KINGDOM HEARTS 3.6 Vanitas Gaiden:
Gaiden 6: Two Kinds of Vanity.
Vanitas helps Viridian carry Steiner by the two of them each taking one of his arms for leaning upon. As they walk a slow pace that's easier for the captain to move, Viridian had decided to explain the detailed membership concerning both the Separate Army...and the Keyblade Guardians-the two separate factions of Regnum Stratera's military might.
"...Ahem: as was told to you earlier, the man that you saw was Judge Magister Gabranth, he commands the direct combat specialists platoon of the Separate Army that are always the first into battle. Alongside him is the "Shadow Dragon" Warlock Golbez, of whom commands both the Magick and Magitek infantries, we simply call them the "Magi" equally for short." says Viridian, explaining the "seats of power" within the Separate Army.
"Huh? Magick? Magitek? Magi? can't you people just say plain old Magic instead?" says Vanitas, wondering why does everything have to be so complicated and even overcomplicated. However, Viridian merely rebuffs his statement-"Just shut up and listen, will you? at any rate, those two stand at the head of the army, basically leading it. Although like the Keyblade Guardians they answer to both the king and the government council, unlike the Guardians also do they not simply take orders without question. When they demand answers and action, they will receive as such and not act otherwise...to put it simply, they "do not heed the words of corrupted men that have absolute power, yet will not use it". At the very least, that's what Judge Magister Gabranth would say...in much less friendlier terms." says Viridian, nervously scratching her cheek, as she ponders on a mental thought of what could dare happen if the government council would try to rein in the Separate Army. Known for their opposition against all kinds of enemies, especially including ones from within the system, as it were...
"Uh-huh, heh. What do you know? I'm likely this guy already." says Vanitas, impressed with Gabranth's brutality. "...Yes...I thought that you would, "Sigh"." says Viridian before letting out a comic sigh right at the very end, slightly exasperated with Vanitas' somewhat "bad-boy attitude" whilst placing heavy emphasis on the sigh itself, purposely meant to catch Vanitas' attention.
"H-Huh? what-what?" says Vanitas, not understanding what the sigh was for. "...Sigh." says Viridian, letting out yet another intentioned sigh, confusing the normally bright about matters Vanitas to become confused as heck for this matter alone. "You know, for someone who appears knowledgeable...you don't have that much understanding in socializing, do you?" says Viridian, "mocking" Vanitas at this point about his "anti-sociable behaviour".
"What!? what the heck was that for!? what the heck does that even mean!? did you forget that it was me who saved you both back there!?" says Vanitas, declaring that he wants credit for his uncharacteristic "good deeds". "Yes, yes. You want rewarding for your efforts...unfortunately life doesn't always give you lemons. You can't just expect self gratification all of the time Van...even if you are named "Vanity"." says Viridian, stopping in the tracks for the moment and wanting to discuss all of the current subject at hand with Vanitas.
"M-Milady, please don't stop-GUWAH!?" Vanitas lets go of Steiner same as Viridian beforehand, causing the captain to comically fall over himself. "Why don't you just get to the point already. Are you angry with me about something? because that will be a first considering everything up to now." says Vanitas, able to recognise that this was genuinely the first time that Viridian was angry throughout this whole time they had met and began their conversation...
"...Okay, you want to know why I'm angry Van? it's because you always that stupid mask of yours and think that you're SOOO clever then everyone else! you think fighting by yourself and especially winning by yourself has any merit!? of course it doesn't! it just goes to show how lonely you are!" says Viridian, adamant upon this argument.
"L-Lady Viridian..." Steiner couches up next to a nearby wall, trying to stop the argument but alas, it was already underway-"Oh yeah!? that's rich, coming from the spoiled rotten rich girl who couldn't even defend herself against the monsters back there! what? you think you're so high and mightier then me just because of your standing? get real!" says Vanitas, rebuking right back at Viridian.
"W-WHAT!? no! of course...not. Van...I'm just concerned that one day you'll get yourself in danger and you'll fly alone right into it, willingly too...without anyone to back you up. I mean, do you really want that? because I for one do not..." says Viridian, placing both of her hands upon her Heart. Karasu reappears, nesting upon her head again.
Her words greatly surprise Vanitas but then he turns around, facing away from her and saying "...And what should that be of any matter to you? huh?" says Vanitas, trying to cut deep. "Huh?" says Viridian, confused. Vanitas follows up by stating "We just met and we're already buddy-buddy now? I told you already, I ain't looking to make friends...who I am and what I do should be of no consequence to you...the only reason why I'm even hanging about with you right now is because you have information I need and I'm not leaving until I get it, that's the only reason...why I even saved you and the big old rust-bucket there." says Vanitas, "trying" to be cold and calculating as normal...
"...Is that really the only reason? is it...Van?" says Viridian, wanting to know the truth. Vanitas himself becomes confused as to what she really means by that. "...Alright, fine then. You wanted rewarding...once we get back to the mansion, consider the information bestowed upon you as your reward...you selfish jerk!" says Viridian, tears slightly forming in her eyes as she runs up ahead away from Vanitas, not wanting to look at him any further and for him to not notice her tears.
He tries to reach out towards her but unfortunately to no avail, Vanitas is shocked the next minute to see his extending hand before putting it away whilst Steiner merely sighs to himself. "Sigh...milady is troubled." says Steiner to Vanitas. "...More like she IS trouble..." says Vanitas, replying to Vanitas.
"You and lady Viridian are actually more alike then you think-you both have certain kinds of Vanity about yourselves." says Steiner, revealing to Vanitas that he had already noticed prior. "What's that? you trying to teach me something rust for brains?" says Vanitas, not wanting to know. However-"Just shut up and listen you fool!" says Steiner, demanding Vanitas to remain quiet for what the former has to say towards him.
Vanitas becomes greatly shocked by the backbone that Steiner was demonstrating despite being injured, even when in Viridian's presence. The captain then reveals the truth to Vanitas "...Milady Viridian never chose to be called the "Ebony Raven Lady of Beauty", more so that she didn't choose to become "Vain". This kingdom...it may appear prim and pristine to outsiders but to those who actually live inside it's boarders, well...there is more then meets the eye, to say the least." says Steiner, hinting at something crucial...
"...What are you getting at?" says Vanitas, wanting to know more. "This World of Regnum Stratera-this "Kingdom of Balance"...it has a lot more Darkness then the actual Light that covers it, shining above all who live under the rays of said Light...it is due to the troubling history of strife that our fair Kingdom has suffered. You see, for many years now...our Kingdom has been at war with a cult of masked individuals that call themselves the "Solaeris Apostoli". Fanatics-Zealots that no one knows where they had truly come from and/or even what they truly want...only that they started declaring war on our beloved World from out of the blue one day." says Steiner, explaining Regnum Stratera's relationship with the Solaeris Apostoli, the World's sworn enemies...the very same people that Vanitas is currently affiliated with.
"They wreck destruction upon our World more times then I myself can even remember. Doing so freely as well...it makes me sick to my stomach. At any rate, lady Viridian had lost her father...the king of Regnum Stratera and her aunt during the battles that ensued over the years that she was growing up. In the end, an internal conflict brewed between the government that was vying for the power that the throne had commanded...there were some among the council who grew...too overambitious and had even tried to assassinate milady and her family, the royal bloodline." says Steiner, explaining more of the details to Vanitas.
He remains silent...wanting to know more exactly of this World's relation with the "Sola" that Vanitas works for...and especially Viridian's past, that led her to become who she currently is now. "...Now that I think on it more deeply, perhaps that is what the Solaeris were after all along...to see us destroy ourselves from within. Fortunately, there were those who sympathised with the royal family's plights, we who would go on to become knights for our dear Kingdom that we treasure to our Hearts themselves. There were 12 of us in total...we were altogether known as the "Rounded Knights of XII"." says Steiner, revealing that he was once a member of a prominent group.
"...A bit lacking in imagination there, pops. "We were altogether known as the Rounded Knights of XII because there were only 12 of us in total?" I mean come on, seriously..." says Vanitas, basically calling the group's name both unimaginative and dull. "...Ignoring that stupid comment, there were 12 of us. 6 of us would later on command the power of the Keyblade whilst the other 6 could not. Back then, we wouldn't know of the Keyblade just yet but all the same, we were fellow brothers and sisters that trained in the studies of warfare together. So that none younger then us would never be able to even lift a weapon to begin with, to protect them, to protect the peoples of Regnum Stratera." says Steiner, explaining the motive behind these "Rounded Knights". (Based on the Summon from Final Fantasy VII with the same name more or less.)
"Among them was myself, Gabranth and my future wife, Beatrix...we all served the previous king Stratos with upmost servitude and duty to our kingdom. Our passion to do right had never failed us...until the time came when a successor was to be named to take over the throne. Even now, there are peoples amongst the kingdom that believe that our current king, lady Viridian's uncle, the former king's brother in law is not fit to lit. Back when it was decided that he would become the one to be declared king...our Rounded Knights were divided by conflicting opinions. Although all of us together still answer to the king himself...that does not mean that we all accept him as the rightful ruler. Gabranth of the Separate Army is one such individual...he answers to the current king but only because he still wishes to remain honourable towards protecting this World. And that is how the Separate Army was formed..." says Steiner, explaining the origin of the Separate Army.
"...And? what about those Keyblade Guardians? the "other side of the coin"?" says Vanitas, also wanting to know about the other half of the World's military might. "...You'll just have to ask milady Viridian. I am not a Keyblade Wielder so obviously I would not know..." says Steiner. "Yeah, "obviously"...tch. Guess this means I have to apologise to her." says Vanitas.
Steiner replies "...Remember. Because of the circumstances of this kingdom's corrupted system of politics, lady Viridian had to become who she is now without much choice in the matter...she didn't choose to become "Vain" based on her very own accords." says Steiner, trying to reason with Vanitas. Vanitas himself, upon hearing Steiner's words has a moment of reflection "..."Vain", huh?" says Vanitas, he recalls the flashback of when he was created by Master Xehanort from Ventus' extracted Darkness, essentially become the Dark side of Ven himself.
From hearing Steiner's words about Viridian and comparing his own background with hers, Vanitas then felt that the two of them may not be that far apart from one another as he previously surmised...at the very least, background wise towards him alone. "...Alright, clunky. That's enough storytelling for the time being, where's that Raven Lady's big mansion?" says Vanitas, helping Steiner up once more.
"OOF! be a little more gentle, you barbarian! hmm...it should be just up ahead. We took this shortcut because we wanted to avoid all of the crowds that would gather nearby." says Steiner about the direction that they took. "That stupid woman and her alleyway shortcuts...is she looking to get mobbed or what?" says Vanitas until Steiner points out to him-"...Alleyways are places where people can cry, don't you think?" says Steiner, trying to make Vanitas realise the not really subtle message the former was pointing out.
"...H-Hmph. Whatever...huh?" suddenly, Vanitas notices someone approaching in their direction. It was Viridian, accompanied by a flying Karasu...the two having returned. "...I thought you abandoned us." says Vanitas. "...I am a proper lady of etiquette, I do not abandon others behind, even when my life is at stake." says Viridian in return.
"...Then why did you leave at all?" says Vanitas, noticing the dried up tear marks on Viridian's face. She notices these and turns arounds to clear up the remainder of them, giving her excuse afterwards "I-I was just making sure things were safe up ahead..." says Viridian...taking this opportunity, Vanitas suddenly says "...Look, I'm sorry. It's like you said...I'm not used to the whole sociable gig. In fact, this is actually my 1st and longest proper conversation with a person...sigh. Look! what I'm trying to say is...if you're willing to give me another chance, I'm-I'm...sigh I'm willing to listen." says Vanitas, genuinely starting to blush from the side of his mask that was broken, as he greatly shocked Steiner with his words.
Viridian, still facing away from Vanitas then says "...Then, take off the rest of that mask." says Viridian. "H-HUH!?" says Vanitas. "Take off the mask...and I'll forgive you." says Viridian, declaring her sole term for forgiving Vanitas. "But! I! this! ...oh alright! you want the mask off!? you GET the mask off! here!" says Vanitas before abruptly handing over Steiner for Viridian to carry.
"W-WHOA! HEY! WATCH IT YOU ILL MANNERED-!?" shouts out Steiner as he was being passed over to Viridian, she stops him from further shouting though, wanting to see the following moment all the way through. Vanitas in a very slow and hesitant manner proceeds to take off his mask, the metal platting and all...he recalls a flashback of himself with Master Xehanort.
Remembering a time at the Keyblade Graveyard, his birthplace...Master Xehanort himself enters onto the scene, approaching Vanitas with something behind his back. "Now then, we have a lot of work to do from this point onwards...you will need a "face" if you want to get around places. Here...this should be adequate enough for you...the World is a great many a place, there are those who both hate and do not understand what isn't to their liking. You my disciple are one such anomaly...until the day comes when you are reunited with your other half and the x-Blade forged...you will remain inconspicuous. You shall only reveal yourself when the timing is correct and also, you will spread fear and negativity amongst the masses. This will become your legacy upon the Worlds...you will be an influence of Darkness that they will never forget. You are Vanitas...one of the Keys that will open the door to a new World order. I place my trust in you enough to get the job done...do not fail my expectations." says Master Xehanort in a very cold manner, turning his back away from Vanitas as we see him look at the mask that he always wore from that point onwards.
His face goes unseen in the flashback and he lastly says to Master Xehanort in reply to his orders "...Yes, my master." says Vanitas...returning to the present, he finally unveils the whole of his face...a dead-spitting resemblance of Sora but with black coloured hair and yellow coloured eyes. Upon seeing his entire face for the very 1st time, Viridian's Heart...skips a beat and she says towards Vanitas "...Your-your hair's all messed up...it's-it's unusually spiky, I-I mean." says Viridian, blurring her words.
"W-What the!? are you saying that you don't like my face!? after all the effort I did just now building up to reveal it!? fine! it goes back on then!" says Vanitas, threatening to put the mask back on. "N-No! no! sorry! I am...sorry. I...didn't mean it like that. What I meant was...you...that you...why did you hide your face for so long?" says Viridian, she unconsciously places a hand upon Vanitas' face in that moment.
He greatly blushes and she then realises what she had done in that moment, causing the two to face away from each other. "...Because it's not my face..." says Vanitas in a somewhat sad manner...causing Viridian to reply "Huh?" says Viridian, not exactly understanding what did Vanitas mean by that.
Deciding to interrupt at this point "...Ahem! if it wouldn't be too much of a hassle...please may we get a move on so that my wounds can be treated." says lastly Steiner, hating to lounge about any further then he already has. Agreeing together in unison about this, Vanitas and Viridian help to carry Steiner further out of the alleyway full of the Dark...and into the bright Light itself.
To be Continued.
