of these outlawed tests around. He was thinking about ending his participation in them.

Wind whistled passed windows, his only company down the hallways towards the lab entrance. He came to Ansem’s study and after a few moments produced a key from his lab coat. The clicking of the lock followed soon after and he entered the darkened room. This path was memorized almost automatic as his feet maneuvered expertly in the blackness to the wall. His hand touched the smooth surface and it evaporated instantly.

Past the computer room, down a flight of stairs he came to a large open space. His foot scuffed the floor beneath him and stepping back it opened to reveal a descending flight of stairs. Even’s stomach gave a last protest as he followed the stairs’ path. Two viewpoints battled in his mind: All the good that could be produced from these experiments against the trouble they had already caused. Lost souls sacrificed for the pursuit of science; would the end justify the means? Would they?

That was the last thought he was allowed for a moment as the door at the bottom of the stairs opened to reveal the large, underground lab Even and the others called their midnight sanctuary. Lab equipment and cords littered the floor. He could hear the pulse of machinery as he stepped through the jungle of scientific debris. He scanned the area until Dilan came into view.

He began to walk forward. He had a look of indifference on his face, but as he came nearer it changed to one of confusion and concern.

“Even, you’re pale as a ghost. You feeling all right?”

Even shook his head in the negative, “No, I feel a little queasy. It’s nothing, though. If it becomes too much of a burden I’ll leave.” Dilan nodded and turned away heading back the direction from whence he came. Even followed.

He dodged the questioning glances of the other four apprentices as he sat down and began reviewing over the notes from their latest experiments. This was out of character for him; he usually dove right into interrogation about the night’s experiment or asked the other four to recap the discoveries of the previous night’s tests themselves.

Xehanort took a glance at him and directed his next gaze to Braig who shook his head. Dilan as well had no answer.

“He said he was nauseous,” the last whispered to his comrades, “but there appears to be something else bothering him. This isn’t Even.”

Even knew they were speaking of him, but he ignored it. His eyes scanned the reports, trying desperately to rid his mind of Raine’s distressing words. His mouth pulled into a deep frown as he cursed himself for allowing one individual’s opinions to affect him so deeply.

Ienzo, who had been standing beside Braig, walked to a wide observation window before the six apprentices and stared into the plain room. It was in there they subjected chosen persons to heartless and the effects of darkness. He didn't turn around as he addressed the four standing mere feet from him.

“He appears stressed, almost saddened. It is a pity. He reads the results of previous experiments to rid his mind of what is troubling him.”

Braig, Dilan, Aeleus, and Xehanort came forward to stand on each side of the youngest apprentice. Aeleus inclined his head toward Ienzo.

“What could be bothering him? He seemed fine this morning, though, I admit he was unnaturally quiet when he returned from his usual Thursday visit to town.”

Braig placed a finger upon his chin. “Didn’t he drag Raine along with him? Maybe they had some disagreement, but she appeared happy enough at dinner. So what could have happened to him? I saw Raine just before I came down here. She was speaking leisurely with King Ansem. She didn’t seem concerned in the least.”

“A strange problem indeed,” Xehanort mused. He turned to Even. “Even, we are about to start the next experiment. Would you like to observe?”

The man stood up at Xehanort's query and join him at the window as Ienzo and Aeleus went to retrieve the test subject. The notes had neither calmed nor distracted his mind. Perhaps their current experiment would. “What are we testing tonight?”

Xehanort smirked, a chilling gesture to many as a fire illuminated his golden eyes. The apprentices were immune to the motion though, knowing it was the smile he conveyed when something caught his interest. “This particular individual has shown great resistance to the essence of darkness. So much so that we’ve decided to administer a greater quantity of it to his heart than any subject before him. The result will be an fascinating to watch, I’m sure.”

Even nodded, his stomach jumping again. He watched as a man was dragged into the room from an opposite door by Aeleus. Ienzo had walked in before him and was positioned at the table to which the man was to be strapped to.

The man’s blonde hair was damp and greasy and his brown eyes were wild in terror and confusion. He screamed profusely as he was being strapped down to the table. Luckily the lab had been soundproofed so nothing left the walls to drift up to the other levels. The man’s screams continued undeterred nevertheless; his mouth producing nothing further at first. Once securely tied down Ienzo unbuttoned the man’s shirt and placed a wire attached to a circular disk to his chest. After this was done the two men not strapped to a table walked from the room. Within minutes they were back among the observers.

“Dilan,” Xehanort gestured with a flick of his wrist, “turn on the machine.”

Dilan stared down hesitantly at the switch that would unleash darkness upon their newest victim. His unwillingness was only seen by Ienzo who said nothing and continued to remain silent. A low grumble proceeded finally to enter the room and the man fastened to the table paused in his screams as a dark aura surrounded the wire and disk. He gasped before a painful moan escaped his lips. The other apprentices were so distracted by the show they failed to notice Even cringe.

“Turn up the intensity, he’s tolerating the average levels.” Xehanort’s order went fulfilled and the man began to scream in pure agony, but this time words were finally added to his yells.

“What is the meaning of this?! Why?! What cause is this for?!”

Even’s heartbeat began to hammer in chest wildly. He took deep breaths to calm himself, but the man’s next words were the breaking point.

“JUSTIFY THIS!!! JUSTIFY THIS!!!”

He couldn’t take it anymore. He knew his face had paled far more than before, he turned away. “I don’t feel well.” He began to walk away and the apprentices pivoted to regard him just as the man on the table rifled off another bloodcurdling “JUSTIFY THIS!”. Even quickened his pace from the room, breaking into a run. Xehanort motioned again with his hand and the machine pumping darkness into the bound man suddenly stopped. The captive took deep shuddering breathes.

Braig look a last glance behind him at Dilan and the others before following Even. Something about tonight’s experiment had definitely spooked him, of that Braig was assured. And whatever it was it had been bothering him since he returned from town with Raine. Braig wanted to comfort him and understand what was wrong. He already thought he knew. He was still very deeply troubled by the experiments they were doing as well.

Even ran from the basement laboratory and up the stairs. He collapsed within the computer room panting not from exhaustion but from uncertainty, trying to hold back an anguish-laden scream. Tears built up beneath his lids. He closed his eyes and tried to concentrate on his breathing, but as soon as the blackness behind his lids settled the screams of the man echoed through his head. An chant of “JUSTIFY THIS!” replayed again and again in his ears.

The held back tears began their descent with wordless sobs down Even’s cheeks then. He buried his head in his hands, rocking back and forth in his sitting position against the wall. Why was he crying? Was it guilt? Pity? Anger? He did not know, nor did he question it as the tears continued to etch a torrent down his face, wetting his hands and leaving spots on his dark slacks and ivory collared shirt. He wanted to shout the man’s words, but he could not without earning undue attention. He did not want this so he began to whisper them until they were spoken in his normal volume albeit a little shakily.

“Justify this. Justify this. Please, justify this. Please.”

Braig had been listening to Even silently. He judged that the oldest apprentice was not aware of his presence, too far in lost in his despair to have noticed the light footfalls upon the stairs. He leaned against the door as Even began his mantra and then it was clear what was troubling the man. Braig’s lips formed a regretful smile as he removed himself from the doorframe and walked before him.

“Even,” Braig’s mouth said his name calmly.

His head rose, revealing to Braig his red eyes and wet cheeks. He felt drained and exhausted. There was no answer to be found in his mind. Braig bent down on one knee, the remorseful grin never leaving his lips. Even did not want pity, no he felt disgusted. He did not deserve pity.

“Even, you will tell me what is troubling you. I heard you so there is no denying that tonight’s experiment bothered you, but you know as well as I that a test such as this one is not uncommon. You’re normally fine. What's different?” Braig placed a hand on Even’s shoulder and for the longest time neither of them spoke. Even appreciated that. He was allowed silence to form the words he wanted to speak. He knew he had to tell someone what had caused him such torment. It was tearing him up from the inside out.

“Braig, have ever heard that knowing something and hearing it are two different things? That you know, for instance, that you affected someone’s life, but to actually hear that person tell you that is completely different? Well, I realized how true that statement was today.”

Braig removed his hand from Even’s shoulder and fully sat down. He waited with calm patience for Even to tell him more. The man in question sighed and meeting Braig’s eyes recalled the words that brought him here.

“I took Raine to that deli I always eat at on Thursday. We’d been talking until our food was delivered, but I wish one of us had continued or I wouldn’t be sitting here lost in a despair for which even I have no answer. A table away two women were talking about the latest disappearance and I saw Raine stiffen in her chair. I thought she knew the lost person, but she didn’t. If she had known them, I’m not sure I could have taken it.”

Braig nodded, “Is that what’s bothering you?”

“Yes and no,” Even shook his head, “her whole family fears our kidnappings. They wouldn’t allow her to leave the house alone without an escort when they were here, and along with that we’re the reason she’s even present at the castle. I always knew that the kidnappings put people at unease, but to hear how it effects people's daily lives…It was terrible…One of the last things she said to me before we left the restaurant was, ‘What purpose do these kidnappings have? What could ever justify stealing someone from loved ones, even if they lived alone? Somewhere someone misses them.’…Ever since then I haven’t been able to rid myself of those words. Braig, is what we’re doing really justified? I mean, I look it at now…We’re taking people away from their lives, ending them for heaven sakes! What we’re doing is nothing short of torture.”

“Hope,” Braig stated suddenly. “What?” Even quickly jerked in confusion.

“Hope. Just hope that what we’re doing will be justified. Perhaps once we know the workings of the heart we will be able to determine how to return all the ones lost because of us. I sincerely want to believe that the wrongs done will be offset by the good…Sometimes it is hard to see such an outcome being produced from the agony we’re creating. We are torturing people, but if for nothing else, stay in this for the good. You, Dilan, and I can work to return the lost hearts.”

Even’s eyes widen at the mention of Dilan’s name. “Yes,” Braig replied to his abrupt expression, “he has questioned our motives as well. Even, when we began this I knew something seemed so wrong about it. I believe we’ve made a terrible mistake…Maybe Ansem the Wise and King Mickey were right; perhaps hearts were never meant to be tampered with. We’ve caused too much misery, though. We must fix it…My heart tells me I must do all in my power to undo this foolishness. I will continue to participate in these experiments, but only so I can right them.”

Even nodded, he was beginning to like Braig’s idea. He would stay as well to right the wrongs committed. It put his heart and soul at ease. He smiled in relief, the ache in his being slowly dulling. ‘Perhaps these experiments are not justified, but I will remain so that when it is finally all over with I can reverse the affects. These people were never given a choice in participation, but I will repay them. Their lost lives will be returned, of that I vow.’

“I’m with you Braig…and with Dilan. We’ll fix this.” This caused a smile to form on the man before him, but his face unexpectedly became grave and paranoid. He took a quick around before leaning close to Even.

“Man, I have a feeling Xehanort’s reasons for these experiments are not good. I seriously think he doing these for impure motives. He may want his memories back, but I believe he’s drawn to the darkness. He sprouts words about the good we’ll do, but…the look in his eyes is unnerving. He looks at the test subjects as if they’re nothing but animals, objects to further his own knowledge. I suggest you go and rest, Even. You go back down there now and you’ll be bombarded with questions about your running out like you did. I’ll take care of it. You deserve a night off, anyway.”

Even stood up and dusted himself off. Braig did this as well. They walked in opposite directions. Braig was heading back the lab where the experiment was no doubt back on where as Even was leaving the room entirely, taking Braig’s advice and going to rest. When Braig reached the doorway however he turned to watch Even.

“Hey,” once Even turned to him Braig continued. “Watch your step…In a way this is a rebellion against Xehanort. Guard yourself well and protect anyone for which you care. The finale may not end well…It is for lack of a better word, tabooed. To put it more simply: practice caution. Xehanort doesn’t take kindly to deception of any kind. We must also be careful of where we speak, Xehanort has ears in various places and a way of discovering things. Be safe. ”

“I will,” Even nodded, “thanks.” They went their separate ways; Braig back to his usual cheery self and Even with a newfound respect for the man. Braig may have seemed like a simple man to understand, but behind that laid-back exterior Even knew him to be quite complicated. He hid it so well, but he was in as much pain as Even if not more so. He laughed and acted as a clown because that was the only way he knew to stop his own personal torment.

Even stared at the darkness that lurked in the shadows of the halls and rooms as he left Ansem’s Study. For just a moment he experienced a remembrance of childhood. For a moment he felt like a small child who feared the dark because within lay the unknown. Did he fear the unknown? Yes, he knew he did, but he also knew that he was prepared to face whatever came at him. The night drew on, an ironic peace to the storm beginning to churn.