Chapter 4
Even walked down the hallway of the building quietly, his footsteps echoing hollowly through the chilled, sterile halls. The research institute was where Even spent most of his days after the war. Designated a war hero for his defensive use of ice magic to protect critical points and stations, Even chose not to glorify himself in the matter. The position of head researcher to the Radiant Garden Medical Center was granted to him nearly immediately when he had come home.
Passing through the bars of light that had scattered upon the floor through the windows, Even continued walking until he took a right down the hallway. Slender fingers clutched files and documents to his chest as he walked into a boardroom.
⌠It▓s a pleasure to see you.■
Even jumped from his thoughts, fair blonde hair falling around his face once again as he looked up. Green eyes widened and his jaw dropped; Ansem the Wise stood there, his entourage of assistants around at the long table.
Even noticed an intimidating man with dark brown hair was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes wandered over to a man with short, slicked back hair, distracted by folding a paper clip idly while his legs were propped up onto the table. Past him were a boy and about the largest≈muscle-wise, that is≈man Even had ever seen in his life. The boy was petit and well dressed, staring right at him from his chair. The man next to him was looking down at his hands folded across his lap; Even noticed blue eyes flick over to the teenaged boy for a moment to study his expression before looking over at Even himself. Finally, Even▓s eyes fell upon the person situated next to Ansem the Wise. This person was exotic looking with his combination of tanned skin and sunset hue eyes, framed by long silver bangs.
⌠You look like a fish,■ the man next to the door stated, pushing himself off of it to look down at Even. Even cowered slightly, fingers clutching tighter to the papers in his arms. However, despite the cowering, Even did not hesitate to shoot a slight glare toward the man. The intimidating man merely laughed at the doctor, causing him to become increasingly flustered.
⌠Dilan, do not pester the good doctor,■ the boy said, his hands still neatly folded across his lap. His eyes went to Even. ⌠It is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Ienzo.■ With that, Ienzo politely bowed his head from his seat.
Even returned the nod as the man seated next to the boy spoke up as well. ⌠My name is Aeleus,■ he said. He turned his head slightly to cast a glance at the man that had been situated at the wall. ⌠That would be Dilan. Though, I▓m sure they could all introduce themselves without my help.■
⌠Braig!■ the man with slicked back hair said simply. He offered a wave before his primary attention went back to the paperclip in his hands. ⌠Great to meet you, doc.■
The man apparently named Dilan nodded to Even. ⌠It▓s a pleasure,■ he said in a slightly gruff voice.
⌠And this is my primary assistant, Xehanort,■ Ansem stated, placing a hand on the quiet man▓s shoulder. Even bit his lip as he looked at the other, catching and holding his gaze. Xehanort▓s eyes were intense and analytical as they watched the blonde doctor. Xehanort nodded gently in Even▓s direction before his blank look was replaced by a kind smile. Even could not help but return it to the other man.
⌠It▓s an honor to meet you,■ Xehanort said quietly. His head bowed and he heard Ansem the Wise▓s slight chuckle behind the assistant. Even felt his body relax at the seeming approval he gained from Ansem, but more so at the strange assistant, Xehanort.
⌠Like wise,■ Even replied. ⌠It▓s very nice to meet all of you≈it▓s absolutely an honor to meet you face-to-face, sir.■ Even expressed his humility with another nod of his head to Ansem, a little lower than before.
Ansem motioned to the seats at the long desk, a cue for all six of the other men to be seated. Dilan did not hesitate to comply, and Even soon joined in a flustered movement to the desk. He sat down immediately and turned his attention to the leader of all Radiant Garden.
⌠I imagine that you▓re wondering why you▓ve been called here, yes?■ Ansem the Wise said, chuckling slightly as he looked at Even. Even nodded quietly, his fingers lightly digging into the files he was holding.
⌠Yes, sir,■ Even replied gently.
⌠As you most likely already know,■ Ansem stated from his spot at the table, ⌠I have begun research on the powers of the Heart. The capacity of the structure of emotions, being one of these, as well as memories and their influence on the Heart are all topics that I would wish to cover. Considering that you▓re in the field of neurosciences≈and a man that has been witness to the Keyblade War, then I would love to have your input into this matter.■ Ansem paused, clearing his throat as his amber eyes toward the doctor. ⌠Dr. Even Ziegler, would you be interested in taking a position as one of my assistants?■
Even felt as if he had been hit with a bucket of cold water; all of the air went out of him with those words. He did not mind the light, amused laugh that came from Dilan▓s end of the table, and quickly tried to gather his bearings. However, their king continued.
⌠It is of great importance that we continue and better our understanding of the Heart≈especially the side of Darkness that encroaches on the Light,■ Ansem the Wise continued. He leaned forward. ⌠It would be the best for the security of our land if we are to study the multifaceted dimensions of the Heart. Considering you are an expert on illnesses that pertain to not just the body, I imagined that you would be the one I would like to seek for my final research assistant.■
Even managed to gather his thoughts into words before he spoke. ⌠I┘ I would be honored to be selected for such a task,■ Even said, feeling another release of tension from Ansem▓s expression. ⌠What are some of the other tasks that would be expected of me? I hate to bring up such an issue, but I have a family┘ My wife▓s expecting, and I had been intending to take extra leave┘■
⌠I wouldn▓t worry about that, Dr. Ziegler,■ Ansem said, a benevolent smile going onto his face. Even▓s shoulders relaxed at the news, breathing out an audible sigh of relief. ⌠Pay, and other things will be arranged≈this certainly will not be a downward move, and will be able to pursue your regular position here.■
A smile came onto the blonde doctor▓s face, his decision reached already. ⌠Then, I would gladly take the position, sir,■ Even said, bowing his head deeply once again.