Chapter 2: Two Sides to a Coin
Where am I…what's going on…The Radiant Gardens was in a rather large world, with my continents. Though many refer to the whole world as Radiant Gardens, its true name is actually Gaia. The wise and respected leader, Ansem, ruled the Radiant Gardens. He was a well renowned scientist, who studied the heart, the soul, and the mind of living beings. Though he ruled only the Gardens, he was also a symbol of peace throughout the whole world.
A youth of the age of twenty was resting on a patch of grass under a shady tree. There was a nice breeze, and the world just seemed so peaceful as he looked down at the big town below. Xehanort stood up quickly and turned around when he heard the voice of his master.
"Why, Xehanort, I thought you were studying the textbook I lent you. And here you are, laying on the grass daydreaming and wasting time on such simple pleasures. Something that only one with a naïve, young heart can understand." Xehanort turned around to find Master Ansem, also known as Ansem the Wise.
That can't be…Ansem? And is that…Xehanort?
Ansem was
not the elderly man that we know, but he was only in his late
forties, rather than sixty.
"Master Ansem, I am sorry. I just had a desire to come here. I felt as if my heart was calling me here. I am truly sorry. I shall go to my study." Ansem made a broad smile, and started to laugh. "Xehanort, my boy, don't be so sorry, be happy. Your heart is strong, and you do not deny it what it wants. I would be quite worried if you didn't follow your heart."
Xehanort smiled at Ansem, and they both decided to waste time together. Xehanort was indeed Ansem's favorite student. He was a few years younger than the other five, yet filled with knowledge beyond Ansem him self's understanding. The boy had no memories of his past. He was found on the streets near the castle, lying unconscious. Ansem took the boy in, and cared for him like he was his son.
"What a great gift humans have, to be able to decide what we want to do. We can make choices in life, good or bad, but it's a great gift none-the-less. You do realize that one day, you will be in charge of the Gardens, right? You have abilities your colleges do not have. Though I do not disagree with what you are doing right now, I still want you to realize that sometimes, as a wise leader, you have to follow the hearts of the people you lead. It is almost impossible to govern my country, and be a symbol of peace in this world, as well as serve as a scientist, especially now that I am approaching old age. So will you take my place when the time comes?"
Xehanort said happily, "Yes sir." Xehanort felt honored, for he would do anything for his master. Ansem was the closest family he had; he became the father figure that Xehanort didn't remember.
"And don't call me sir, it makes me feel old." Xehanort chuckled. "Ah, laughter, the key to happiness. Let's return to the castle for dinner." The sun began to set behind them. The water coming from the castle poured through the gardens, creating a tranquil noise, and the crystal walls around them glistened from the sun's orange rays. Twilight was Ansem's favorite time of day.
Xehanort was always a peculiar boy. He didn't act different then anyone else his age, but he was a genius, even outwitting his master. He looked perfectly normal. But there was something strange inside his mind and heart. Something unnatural. Ansem felt his heart gave off a strong feeling, a feeling of strength and hope, but Xehanort's heart also showed fear and anger, something evil. Xehanort seemed to be determined about something, something that Ansem didn't trust.
"You know, Xehanort, you look very much like my son, almost identical, except for your hair color," Ansem said as they walked through the corridors. Xehanort turned to look at Ansem, asking, "You have a son?"
"Had a son. He died a few months before I met you." Ansem was feeling uneasy about this conversation. Why wouldn't Ansem mention this before? Xehanort wondered.
"If you don't mind me asking, what was his name?" Xehanort was quite curious.
"His name? I guess I can tell you." But it was very hard for Ansem to say it. He had to force it out of his mouth
"His name was Terra…"
Riku woke up, sweating. "What just happened?" He stared at the ceiling, and reflected on the dream again. What is going on? This can't be what happened to Sora, can it? He needed some fresh air to think. That couldn't have been Ansem! He seemed young. And was that really Xehanort…the Xehanort that tried to control Kingdom Hearts?
Riku put on his shirt and pants, and stepped outside, trying to not disturb his parents. This dream didn't make any sense! He went for a walk to the docks, where he saw his, Sora's, and Kairi's boats. He sat on the edge, looking at the moon's bright rays on the water. The water was calm, for the only sound was the water washing up on the shore, and returning to the sea. Everything was just so peaceful. Riku looked at his watch, which read 4:45 A.M., only a few more hours until they would be getting ready to leave.
"Hello?" A girl was standing behind Riku. He turned around, saying, "Yeah?" He turned to find a girl, a few years older than him. She had blue hair that matched her eyes, and had a very nice shape. "I saw you here, and I thought you would want some company." Riku smiled and said, "Nah, that's ok." But she insisted on staying. There was a long pause of silence, until Riku asked, "So, what's your name?"
"Oh, I don't have a name that I go by, but you can call me Rain.
Aqua's my real name, but that's part of my past. It isn't a
part of me anymore."
Riku chuckled. "Aqua? That means water
right?" Rain looked at him, wondering why he laughed. "I'm not
making fun of it; it's just a strange coincidence because my friend
Kairi's name means 'sea.' Anyways, it's nice to meet you. I'm
Riku."
"Nice to meet you, Riku."
For about an hour, Rain and Riku chatted away, really getting to know each other well. He learned that she is from another world, though she wouldn't say which one.
Riku then asked, "So did you just move here, because I never see you at school."
Rain smiled "Yes, but actually, I am moving away. I'm really just a drifter. I'm searching for someone, someone special to me. The only important person in my life, but I know he's gone." Riku looked back at her. "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that." Riku didn't know what to say. "So where are you going next?"
Rain turned and gave a smile, "To a place similar to where you are going, but not quite."
Riku stared at her. What does that mean? "You know I'm going somewhere? How can you tell?" Rain smiled, "I can just tell, as if I have psychic powers. Nah, just kidding, but it just seems like something tense is about to happen. You're all tight."
"If you know the situation I'm in, then you'll understand."
They seemed to have been getting along well. For twenty minutes, they were chatting away. Riku mentioned Sora and Kairi, and Aqua was very interested in them. The two of them seemed to have a lot in common.
"It's nice meeting you, but I have to go now. I need to leave early, but hopefully we might see each other soon. I'll be looking forward to it. Goodbye, Riku." And at that moment, Rain stood up, and walked towards town. "Good by, Rain."
Riku waved, watching her walk away, and turned to look at the ocean one last time before heading home. He stood up, turned around, and expected to see Rain walking up the hill, but she was not to be found. What a strange girl…
