Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Before the Fall ❯ Keep the Faith ( Chapter 6 )

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

The high chandelier hung above the long dining table, but only two bodies were seated at it and both of them side-by-side. One was the raven haired Ienzo and the other was Aeleus distinguished by his curly crimson hair. Surrounding them was a myriad of books, most likely confiscated from the library before Even entered to clean it: the day was Thursday.

Four weeks ago Ienzo would not have been in the common dining hall as a result of the four kittens Dusk had borne. However, now that the kittens were weaned from their mother and given to proper owners the young man no longer had any reason to worry save that he had to keep a better eye on his pet around Charlemagne.

As this thought crossed Ienzo’s mind he began to chuckle behind the cover the book he was currently reading afforded him.

“You alright, Ienzo,” Aeleus’ warm voice offered, curiosity dripping from it like melted chocolate.

The young man did not answer immediately as he had to stifle his amusement before hand. When he finally reigned his vocal chords, he placed the book down and greeted Aeleus with a mischievous glint in his eyes and smiling lips.

“I think it would be best to keep my cat from yours when she is an a delicate condition,” the young man stated humorously, “that is until I’m prepared to deal with more kittens…Such a surprise we were met with when she finally showed her pregnancy, eh?”

Aeleus chuckled and nodded, “That would probably be best. We will have to more careful and observe Dusk more closely. Yet her kittens found good homes.”

“Yes,” Ienzo smiled, “I’m happy her and Charlemagne will be able to see their offspring often with Xehanort, Dilan, Braig, and Raine keeping them.”

He smiled cheerfully, but there was something in that smile that spoke volumes. Aeleus sighed, “What bothers you about the living arrangements? I’m sure they are fine.”

Ienzo shook his head, “I‘m alright, you’re being paranoid.” Aeleus sniggered, “Ienzo, I’ve known you since you were fourteen. We both grew up working for every meal we earned, stealing when necessary, and the work we undertook was more strenuous than perhaps boys like us should have undertaken…Give me some credit. I am entitled to be able to read you after five years of being an acquaintance.”

Ienzo shut his eyes; he was the one who read people and he prided himself for not allowing his true demeanor to show many times when he was troubled. “You are friend, not acquaintance.”

“Then tell me what it is bothering. It does no good keeping sorrow and anxiety inside.”

Ienzo opened his eyes and gazed at Aeleus and took a deep breath, “Xehanort.”

Aeleus’ mouth, which had been composed of a reassuring smile, fell. The hands that were previously resting in his lap balled into fists. His eyes widened, the white showing clearly. “What troubles you about him?”

Ienzo took note of the discomfort and shock that his friend revealed concerning the man. He closed his eyes and clasped his hands before him atop the book he had been reading before this ordeal started. “You don’t think he’ll harm his kitten do you?”

Aeleus chuckled, relaxing, “Have you seen him? I doubt it…I think that's the only thing he openly shows true affection to, and I've noticed that he allows it to follow him nearly wherever he goes.”

Ienzo gave him a small smirk, “Then tell me, Ael, what troubles you about him?” He cracked open an eye to watch as Aeleus tensed. There was silence amongst the two, but Ienzo held his gaze steady.

Finally Aeleus cracked, “There’s something off about him.”

Ienzo turned his gaze to his hands, the smile still present, “Is there?”“Yes, and if you didn’t think so either then you wouldn’t have spoken to me about his kitten. That’s a little too much concern to have in regards to a cat.”

“You have me there.”

Once again a moment of hush fell between the two apprentices and Aeleus was the one to break it. “Is he is crazy?” The youngest chuckled, “What do you think?”

“Yes. He seems to get worse each day. Have you seen the way he looks at some of our subjects at times? They’re not human to him, they have no feelings…He looks at them as if they’re nothing, but-”

“Lab mice,” Ienzo cut in.

Aeleus stared down at his hands, “Animals.” he shook his head, “We’re no better than murderers…I knew the consequences the subjects would face, but I-we followed along with him! We made him our leader! The good was suppose to offset the terrible things we are doing, but that doesn’t cut it any longer.” His voice had grown desperate.

Ienzo unlaced his fingers and then intertwined them again. “Ironic, isn’t it?” His whispered voice was even and his tone remained unchanged, “Now the executioners begin to harbor guilt for what they are doing; I'm afraid that the occupation in question does not allow for such sentiments. But can it be amended?”“How can you be so calm?!” Aeleus almost screamed in frustration at his younger friend.

“I have to be, and it is best that you follow my example. You’ve said it yourself that Xehanort is demented, and we know how he reacts to surprises and scolding…imagine his reaction to betrayal. He knows we hold doubt about our experiments and Even’s episode weeks ago hit a chord in him. He can sense when something is going on, but he will not act until he is sure of exactly what. You must not let your opinion of his sanity be displayed in your eyes…It is best he knows nothing.”

“How long have you thought him out of his mind?”

Ienzo’s eyes fell away from Aeleus’. He smiled, but it was a grin laden with regret. “Far too long... and not to have said anything to another soul must be about the most foolish thing I've done in a while. A few months, perhaps, to answer your question directly. Of course you or any of the others might not have caught on as quickly. The hints were small; even I thought nothing of them for a while, but there was a defining moment.”

Aeleus sighed, “Do the others know?”“Yes, finally the veil of innocence is rising, opening all eyes. Even Master Ansem is suspicious, but he can do nothing…He cannot know what has been going on. We will not tell him.”

The older choked, “What do you mean? He has every right to know! Are you afraid of judgment because I believe it’s a little too late for that.”

“No,” Ienzo suddenly replied icily, “I will accept any judgment cast down upon me. King Ansem cannot know, because I have feeling that it will only make matters worse at this point. Xehanort has a short fuse…It is burning away quickly.”

“So, we should attempt to find a solution to this before we bring this to his attention?”

“Precisely. I’ve spoken to Dilan…He, Braig, and Even have banded together to try and do so, I believe it is best we speak to them.”

“I see, so shall we?”“Yes, perhaps now is the best time. No time like the present.”

The air was so stifling with tension that Aeleus could feel it pressing down on him, making him feel heavy. He had to lighten the mood before they stepped from the room. He smiled ruefully.

“Tell me,” he quipped, “does Xehanort scare you?”

Ienzo either hadn’t realized it was a joke or he saw no humor in the question. His comment made the air change from thick and uncomfortable to chilling and alive.

“Xehanort terrifies me more than the heartless we’ve created and imprisoned beneath the castle.”
His turquoise eyes stared out the glass windows to the star-filled night sky that was now encompassing the world. Even sighed rather audibly and focused his mind again to stare down at the cart full of books he would have to return to their rightful places. Why had the day he had been given Library duty have to be the day it looked as if it had been attacked by paraplegic chimps? Didn’t the other people here realize that he was no maid? The pile of books in the cart seemed endless. He sighed again and got back to task.

The stack of books had dwindled half an hour later, yet still, Even was left a substantial number of volumes, perhaps ten percent to replace. The fatigue was getting to him and he swore to himself that whoever was responsible for this mess would be receiving a biting lecture. He grumbled beneath his breath silently as he picked up a book. His attention was drawn away however by the sound of the door opening.

Instantly Even’s heart skipped in its rhythm. He quickly placed the book in its appropriate place and paced in a casual manner to inquire the intruder’s identity. He was no longer shameful at admitting he secretly hoped it to be Raine. He still wrestled with his emotions toward the girl, but that fact was dormant at the moment.

He emerged from the corridors of books to see Braig and Dilan walking unhurriedly into the library. Upon seeing the oldest apprentice Braig turned to Dilan.

“See,” he commented humorously, “told you he was still in here. Salutations, Ev!”

Even quieted the groan that wanted to emerge from his throat as Braig waved enthusiastically and Dilan offered a smirk. His irritation must have been noticeable.

Just as soon as they had reached him, Dilan wrapped an arm around his shoulders, “What, Even? Not who you were expecting?”

His reply was an uninterested sniff and his smirk grew wider, “I’m sorry we’re not her.”

Even pushed his arm off in disgust, “Raine has nothing to do with this.”

Braig snorted in mockery and rolled his eye. He took a place at the table beneath the stairs. “Sure,” he drawled, “that why your eyes dimmed when you saw it was just us? Please stop lying, we know you like the girl, it was evident when you turned on Xehanort before.”

Even sighed and turned away, not denying them but not answering either. Or perhaps he had. The two seemed satisfied at least. Dilan sat on the opposite side of the table and leaned back in the wooden chair until he could balance himself comfortably. He then proceeded to place his feet atop the matching tabletop.

At the sound of the man’s heels alighting atop the table, Even whipped around. “I just cleaned that,” he seethed. Dilan shrugged, “My feet are clean, it’s Braig who’s been walking around in bird shit all day.”

Braig petted the bandages that were covering his face, “Yes, and I’m currently planning the ‘accidental’ death of one particular falcon. Bloody bastard took out my eye and then rips my face all to hell!” His eye flashed.

Dilan chuckled, “Braig, it's just an animal.”“I don’t care, he’s smart and hates me! And I haven’t done a thing to him to deserve this!” He pointed at his face for emphasis.

Even grinned in amusement and walked back to his previous position within the labyrinth of tomes. He could work and chat simultaneously and there was no denying that he wasn’t interested in whatever reason the two men had for coming to the library to search him out. He grabbed the next book to replace. “So, why am I graced with your presences?” He decided to pose the question. It was obvious that the other two would just stick to circumlocution for as long as possible and frankly Even found he had no patience for that at the moment.

“We knew you’d be lonely,” Dilan’s voice cut through the shelves.“Yeah, don’t you enjoy our company? I’d be dying for human contact after spending the entire day in here. Was the Library really that bad? Or are you just slow today?”

Even’s brow rose at the first question posed with mirrored hurt, but with the second he turned his head, able to catch the back of Braig in his sight. “You have no idea…It looked as if a war had occurred amongst the rows.”

That is how the conversation passed for a few minutes; comments on how the Library possibly looked before Even’s “magical”, as Dilan referred, touch had came along. Despite his original plan it looked as if they were not going to be covering anything important. In all reality, now that he thought about it, Even realized that he was well in the mood for talk less serious.

“I’m glad Library duty is not my assignment…I rather enjoy tower duty. Nice and quiet without having to clean, enough said.”

“I’d kill for your job,” Braig said, seemingly ignoring Even now joining them at the table, “it’s better than caring for that bloody bird.” The two continued on, unaware of how grateful their blonde companion was for their light hearted company. Yet, this could not last.

Even patted the man on the back before resting his left elbow against the table and placing his chin atop his hand, “Okay, I’m here. So really why are the two of you in the Library. Let’s cut to the chase shall we?”

Braig and Dilan shared a quick glance at each other before the first sighed, “We came here to speak to you about Xehanort. He seems to be falling deeper into darkness and insanity with each day. I feel the end is almost near. We must take action soon.” Even felt his heart lodge in his throat.

Insanity; that word tasted foreign on his tongue, but he knew he had often been thinking the newest apprentice demented as each day passed, more so since his own run in with the man over Raine. His eyes widened and for a moment he could form no words, no coherent reply. Later he realized it was shock at having his worst and deepest fear repeated by another.

Sometimes he called the men around him too trusting, but had he not suffered from this same affliction back in the beginning? And now everything was being discovered. Every doubt Xehanort had ousted in them from the start were becoming true results. The experiments were no longer for knowledge, pure and innocent. It all fell to power. He was possessed and blinded. Even could feel the world around him teeter, only a couple of strings still holding the ground around him stable.

“I’ve spoken to Ienzo,” Dilan commented. The man’s feet were now on the ground and he was leaning forward all joking out of his voice. They were cutting to the chase alright, but now Even was cursing himself for prodding them to stop their antics. The truth of reality was always a hard situation to deal with. He raised his eyes to meet Dilan’s, however. He would endure. Upon seeing he had the attention of his two friends Dilan continued, “He agrees. He too sees the change in Xehanort’s persona. He wishes to join us to stop him. He believes Aeleus will follow as well.”

Even felt his stomach lurch again. He felt a chill proceeding up his spine. He must have paled for Braig had a firm grip on his shoulder instantly, “Do you want out, Even? We won’t judge you.”Even took a deep breath, “No, I will remain. He must be stopped. These experiments were unethical from the beginning, but he being a master of eloquence doused our fears. His words were just that: a winded play, and he a perfect actor. The 'good' will never justify the horror we have unleashed. Is Master Ansem to be brought in?”Both Dilan and Braig shook their heads, “No.”

“There are five of us against him,” Dilan explained, “I think we should subdue him before he is brought to Ansem. If we are unable to do so, then by all means his majesty must be brought into this.”

“It sounds reasonable,” Even replied, nodding his head. “It is rather foolish to fear judgment now. I know Master Ansem would forgive us, but how do we face all the eyes of the town’s people. If I were them, my reasons wouldn’t be enough. Do you know how foolish I feel for being deceived so easily?”Braig slammed his fists on the table, “And you think we don’t?! We’re all ashamed…we’ve proven undeserving of our titles as Ansem’s great apprentices! Xehanort used us as scapegoats, as pawns for his own merry plans, plans that no longer encompass his memories…He’s hungry for power, and I fear for all innocents that come in contact with him. Even, I believe Raine is in danger…The way Xehanort’s psyche has deteriorated, his words to you about pursuing her seem true enough and that is not good on any grounds.”

Even gritted his teeth and his glare fell to bore into the tabletop, “I’m aware of that…he-he confronted me the day Ienzo's pet gave birth. He told me he would move in on her and that he cared not that I like her as well. He told me I’d better make my move. His eyes, they looked as if he was set with a challenge, an experiment.” Even clenched his fist bitterly.“Even, you need to tell her how you feel. That man’s unstable and she should not fall victim to a mad man. You’ll never know her true feelings if you don’t tell her.”Even absorbed the information and remained silent. “Even,” Dilan touched his shoulder, “she’s not Emily…and you’re older now. She will not toy with your heart and then crush it like that woman did. And if she does, well, she will regret the day. You need to take a chance. That is the reason why you’re so hesitant, right?”

Even’s gaze rose, “Actually, no. I do fear rejection, but I knew from the moment I met her she was sincere and wouldn’t do that, at least I think so.” He chuckled a little. “I guess, I will have to tell her. Whether I am met with rejection or not, she does not deserve Xehanort. And from what I’ve seen she views him as a friend, but friendship can quickly become love and we know Xehanort’s way with words.”

Dilan’s hand had remained on his shoulder and soon Braig’s had joined it on the opposite again. “Good luck, friend.” Braig smiled. “Knock her out.” Dilan winked. Even smirked and his face reddened slightly.
“Thank you.” Even smiled, his cheeks reddening a little. This kind of talk was not an everyday occurrence after all.

Braig and Dilan’s hands were removed and they shrugged with grins present on their faces. That was the moment the door into the room opened again and the trio tensed, unsure of who to expect. Ienzo and Aeleus entered, “See I told you they were in here, Ael.” Aeleus rolled his eyes in amusement at the youngest’s comment. “Greetings,” he offered, “I believe you know-”“Take a seat.” Braig’s order was fulfilled. He turned to Even. “You, go talk to her. Lord knows you need to see her.” He prodded him with his elbow and Even’s face which had just recovered from blushing flushed a darker red, but he stood up.“Are you sure you will be fine?” He asked.Dilan waved him away, “Kiss her for us.” He grinned widely. Even turned away as fast as he could, not seeing both Aeleus and Ienzo smiling deviously at his back. As soon as he left Ienzo sighed, "To business then. We do actually need a plan you know. Just saying we're going to put a stop to Xehanort is not going to accomplish anything. When and where would be a nice place to start?"

Even focused on his footsteps, with each step he took he felt his heart palpitate and the sound became louder and louder.

The trip was far too fast for his tastes. He was standing before Raine’s door in what only felt like seconds. He took a deep breath and noticing the door ajar slightly, hesitantly opened it. He had shut his eyes just incase she may have been indecent, but when he heard no protest he reopened them.

The sight he was met with was no less breathtaking, and he cursed himself for such a thought. Raine was laying in her bed the blood-colored blankets pulled up to her torso. Within one hand she loosely clasped a book. The other hand rested next to her head as it was tilted towards the appendage. Her beige nightshirt hung loosely over her figure and her chest rose and fell steadily.

Even smiled gently at her, and turned to leave unaware that he was being watched by the woman on the bed. She had been at the brink of slumber when the low sound of air passing by the opening door awoke her. She was awakened, but did not open her eyes all the way. She was able to watch Even out of the corner of her eyes, unbeknownst to him. His sudden appearance wasn’t frightening, just strange. It made her quite interested in what reason he had for visiting.

The gentle expression in his eyes as he saw her made her stomach knot and she hoped the low lights of the bedside lamp hid the small blush that was creeping up her cheeks. She tried to fight back the thought that his look was one given to a lover. She wouldn’t get her hopes up. She had known him for over a month and despite his sometimes harsh comments he had worked his way into her heart; she came to adore him more with each moment she had spent with him. She had often thought that she had caught him staring at her like this, but it was quickly covered every time she turned to regard him. Now she was able to observe it in full.

Raine wanted to open her eyes all the way and address him, but she knew that she would ruin the moment, or she feared she would at least so she just let him admire her, heart fluttering at his compassionate smile. As he turned she prepared herself to turn off the lamp when he closed the door again, but that plan was soon defeated.

Even turned, hand on the knob ready to walk out of the room and shut the door behind him. He would save his confession for another day. His heart faltered at the proposition at having to wait, but his mind whispered in relief. At least he had the beautiful sight of her slumbering so serenely to himself. He held onto that moment as if it were a lifeline and it was; in all the turmoil that was building, at least here lay something still normal and sturdy. He laughed softly; Raine would never realize how much she kept him from breaking down from guilt and stress. He was about to take the first step from the room when he heard a soft mewl.

He turned to see Victoria, Raine’s small calico kitten staring at him in the avid curiosity of a child. He smiled.“Don’t worry, I’m not here to hurt your master. Sorry to disturb you.” He whispered. The cat was sitting at the edge of the bed and as it stood up and placed it legs down to balance itself it lost its footing. Even was acting before he realized it. He quietly yet swiftly reached the falling kitten and caught it before it could crash into the floor.

Even sighed and pulled the kitten to his chest with a bemused smirk. The fall wouldn’t have killed it, but he felt it might have been injured. He had totally forgotten in that moment that cats always landed on their feet. “Let’s make you a bed somewhere that you won’t fall,” he advised the animal walking over the closet and pulling out a fair-sized basket and a towel.

Raine nearly jumped when she saw her kitten go tumbling, but she was suppose to be asleep so she remained still, knowing that the floor was no great fall. She was surprised at Even's quick reflexes and smiled as she observed the man’s actions as he retrieved a basket and towel from her closet muttering to Victoria the whole time.

He brought the basket, towel, and cat to her bedside and placed them in the corner. He then situated the towel in the basket and placed the kitten within. He patted its head softly. “There you go, no more falling. Sleep well.” When he stood up again he turned back to Raine and that expression returned to his features.

He stepped closer to her and she made sure to close her eyes so as not to be caught. She felt him slowly remove the book from her lap. Its soft impact on her bedside table came shortly after. Her heart beat at a deafening rate within her chest as she felt his breath on her head.

Even stared down at her. Oh, the urge to awaken her and admit his feelings, even if rejected was strong, but held back. He couldn’t allow her to escape, he had admitted this to himself long before now and had realized upon Xehanort’s words. But he had to try, he couldn’t let Xehanort have her, not now. It was not just because he liked her, but also because Xehanort was dangerous, simple as that. Even agreed that she did not have like him back. And though he feared it, it was just a part of life. He would let her go. She deserved her own choice. He would be a devoted friend.

Even raised a hand before he could stop himself and placed it above her cheek. He froze however. He did not want to awaken her; how would she react to his presence. He predicted not well. He removed his hand and placed it at his side.

“Raine,” he muttered. He smiled and an idea struck him. “O, She doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a jewel rich in an Ethiop’s ear;
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear…” Even whispered these words to her from a play he had read recently. He had memorized these words because they reminded him of the girl before him. He smiled wider, his eyes further softening.“Did my heart love till now,” he continued at a different place in the dialogue, “forswear it sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” He leaned closer to her head. “Perhaps someday I can tell you those words to your conscious mind.”He kissed her forehead softly. He wished to linger there. He wished to chance her awaking, but he pulled away and retreated, afraid of his heart’s wishes and her reaction were she to open her eyes. He clicked the lamp off and threw the room into darkness.

Raine lifted her lids fully and watched him leave closing the door. She wondered if it had been her imagination that he had uttered, “I do believe I have fallen ill under love’s spell.” as he shut the door fully. She gingerly touched her forehead, where his lips had been previously. Her cheeks burned. She had heard his words, but should she tell him? She closed her eyes, replaying every moment that had just occurred in her mind. She wanted to tell him, but what would he say? What would he do? Would he deny his actions?

Her thoughts were interrupted as she felt the covers being tugged, the kitten was climbing back into bed with her; Even's efforts foiled. She smiled as its head popped into view and she pulled it the rest of the way up to her and hugged it as tightly as she could get away with. It wasn't Even but perhaps it wouldn't be long...