Unexpected Company (Ansem)

[aerith]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 400px; background: url(http://www.colourlovers.com/wallPaper/320x480/n/26903/COLOURlovers.com-Kimono_of_spring.png); border: 0px,bTable][cs=2][style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E15E6E; text-align: center; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 90%; margin: 5px 5px -5px 30px;]Aerith Gainsborough[/style][style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-size: 6.9pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E1918E; text-align: right; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 70%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 108px;]No matter where we are, our hearts will bring us together again.[/style]

[style=background-color: #F4F0E5; padding: 3px; width: 80%; border: 1px dotted #C3E6D4;] [/style]

[style= font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: justify; background-color: #F4F0E5; color: #DDAC87; width: 316px; height: 200px; overflow: auto; text-indent: 20px;] Times had been rather rough as of late. With the worlds in so much peril everyone had been busy bouncing around from world to world trying to keep the ensuing darkness from poaching on more helpless planets. That is, with the exception of one person. Aerith. The pink clad flower girl had always been left out of the loop when it came to matters of great danger. None of them wanted to lose her again, and while she understood, the Cetra couldn't just idly stand by and do nothing. On occasion, much like this one, Aerith would often sneak away from the committees headquarters and venture off to the castle and raid it's library for books hoping to find any piece of information to aid them in any way. And that's exactly what she was doing now. After a small pit stop to say hello to Cid and Tseng, Aerith had managed to pull herself away, even though she had raised suspicions with Tseng. The flower girl had made sure that no one had followed her.. Besides, Cid would keep Tseng busy enough for Aerith to make an escape without notice. As a small hand pushed against the door to the entrance hall. She had been here enough to look past the beautiful architecture and walk quickly to the left, slowly pushing open another door. The Library. Her favorite place! This whole room was filled with knowledge, from wall to wall, shelf to shelf. Nothing but books and literature galore. The Cetra walked slowly along the rows of shelves lined up, pulling a few books here and there and adding them to the small pile cradled in her arm. It was so quiet here; the only thing breaking the silence was the gentle thump of her boots against the floor as she walked. The perfect place to study. With her load now full, Aerith made her way to a nearby chair. As she calmly sat down and made herself comfy, she released the tomes onto the floor as they responded with a loud 'THUD'. Now.. where to start? Emerald eyes glanced over to the already messy pile of books she had set aside in her last visit. With a deep sigh Aerith gently tapped her chin with a slender finger, unsure of where to really begin. A pack of paper assembled into a makeshift book caught her eye. Written neatly in her own handwriting it read 'Ansem's Reports'. She had already read over the pamphlet several times.. but maybe there was still more she could draw from it..? With a slight shrug of her shoulders the Ancient flips over the cover and began to read intently, letting her mind fully focus on the pages in front of her. Surely there had to be something in one of these books.... [/style]

[style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E15E6E; text-align: left; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 90%; margin: 5px 30px -5px 5px;]I never blamed you. Not once. You came for me...that's all that matters.[/style][style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-size: 6.9pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E1918E; text-align: left; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 70%; margin: 0px 180px 0px 5px;]See? Everything's... alright.[/style]

[style=font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: lowercase; color: E15E6E; text-align: justify; background-color: #F4F0E5; border-bottom: 1px dotted #C3E6D4; border-top: 1px dotted #C3E6D4;]♥ ♥ NOTES: HERE ♥ ♥[/style]

[style=font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: lowercase; color: E15E6E; text-align: justify; background-color: #F4F0E5; border-bottom: 1px dotted #C3E6D4; border-top: 1px dotted #C3E6D4; line-height: 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;]Credited to BOSS from OTE[/style]

[cccxlii]

In the darkest corner of the library, a corridor of darkness opened, from it, several Shadow Heartless emerged. Silently, they made their way across the room, hugging the floor as only a shadow could do. The first Shadow climbed up the back of her chair, poking its head over her shoulder and looking over the pages she held in her hand. The second Shadow struggled on top of the older, messy pile of books and tripped, toppling the pile and getting stuck under a much larger book. The third shadow, almost looking disdainfully at the second Shadow, marched over to the newer pile of books and rested its chin on the topmost book, before staring at Aerith. A fourth Shadow dove under her chair, where it hid, much preferring the darkness there than the light that poured from the nearby windows. The three remaining Heartless hung onto a nearby bookshelf, peering down at the Flower Girl and the other Shadows.

A few moments later, one of the doors opened and in came Ansem. Gazing across the room, the Seeker of Darkness beheld the Cetra, with eyes stained by darkness. For a few moments, he weighed her importance, the things he might tell her and the use she might have. He had recently made a habit of disguising himself before approaching someone, but for this encounter he decided it would not be in his best interest. Then Ansem noticed the Shadows that were about her, and half-laughed. "Heh. You look like you're having fun." He seemed to lighten up considerably, even though his face quickly returned to its usual emotionlessness. He didn't even dismiss the Shadows, instead preferring to keep them around and watch their antics. It was as he had said to Riku and Naminé not long before, "Is it any wonder as to why I chose to devote my life to the research of these fascinating creatures?"

Ansem approached, glancing at the pamphlet. "I never realized that someone made a copy of my reports. Unless, those are the pages that I'm missing?" With a wave of his hand, a book appeared out of thin air. The book was a plain black hardcover, it held at least over a hundred pages. Ansem took only a few seconds to peruse its contents, after which he looked back at Aerith. "Or perhaps it's you who's missing a few pages?" The Heartless tucked the book under his arm and turned towards the Cetra. "I'm not interested in another battle. Would you like to talk instead? I'll answer any questions you have." The Seeker of Darkness stepped back, waiting for her response. He seemed to have completely let down his guard.

[aerith]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 400px; background: url(http://www.colourlovers.com/wallPaper/320x480/n/26903/COLOURlovers.com-Kimono_of_spring.png); border: 0px,bTable][cs=2][style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E15E6E; text-align: center; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 90%; margin: 5px 5px -5px 30px;]Aerith Gainsborough[/style][style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-size: 6.9pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E1918E; text-align: right; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 70%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 108px;]No matter where we are, our hearts will bring us together again.[/style]

[style=background-color: #F4F0E5; padding: 3px; width: 80%; border: 1px dotted #C3E6D4;] [/style]

[style= font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: justify; background-color: #F4F0E5; color: #DDAC87; width: 316px; height: 200px; overflow: auto; text-indent: 20px;] As she flipped from page to page, a small noise seemed to bounce off the walls... But.. it wasn't the sound of a door or anything of the sorts. Perhaps her mind was playing mere tricks on her and the sound had been nothing more than just that. The Cetra hesitantly went back to her studies, still weary of the possibility that someone else was here.. Aerith continued to keep her nose stuffed in her book, only to stop as the feeling of someone or something watching began to take hold over her. The feeling sent shivers down her spine and as she went to take another glance about the room just to assure herself that no one else was there. Her eyes were greeted by a small pair of yellow orbs watching her silently as it rested its small chin upon a pile of books. Though it didn't seem hostile in any way, the sudden appearance did startle her. Her foot lifted quickly, as though she had just seen a mouse scamper along the floor, not sure what to really think. She had never seen one just.. sit there. The other had successfully been able to trap himself under a large book. Bright emerald green eyes watched as yet another darted for the safety under her chair.. Where were they all coming from?! She remained in her seat, for fear of any sudden movements would spook them and cause them to lash out in retaliation. Her head went to turn to see if any others were perhaps scampering about, only to be greeted by two beady yellow only inches away from her own. It caused her heart to race as it caused her body to jump. Not only was it just the ones hovering near her, but there were a few staring on from a distance.... She was almost too afraid to even move.... She had witnessed their attacks on Traverse Town and Radiant Garden.. After a few moments had passed, the creaky hinges of the door opening sounded like music to her ears. That meant someone else was here! Perhaps Leon or Yuffie had come looking for her? True, they'd be highly disappointed that she had ventured off on her own, but.... Her heart sank when the figure came into view. She knew all too well who he was. But... what was he doing here of all places..? "Yes... they are very interesting.." She replied calmly, reaching down to free the small Heartless from the book that had pinned him. Her voice was still wary of his intents on being here, though still very friendly. She watched intently as he inquired about the reports she held in her hands, but before she could speak, a large tome appeared in his hands as he flipped quickly through the many pages it held. If that was the FULL report then she was missing more than a few pages.... Hers looked pathetic compared to the novel he seemed to have tucked under his arm now.. "Talk..?" Aerith inquired as he waited for a response. Talking was something she was good at... So it was good that he wasn't here to fight. She'd be unable to really do much to fend him or anyone else off... But.. he was offering her information.. There had to be some sort of catch... Her eyes wandered down to glance at the book still tucked under his arm before returning her gaze to his. "Surely there's something you want in return...? But... I would love to review your other notes." She offered a friendly smile. [/style]

[style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E15E6E; text-align: left; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 90%; margin: 5px 30px -5px 5px;]I never blamed you. Not once. You came for me...that's all that matters.[/style][style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-size: 6.9pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E1918E; text-align: left; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 70%; margin: 0px 180px 0px 5px;]See? Everything's... alright.[/style]

[style=font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: lowercase; color: E15E6E; text-align: justify; background-color: #F4F0E5; border-bottom: 1px dotted #C3E6D4; border-top: 1px dotted #C3E6D4;]♥ ♥ NOTES: HERE ♥ ♥[/style]

[style=font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: lowercase; color: E15E6E; text-align: justify; background-color: #F4F0E5; border-bottom: 1px dotted #C3E6D4; border-top: 1px dotted #C3E6D4; line-height: 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;]Credited to BOSS from OTE[/style]

[cccxlii]

Ansem glanced around the room, it had been several years since he had last been here. Xehanort often used the Library, reading every last book the place had to offer. Ansem knew better, these were all worthless tomes filled with useless knowledge, but still, he couldn't help but eye her fallen pile of books. "She probably won't enjoy the later chapters in that one," thought Ansem. The Heartless thought it ironic, that even after all these years, he could still recall the contents of each book. He spent a small amount of time examining each pile of books, and after he had finished, he gave Aerith a 'look', as if approving of her preferences.

"You're sharp." Ansem paced as he talked, folding his other arm behind his back. He stood tall and proud, but his posture was not that of a king. "'The only way I can get you to do anything is by giving you what you want.'" Ansem quoted one of the many books of the library, he wondered if Aerith had yet to read the same book. "I came here to see if you were indeed a Princess of Heart, but it appears my senses have dulled over the years." The Seeker of Darkness stopped his pacing and turned to Aerith, leaning forward, he stared straight into her eyes. "I must ask. Are you a Princess of Heart?"

He held this searching gaze for a tense moment, but finally he averted his eyes and returned to his normal posture. "I suppose it doesn't matter, either way." Ansem walked over to the window and made a small gesture with his hand. As if under spell, each of the heartless had now fixed their gaze on their master, watching his every move. Ansem didn't even bother to look back, he made another quick gesture and immediately, the Heartless on the back of Aerith's chair came running, jumping over the girl and sliding across the floor before joining its master's side. Without a moment of hesitation, Ansem loosened his grip on the heavy book under his arm, allowing it to drop into the Heartless' hands, who took it away without much trouble. The creatures were definitely stronger than they looked.

Ansem put his back to the wall near the window and glanced over at Aerith. "These Shadows are often underestimated. They are the lowest tier of the Pureblooded Heartless, but just one or two is enough to take down a fully-grown man." There was a look in Ansem's eyes that implied the same for Aerith, she could be easily caught if she turned hostile or attempted to escape. As he praised the Purebloods, the Shadow Heartless placed the book in-front of the window, and carefully balanced it stand on its end; instead of laying flat on the floor. As this was done, the light from the window cast itself on the book, creating a shadow so dark, that it rendered the Shadow Heartless behind it nearly invisible.

"What do you make of this?" Ansem stepped forward and approached Aerith's chair. "'The brightest light casts the darkest shadow'. Have you ever heard that term before?" He circled her and stopped behind her, resting his gloves hands on the back of her chair. "There are many theories. Some say that light and dark are balanced, but that can't be true. Because, if we were to move that book, the shadow behind it would disappear, leaving only light. Others say that light creates darkness, but that can't be true either. For if the sun were to fall below the horizon, and give way to night, then there would only be darkness, and no light."

The Seeker of Darkness stepped back and crossed his arms over his chest, moving forward, he stopped in-front of Aerith and turned to her."So tell me. What is your theory?" Then he waited patiently for her response.

[aerith]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style,width: 400px; background: url(http://www.colourlovers.com/wallPaper/320x480/n/26903/COLOURlovers.com-Kimono_of_spring.png); border: 0px,bTable][cs=2][style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E15E6E; text-align: center; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 90%; margin: 5px 5px -5px 30px;]Aerith Gainsborough[/style][style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-size: 6.9pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E1918E; text-align: right; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 70%; margin: 0px 0px 0px 108px;]No matter where we are, our hearts will bring us together again.[/style]

[style=background-color: #F4F0E5; padding: 3px; width: 80%; border: 1px dotted #C3E6D4;] [/style]

[style= font-family: verdana; font-size: 11px; text-align: justify; background-color: #F4F0E5; color: #DDAC87; width: 316px; height: 200px; overflow: auto; text-indent: 20px;] Aerith watched on idly as the man paced restlessly about the room before eyeing her small mountain of books. Almost as if he was gauging her choices. "You expected otherwise?" She inquired cheerfully as he began quoting a book she had finished not too long ago. The words still freshly painted inside of her mind. "One cannot receive until something is given." She spouted off another quote from a similar book. His next statement threw the young Cetra off for a moment. Surely he had to be pulling her leg.. A princess of heart? Her? "I find that a bit hard to believe that your senses would have dulled that much.." She knew her heart was strong and filled to the brim with light, but nothing compared to that of the princess's hearts. No darkness at all could seep their way there. She froze for a moment as the man closed in, deep orange eyes staring right through her emerald green gaze. Her lungs took in a small gasp of air and held it until he finally withdrew. "M-me? A Princess of Heart?" She had never been accused of such a thing, and he of all people should have known who the princesses were. "Of course not. As he walked away with a few lingering words, she continued to watch and listen intently. What could she possibly have that he would want? "It doesn't matter..?" The words confused her, as if they were very unclear and held a secret purpose as to why he was here. The Cetra drew back slightly as the Heartless flew from about her and back to their rightful master, hoarding around him like baby ducks to their mother as one effortlessly caught the large book. As Ansem went on to explain the Heartless and how powerful even the smallest one truly was, Aerith couldn't help but feel her heart sink. She was fully aware of their power, despite their size and appearance. She had lost her home to them and had seen many swallowed up. She had had her fair share of time knowing what they were fully capable of. His words sounded more of a threat than a friendly chat about them. And the look that gleamed in his eyes as he spoke didn't help null the feeling. "Are you telling me I'm not allowed to leave? What could I possibly have that you would want?" She inquired again. He had failed the first time to answer her directly, but she had not forgotten. If he had not wanted anything, he would have merely either left or done away with her already. The Heartless had already propped up the book on it's end, and within the shadow it cast, it hid. Almost completely blending in. "Of course I have.." She replied, as she remained still in her chair, hands folded neatly together in her lap. His pacing about her in a circle made her feel like a trapped mouse with a cat only preparing to pounce. But she kept her calm and did her best to keep her growing fear from showing. "True.. But without the other, one can't truly exist..." She began, locking her gaze with the Seeker of Darkness as he approached her from the front. "It's like having a story with a villain. Without him, there is no hero. He's merely just.. There. No matter where there is Light, there is always Darkness somewhere that follows. Say you do remove the book. True, that shadow may be gone, but another one lurks only a bit further away." She gestured lightly over to her small stack of books, now casting their own shadow. "It will always exist somewhere, even in the most unlikely places. Even if you don't even know it's there. Same with your theory of the sun falling. The place you may be may be covered in the darkest night, but on the other side, the light shines brightly." [/style]

[style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E15E6E; text-align: left; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 90%; margin: 5px 30px -5px 5px;]I never blamed you. Not once. You came for me...that's all that matters.[/style][style=font-family: Arial-Black; font-size: 6.9pt; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: uppercase; color: #E1918E; text-align: left; margin-right: 5px; background-color: #F4F0E5; width: 70%; margin: 0px 180px 0px 5px;]See? Everything's... alright.[/style]

[style=font-family: verdana; font-size: 10px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: lowercase; color: E15E6E; text-align: justify; background-color: #F4F0E5; border-bottom: 1px dotted #C3E6D4; border-top: 1px dotted #C3E6D4;]♥ ♥ NOTES: HERE ♥ ♥[/style]

[style=font-family: verdana; font-size: 9px; letter-spacing: 2px; text-transform: lowercase; color: E15E6E; text-align: justify; background-color: #F4F0E5; border-bottom: 1px dotted #C3E6D4; border-top: 1px dotted #C3E6D4; line-height: 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;]Credited to BOSS from OTE[/style]

[cccxlii]

Ansem shook his head, but he seemed pleased with her explanation "Good. You've proven that you have much more than a casual interest in Light and Dark." The Seeker of Darkness walked backwards, back into the light of the window. "I've met many around your age, who do not seem very concerned with the subject. One can't help but loathe their ignorance." He paused, stopping in the light. "You, however, have your own opinions and theories. It's quite refreshing." He prepared himself to answer her questions, starting at the beginning.

"Through careful observation, I've found something that all Princesses of Heart seem to have in common. You see, all Princesses of Heart exude Light, for it is all that their heart contains. They're almost like suns, spreading their light in every direction." Ansem gestured out the window, towards the sun on the horizon. "But if a Princess of Heart is like a sun, then isn't the average heart like a candle? When the brightest light shines, it often shines onto other things, and that is when the darkest of shadows are born. After all, what's the point of holding the light a candle to the light of a sun? How does one shine when dwarfed by something so bright? You might as well put out your own candle and reflect on your shadow with jealousy for the brighter light, which is often what happens. But allow me to get to the point."

Ansem took a moment to collect his thoughts, before speaking. "The thing that these Princesses have in common, is that there will always be at least one person around her that is 'suffering' from their own darkness and jealousy. For Aurora, this was Maleficent; for Cinderella, it was her sisters; and for Kairi, it's Riku. I could keep going, but it doesn't matter as I said." He gestured towards Aerith. "Regardless of whether you're a Princess of Heart or not, you'll be fulfilling your purpose. Though honestly, I doubt that you are a Princess of Heart. Because I haven't seen anyone around you who suffers from their darkness. But who knows? Maybe you know someone that I don't?"

The Seeker of Darkness again looked into her eyes, holding the gaze for another tense moment, but not for nearly as long as last time. Turning to the window and looking over the horizon, he crossed his arms over his chest and allowed his darkness to spill into the room. The darkness could not be seen, but it was easily felt as it snaked its way throughout the library, choking everything in its miasmic grip. As the room grew darker and the air heavier, dozens of Heartless appeared, summoned by the sudden release of darkness. They milled quietly around the room, not so much as making a sound, even their footsteps couldn't be easily heard. Looking up from the window, Ansem smiled.

"You can leave whenever you want. I won't stop you. But I won't be here when you come back. In the meantime, feel free to ask whatever questions you'd like. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity after all." Ansem seemed oddly whimsical, perhaps pleased to be surrounded by his own kine.