coyote (sister_coyote) wrote in ironman7, @ 2007-08-24 16:25:00 |
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Entry tags: | kingdom hearts, sister_coyote, week 1: prompt 4 |
Kingdom Hearts 2 (Xehanort -> Ansem) [week 1, prompt 4]
Title: Apt Pupil
Author: Sister Coyote
Rating: PG
Word Count: 500
Warnings: Spoilers
Summary: That was not why he had offered.
Seawater dripped from the ends of his long hair, and he shivered, still soaked, wrapped in a blanket and sipping tea spiked with brandy. Little by little the heat of the fire and the matching heat in his stomach eased his shudders.
After a time, Ansem returned, and knelt beside his chair. "Braig says you remember nothing," he said.
"No," he said. His voice was rusty from disuse and swallowed seawater. "Nothing."
"Well, you're safe here." Ansem straightened again. "Rest a while. You've been through quite a lot."
"Wait," he said. "I do remember one thing. My name is Xehanort."
***
"You are an apt pupil indeed," Master Ansem said, setting down his quill.
Xehanort inclined his head and thanked him for the compliment.
"Apt enough, I think, to help me with my greatest work. I have always sought for answers about the heart, its nature and purpose. If you are interested, I'd gladly involve you in my research." He chuckled. "I could certainly use the help. There is a great deal to do."
Xehanort's mouth was dry, his heart driving hard against his chest. To study the nature of the heart with Master Ansem –
"I would be honored," he said.
***
"We have gone as far as we can without putting theory into practice," Ansem said, powering down his computer. "But without a human subject, how could we go farther? And there is no way to ethically use a human subject without their permission – which permission I do not expect to be forthcoming."
Xehanort watched the line of Ansem's face, the softening into disappointment. "I would volunteer," he said, swiftly but not impulsively. Never impulsively.
"Oh," Ansem said. "I see – yes, it might be a way to recover your memories."
"Yes," said Xehanort, though that was not why he had offered.
***
"Damn him!" Ienzo said, "and damn that mouse, too! Now what?" He flung himself into a chair and glowered.
"We will continue," Xehanort said, after a moment, "without his knowledge."
Ienzo brightened. "You think?"
"We have gone too far to turn back now. You may continue using me as a subject."
"I'll tell the others," Ienzo said. Xehanort watched him go, then went to the window and looked out over Radiant Garden.
"If you do not wish the burden upon your conscience, master," he said, "then I will take it." He was not sure whether he meant that with irony – or honesty.
***
when finally they opened the door to the world's heart the space beyond was blank and cold as the expanse of his lack-of-memories
and the wind that blew scoured at him as though to strip him bare – did strip him bare, blowing away self and soul as though they were smoke
and his heart called out to the darkness and the darkness called back.
behind him he could hear screaming, footsteps, the others trying to get away – to get away from the monsters, black as night with eyes like sulphur.
he did not run. he opened his arms, and smiled.