He was just an echo.
He didn't fully exist anymore.
He was little more than a memory.
By all rights, he should fade away, merge to become part of the whole once more.
But he couldn't.
He kept watching.
He kept hoping, even though he knew that it was futile.
The tiny portion of conscious memory that was all that remained of Xehanort watched as Xavier went about his life. He watched as Xavier completed his apprenticeship -
I couldn't finish mine.
- as Terra was reborn -
But not me.
- and as Xavier earned forgiveness from those that had once distrusted him.
But not Master Ansem...
Trapped in the very back of Xavier's mind, Xehanort watched the world pass by, and he grieved for the life that had been stolen from him.
I should have faded away.
He had told Xavier that he would rejoin with him, and he had intended to do that, but...
Master Ansem, I'm so sorry...
… his grief and regret prevented it.
Please forgive me...