Kingdom Hearts Fan Fiction ❯ Before the Fall ❯ Deceiver of Fools ( Chapter 11 )

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

Okay, so there was a problem. Ansem glanced at the faces of each of his students. They acted as normal as was possible, but there was no hiding the tension they were exuding into their studying area. The apprehension, furthermore was not a challenge to follow. He sighed as his eyes rested on Xehanort, who was artlessly reading and ignoring all others.

“Alright, explanations.”

He watched as all six of his apprentices jumped a few feet in the air at the abrupt sound. Something was definitely going on. He frowned. “Would any of you like to explain what great crime Xehanort has committed?”

Xehanort rose a brow at the request and turned to the others. He offered an apologetic smile, or so Ansem perceived it to be.

“What have I done to upset you,” Ansem heard the bewilderment coloring his words, “I would make amends, but first I would like to know what I am being judged for.” His words were ever charming as always.

Braig's eyes narrowed and Dilan openly snorted. Aeleus and Ienzo silently fumed but they were all spoken for soon enough.

“You,” Even growled almost instantly, “what did you do to Raine last night? I came to bid her goodnight and she said you had come to see her. She was pale and looked near fainting!”

The reason they all were abrasive towards their newest member was not because of his talking to Raine, at least that wasn’t the largest reason. Sure, for Even it was up there in his strikes, but he knew the mistake of telling Ansem the truth so tactlessly. Yet, this wasn’t exactly a lie to the older man. Even was furious at Xehanort for even thinking he could still win the woman’s heart.

Xehanort’s attention fell to the slighter man. From the side Ansem could not see the flash in the man’s eyes that spoke instantly: You should know. Even’s brow creased, but Xehanort then embarrassedly hung his head. “I’m sorry, Even, you know well I too care for her. I just wanted to assert myself on the subject. I came across too blunt, though, and I frightened her. I did not mean to scare her; but I just had to be sure she had chosen you.” Xehanort placed the book behind him on the lab table and stood up. He walked over to Even and held out a hand. “You won, I’ll leave her be…I deeply apologize for the trouble I must have caused.” It wasn't enough that he slyly fooled Ansem but he was putting Even on the spot. If the most weathered of the apprentices were to refuse the other man's gesture he would look like an ass in the eyes of his teacher.

Even glanced at his hand then back at Xehanort. He felt Ansem’s gaze, and inwardly cringed at the game Xehanort was playing. He was caught and there no way to deny the man without suspicion. He straightened his face and took the hand in a firm grip. Xehanort smiled purely and when the hand shake was over bowed slightly. “I see your arm is healed. Tell me: which our colleagues was the genius.”

“I was,” Dilan replied gruffly fighting back the tension by getting to say something, even though his true thoughts were far from his words.

“Oh, nicely done.”

Ansem cleared his throat, “All ill-will is settled, then?”“No,” Ienzo spoke sharply, “we all got an argument over ethics yesterday."

Ansem nodded, “Oh?”

Sweat began to form on Even's brow. Was this it? Surely they should have all held counsel as to when would be the best time to admit to their sins. They all knew what was to be done but now that Ienzo was actually making a move it suddenly seemed like a very rash idea.

“Yes, Master Ansem.” Ienzo continued, the knot in his stomach increasing in weight. 'Will the others try and stop me?' Secretly he wished they would. He could feel his cheeks burning from the anxiety and he slowly sank a little in his seat as Ansem waited for him to continue. He squirmed under his gaze, they might have found it unusually easy to do things behind his back but Master Ansem wasn't king just for the sake of it, he was not a man to be trifled with.

Ienzo was about to go on when Braig's sweaty hand gripped his knee from under the table and squeezed hard. The message was obvious and the youngest quickly changed his next words. "But... I suppose our little argument on differences of opinion aren't worth holding a grudge over."

"Indeed. We'll then quickly apologize to each other and let's drop the matter."

"Sorry."

The response was less than unison, and assuredly exasperated, but Ansem was content. He smiled happily at his six young pupils, afterward returning his eyes to the papers he had received from them at the outset of the day’s lesson. The room quieted, though tension still lingered. Boys will be boys and these men had almost all grown up regarding one another as brothers, so conflict was bound to happen.

Ansem felt his chest swell in pride. These men were going to be graduating from his tutelage in a year’s time. His eyes rose slightly to stare at his infamous apprentices. Oh, the confidence he had in these six men. They each were diverse, holding a power and mind solely their own. He could hypothesize where some of their career paths would lead, but he held off speculating such. He knew how life could change: quicker than you could blink an eye or exhale.

He set aside the paper he had been reading. He had taught them well; they may have seemed lazy at times, but they were thorough when the need arose and these research papers he had assigned them the prior week proved that. He took the next paper and scanned it. It was Xehanort’s; he, Ansem admitted, was the most eloquent writer with Ienzo following close behind. He picked up the paper to discern a word the man had written in his small hand. He placed his other hand on the tabletop.

The lab was filled with mutters from the people there as they studied upon their subject of the day. What it was exactly, was of no importance. The fluttering of paper interrupted the conversations as a few of the papers that he had already graded fell to the floor. The six apprentices raised curious gazes at their teacher who laughed lightly and disappeared behind his desk to retrieve the fallen reports. Xehanort’s was left forgotten for the moment on the solid surface. Any tentative eye would have noticed the slightly discolored page that stuck out a little at the corner within the papers.

Ansem rose from behind the table and reset the papers carefully. He then returned his critique to his newest’s essay. He lifted the document once again and observed as a folded piece of paper fell from within it. His students had returned to their studies, thus leaving Ansem without witness. He lifted the paper and turned it over gently before beginning to open it. Yes, it was prying. It may not have been right, but Ansem was a very inquisitive individual and anything his apprentices left for him to find was fair game.

“Well, well, what do we have here?”

His students once again offered their questioning stares. He grinned in amusement and held the page up. He noticed Xehanort’s distressing reaction almost immediately. The boy was ill at ease. Ansem smirked like a school boy. So this was Xehanort’s note.

Simply astonishing! Today I had a guest from another world. He is a king and, his vessel is built of the material that composed the meteors. He called the pieces "gummi blocks". It seems that my opening that door has opened a path to interworld travel…

His brows creased at the words on paper…Xehanort had not personally spoken with the mouse king. He sighed, so the newest arrival had taken to mocking him in his free time? He folded the piece of paper and placed it in the pocket on his lab coat. He walked around the table. His eyes met those of Xehanort, whose stare had not left his. Ansem frowned deeply; was that loathing sparking in the depths of his student’s eyes? He opened his mouth to call the boy to speak with him privately. He barely got the first sound of his name out when the door to the room opened.

Raine stood there- a man behind her, towering her by foot, smiling gently. His hazel eyes beheld every face in the room and it was a nervous habit that had him raising a hand to his dark brown hair- that in the light almost appeared black- and tugged on the short pony-tail.

“Hello,” he bowed slightly stepping to stand before Raine.

He turned to Ansem and bowed lower, “Your majesty.” It was then he turned back to address the whole room. “I do hope you forgive this interruption. I am Alexander.”

Even was the first to reply to the man, having heard his name before. “Alexander as in Raine’s-”The man’s nod assured him, “Yes, I am her elder brother. It's nice to finally make the acquaintance of the six men who are called, Ansem’s Elite students.”

Ansem smiled affectionately, “It never fails to fill me with pride when I hear how renown my students are. They deserve every ounce of recognition though. They work so hard.” He regarded his apprentices. “Would you like to introduce yourselves?”

They did so; and the scene was much like the one that had passed when they had met Raine. The only exception was that Xehanort greeted Alexander with a friendlier disposition. It was after this that the chatter that accompanies such introductions by men began.

“I hope my sister has not been any trouble,” Alexander joked, glancing quickly at the person in question. Raine flashed him a sardonic smile.

“She has been nothing of the sort,” Ansem replied truthfully. The others nodded, “I am glad you have enjoyed her company and I will speak for our father when I offer you my deepest gratitude in keeping her here.”

“It was not a problem, their precautions were understandable; besides she has been a wonderful friend to my students.”

Alexander turned to his sister, “I know I came without word, but I can guess you are dying to return home. Jonathan misses his Aunty.”

Raine didn’t want to leave, but she balanced her answer. She could never reveal to Alexander the truth behind her wishing to stay, at least not the whole truth. She wondered if she even tell him the half-truth. She would miss Even most of all.

“Raine, what’s wrong?”

She sighed at her brother’s words. She had taken too long to respond. She blushed. “I don’t want to intrude, but just a little longer, Alex…I need to say goodbye to Master Ansem and my new friends. Besides packing will take a while.”

“I can help you, you know that. So tell me, why so hesitant? Who are wishing to stay for?”

Raine’s gaze fell to the floor. Alexander grinned mischievously, “So there is someone! Fine, I have a matter I could discuss with Ansem privately…You may depart to tell him goodbye. Then-”“No, stay for dinner, it will be no problem…That should give the girl enough time to get everything completed and the two of you can leave with a full stomach and warm spirits to accompany you on the journey to your family’s estate. The night promises to be a chilling one.”

Raine felt her heart flutter in joy at Ansem’s proposal. Her head shot up and she bowed, “Thank you, King Ansem.”

The elder man answered with a knowing smile then referred his attention to her brother, “What is this matter you wish to speak to me about? Come, let’s step into my study.” Ansem gestured and Alexander followed him. He offered Raine a wink and smirk before he disappeared, however.

Raine shook her head, her face reddening as her gaze once again lowered to the floor. She muttered something embarrassedly. Dilan’s deep chuckle interrupted her, despite and she felt her face warm even more.

“It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, glad you enjoyed your stay.” Aeleus said, his voice revealing nothing of the groups previous stress.

Raine raised her head and offered a small smile. She nodded her head. Various forms of farewell fell from the other’s lips except for Even and Xehanort.

“Raine,” Xehanort offered. Raine went rigid for a moment, but pulled her eyes away from the others. When she met Xehanort’s gaze he smiled softly, yet made no move towards her.

“Your presence was certainly refreshing. You have graced us all. I wish you safe passage from here and that you’ll consider revisiting us.”

Raine face was straight but she voiced agreement. She was silent for a moment after that and she turned her gaze away. She seemed troubled by something, but she sighed realizing she had to do what she wished. There could be no telling if she would ever see any of these men after she left.

“I forgive you,” she said and as she turned back to the men and smiled softly. Her eyes glanced at everyone’s faces, but Xehanort’s. Its silent message was not hard to discern. I forgive everyone…but you. The other apprentices as well as Xehanort knew what she referred to, and for all but him a small relief blossomed in their hearts. The abandoned man took his rejection, outwardly showing no offensive, but burning within. How dare she…

He could not complete that thought as Raine gestured to Even, “Could you walk with me in the gardens? There’s much I must say to you.”

Even nodded, not denying her request. He walked forward and took her hand. “Lead the way,” he smiled morosely and leaned down. Without any abashment he kissed her lips. “For courage,” he whispered, as he saw the tears already threatening to fall from her eyes. She stared back at him. Unshed tears marred his eyes as well. What about you?

The room filled with sniggering, “So your romance is true…off you go.”

Raine and Even both overtly flushed at the comment, offered with much zeal by Ienzo, but they expected such reactions and offered only small smiles as Even gently tugged on his link to the woman. They too left the room, aware of the severe glare they received from Xehanort.

‘Well,’ Xehanort mused, ‘isn’t that a pity…’ He returned his attention to his book, not truly reading, instead scheming ways in which he could act upon Raine’s apparent decision. 'She didn't have to be so churlish about it.' He thought, mildly hurt by her actions.
She had said there was much to say, but as the bare and icy gardens embraced the couple there was only silence. Neither knew how to say the words of farewell, nor of comfort. They weren’t foolish; they realized how precious their time was together. Raine felt Even’s hand still embracing her own, but still that did nothing to quell the sorrow that possessed her. ‘Not now…not now…’ She repeated these words in her head, but there was nothing she could do. She would have to leave. She couldn’t take it anymore; it was just too much.

Overwhelmed with emotions she roughly pulled her hand from Even’s a sob escaping her throat. She ran, not aware where her feet were leading her. She knew Even had followed, perceptive that she was just beset with grief. She fell to the ground and all the misery she felt and expected was made known to the sereneness surrounding them. She laid on her side, ignorant of the frost-strewn ground beneath. Hadn’t she cried enough the night before? How did she still possess the power to do so now?

Her eyes were sealed shut, breath harshly painted the air, and her less than silent cries emitted from her, causing her body to tremble at the unrestricted release. Even, though he had caught up quietly did nothing immediately. He watched her scene with an expression that unhesitatingly mirrored her own, but he held it in as he approached her.

Once seated on the ground beside her he reached and pulled her into his lap and encircled her within this arms. He cradled her head into his chest. ‘Does a breaking heart make a sound?’ He felt his shattering, and just as Raine he too began to shudder in the intensity of sorrow.

“Raine,” his voice was shaky and he felt his heart splinter further when she raised her forlorn gaze to him. He tucked a few strands of her chocolate hair behind her ears. “I’m sorry…” Raine shook her head and turned her gaze away. “I need to be stronger,” she whispered. Even removed an arm from around her and grabbed her chin. He turned her head back towards him and shook his head. “I’m-I’m proud of you.” He saw new tears flood her eyes and his coursed stronger.

He felt Raine’s arms embrace his neck. He watched as she carelessly kissed him. In sorrow they clutched this last moment of passion. He held her tightly against his frame, ravaging her lips as she did the same for him. And when it was over, when necessity drove them to part, he found himself still in her embrace and she in his.

“Even, what are we going to do?” She whispered, her voice breaking from the somber news they both knew so well. “What if…What if…this is the last time I see you? What if something happens that can’t be taken back. I don’t want to lose you!” With the way their government worked, execution would almost certainly be the punishment for their misguided acts. Ansem wouldn't want to do it, Rain and Even both knew that, but many responsibilities came with ruling a world and the king would not be able to act only upon his own wishes. The people would demand concessions.

Even rested his head atop hers. “What do you want me to say? I can’t quell yours fears as much as I wish it were possible. I don’t want to lose you either, but…I can’t guarantee anything. I have damned myself…and we both suffer because of it.” He was trying to be calm, they didn’t need anymore tears. “You never should have loved me...”

Raine shook her head, burying it into his chest. “I don’t regret any of it…don’t talk like that, Even!” Her head shot up. “Please, even if it this has to end in tragedy I will never hate you! No one has ever made me feel so…just…let me be with you until the last possible moment. Allow me to stand by your side and be affectionate until I can no longer stop my leaving. And you had better try your damnedest to make it back to me! I will never forget you and until you send me word, personally, that my waiting is in vain I will never release your heart. Please,” and she broke down again.

“Raine,” Even sighed painfully, “you don’t have to ask for all of this. I’ll let you do what you will so long as you’ll grant me the same request. I’ll give my all to see you again, but to ensure that you, alone, are safe is my first priority. I’m glad you’re leaving…you’re safer that way, even if I have to endure heartbreak as a result. Please cry not for me or yourself…this is better.” He hugged her and kissed her lips sweetly in the frosty, overcast gardens. Every word he could not express verbally was transmitted by his lips to Raine’s. She responded with equal passion.

The walk back to the castle was again a quiet affair, but when the door that led into its hallowed halls appeared Even squeezed her hand. “You’ll always have my heart, Raine, my love.”
Alexander and Ansem emerged from the study each in good spirits. Alexander seemed amused finding his sister and the eldest apprentice missing and his amusement only grew when he glanced up and Braig smirked at his unvoiced question.

“Xehanort,” Ansem called, “may I speak to you privately in my office?”

The man in question stood up. He followed Ansem silently, malevolence intent hidden in his features. No one else saw his wicked plans so obvious in his face, for had they... perhaps Ansem would have returned from that room.

Yet, no one did. Ansem the Wise, the benevolent king had sealed his own fate.
To Whom It May Concern,

Please excuse my absence, but a sudden problem came up that demanded my attention. I pray that you enjoy your dinner. Raine and Alexander, I wish you a safe journey and a enjoyed time. I’ll set up a date to speak again with the two of you. Farewell in advance and, I once again, apologize for not being here to give my goodbye personally.

--Ansem

Even stared down at the note, Raine had given him. One of the castle servants had brought it to the dining party earlier. He sighed. This was unexpected. He had hoped Ansem could have been there to see Raine and Alexander off. It kind of irked him, but he let it slide. Ansem was the king after all and he had his own affairs to deal with. He passed the note along and continued with his meal, holding Raine’s hand in his free one all the while.

“Even, right?”

He raised his head and nodded in affirmation to Alexander who grinned. “So, you’re the chap that stole my sister’s heart. I can see that by the way you two interact. You’ll have to come by the estate when my parents return; I’m sure they would love to meet you. Ansem would allow that right?”

Even gave a small quirk of his mouth and nodded, his eyes falling to inspect his plate. Raine’s sibling would see it as a sign of embarrassment, but it was the opposite. He couldn’t look at the man; he had the distinct feeling that Alexander’s request would never come to fruition.

“No being bashful now, I’m sure as long as Raine likes you our mother and father will adore you. I, for one, believe she had chosen a worthy candidate for her affections.”

“Thanks,” Even replied softly, this time genuinely self-conscious. He wouldn’t see himself as deserving as the man believed him to be. What would they think when they discovered his involvement in the terrifying and unnerving disappearances that had haunted this world. He was ashamed.

Raine squeezed his hand and he raised his head just in time to meet her lips in a simple kiss and he was distantly aware of Alexander's awkward clearing of his throat. The gesture, however, meant the world to Even. Here was the warming embrace he was searching for. He smiled against her mouth and touched her cheek. “Always know how to make me feel better.” But, in all honesty, her affection, her support of him cut him and riddled him with more guilt than even his morality had shunned him with. He would lie for her sake; lie and pity her. She shouldn’t love him. He shouldn’t love her. But they did, and look where they were. She had said she had no regrets, though, and he wouldn’t either. At least, for a moment, he was given a normal routine to his life no matter its fleeting reality.

He saw the tears in her eyes. “Have you eaten your fill?” She nodded. He grabbed her hand. He pulled her to her feet and began to lead her from the table, not worrying in regards to the mischievous glances they were receiving. “Before you depart I need to show you something.” He said for the benefit of the others.

They traipsed past corridors and doors until they reached her own. He pulled her within, admiring her confusion. He closed the door behind them and pressed her against it.

Despite his earlier thoughts and actions he felt he now had to tell her this: “Raine, you’re so beautiful and firm minded…You shouldn’t waste your time with me.” Even clenched his resolve. He had to do this and, as much it crushed him to have to, he needed for her not to be lost because of him. “I need you to leave…and never think about me again. This was probably just a crush for us…Please, find someone more worthy of you. There are plenty out there more stately, kind, and handsome than I. You deserve so much better. You don’t want to be the girl of a student, a man who might fall into debt and not be able to support you. Raine-”

Raine smacked him. He stared back in shock. She screeched, “DON’T TELL ME THAT! Only I know what I deserve and what I want! Even, don’t push me away…You’re far too embedded in my heart for your memory just to fade. I will not forget you. How many times and ways do I have to say this: I don’t want anyone else! I want you! And if this is a crush so be it! But promise me, no matter what that you will to come see me, even if it just to tell me that my affection had lost its luster in your heart. I will do the same for you. You told me you’d let me be with you till the last moment, are you going back on your word? Even, my heart is already breaking. Let it shatter in peace at it’s own pace…don’t help it.”

She began to sputter, and Even couldn’t make out what she next said. He held her, pressed against the door. “I never wanted to hurt you…I’m only leading you to ruin. How can you allow yourself so freely to face that?” He whispered kissing her head and then his lips grazed her salty cheek. They traced her jaw-line before descending to her throat.

His breath fanned her neck. ‘Just enjoy this. Live for the moment.’ He told himself these words, trying to believe them. His arms settled around her hips, hands pressed against her lower back. He lavished her neck in at first peppered kisses before ascending to her own lips marking her throat at intervals with his open mouth. He smiled softly at Raine’s closed eyes. “Let this be a sweet memory,” he whispered against her lips before roughly assaulting them.

Her fingers dug into his silky hair as she opened her mouth for him, without his request. Their affections continued with a fervor until there came a knock on the door. “Raine? Have said your farewells? Are you ready to leave?” Raine and Even reluctantly released one another. He stepped from her and she moved from the door a ways in order to open it.

Alexander sniggered upon the sight the now wide-open door revealed to him. He took in his sisters and Even’s less than composed appearances and shook his head.

“You’re fortunate that I’m so understanding,” he slapped Even on the arm as he entered to help Raine carry her luggage. Raine bit her swollen lips. “Even-”

The man shook his head, “I’ll see you later, love.” He kissed her cheek softly. “Now, allow me to also help with these bags. I’ll send you off with a better gesture then.” He winked at her and she flushed.

It was all appearances, however, to sate her brother. There was nothing beautiful or cheerful about their farewell. How can one be joyous when they know the possibility of meeting again is almost nothing? All they had was hope and both Even and Raine knew that even that was falling through their fingers. For you see that was the fickle quality of that feeling. It never promised success, often with the little word “maybe” attached to the end. A person should never blame hope for letting them down, because in essence, it never guarantees anything. And that was the chilling fact the lovers had to face.