Title: In The Darkness We Meet
Written By: Astaldothôlwen
Point Of View: Kairi
Chapter Eight: Deception and Trickery
Disclaimer: It never fails, nor does it change. I don't claim to owning the rights to Kingdom Hearts, you see there is a small problem. smiles sadly That's right, a problem. There are two large companies named Square-Enix and Disney, who, conveniently enough own Kingdom Hearts. I have a feeling they aren't willing to part with a wonderful game of this calibre. Therefore, I am making no money or any sort of income from this story, however the personal satisfaction of the wonderful reviewers is more than money can buy.
So this is it. I have finally become strong willed, powerful and fierce. The Heartless as well as Ansem watch my every move. No one within the perimeter of this World take my actions for granted. The Darkness has taken over my heart and my soul. The pitch-black nature, which has created the person I have become, does not make me suffer. The Darkness has long dispersed from my heart; I no longer feel the regret and the sadness, the same regret and sadness that used to torment me.
I no longer live in fear. The World is at my fingertips. I am free to roam the castle, Heartless obey my every command. With the flick of my wrist or the snap of my fingers, I can manipulate the Darkness into my palm, creating several Heartless within a moment's time.
With the undeniable strength I now possess I only have one thing on my mind, to continue to influence and create more Heartless. The Door to the Light is no longer an issue because the Darkness will reign supreme. Every one of those insignificant beings that call themselves worthwhile will understand very soon; the Darkness cannot be denied. The Darkness, which plagued my heart, resides itself within everyone's hearts and seeks to be set free of its constraints. I will allow these constraints to be set free. Every person should be allowed to experience the powers of the Darkness.
I often sit here in my bedroom staring outside my chamber window. The angry clouds are constantly dark; the sun no longer shines. I am thrilled. The rays of the sun can burn and scald one's skin, the harsh beams of light bother my eyes. With the dark clouds and vacant light, no one will get hurt.
'The Darkness has not hurt me. It has placed me within a life of pure bliss and solitude. I no longer fear anything. I no longer fear death or suffering or even the torment of losing my home.'
'The ones you seek will be impressed, Princess. They will truly be astounded by your transformation. They will be utterly and completely flabbergasted with your new persona. Just think of how happy you will make Sora.'
Ah, the Inner Voice. My closest companion and friend, it has stayed true to me this entire time. It has told me the truth in all of the faults I have lived to this very day. If anything, I owe my life to the voice within my head, it has never steered me wrong. It has truly brought out my truest form. I was not a strong or decent person; but I am now changed; changed for the better and the immense greatness that any one person can achieve.
I began to make my way down towards Ansem's chambers wishing to speak to him regarding a plan which has been floating within the vast depths of my brain the past few days. My plan is flawless. It is the entity, which will enslave and perfect this pathetic attempt for a universe.
"I have been told the Worlds are connected once again, are they not?" I asked Ansem once I arrived within his chambers.
With the Worlds reconnected there is nothing to stop from the undefined happiness and bliss that would be felt by every person who would experience the Darkness. Everyone could be happy like me. Isn't the greatest happiness that a person can hope to achieve in life, what every single person strives for?
'Utilitarianism, yes, you are correct Princess, the greatest good for the greatest number of civilians. The Darkness could create happiness within the masses.'
The Inner Voice has never steered me wrong, what wrong could befall Ansem and I if the masses were pleased?
"There is a lot which could seriously backfire, Princess," Ansem replied, "There are numerous aspects of this scheme which could ruin the two of us you see. And for one, the Worlds are not connected; it would take a great deal of Darkness to accomplish this task. An amount of Darkness neither you nor I possess. I am sorry Princess; this idea will not work."
My plan is no good? I highly doubt it. My plan is brilliant and not to mention astonishingly fantastic! What does he know anyway? I am the Princess of Darkness. I control the Darkness. This was not the reply I was expecting. I could slowly feel the frustration I was experiencing rise to the surface.
"What do you know anyway?! You don't know anything and that is the problem! I am the Princess of Darkness, not you. You have no idea how greatly the Darkness has infused itself within my veins and very soul. I can manipulate the Darkness as well as the Heartless with the flick of one of my wrists. Yet, you claim this cannot be done. You do not wish to serve the people with an unending harmonious lifestyle. What kind of monster are you, anyway?"
As I allowed these venomous words to spill from my mouth, the Darkness continued to grow within me. I could feel it surging through me; similarly how a shooting star moves throughout the universe. Turning around briskly, I left Ansem's chambers filled with indescribable amounts of fury.
'I have every right to be mad, how can't I? He has ruined my plan. Even the one man who believed in me and said I was strong says I am too weak to connect the Worlds. I am the Princess of Darkness, and with this title and power I have, I will allow every single person and being to feed off of the Darkness.'
I continued walking down the endless halls of the castle. I didn't exactly care where I went, as long as it was away from him.
'You have every right to be upset, Princess; your plan was faultless and yet he would not allow you to speak another word of it. However, you can do something. You can make him understand your point. I can teach you how.'
Stopping slightly, I allowed these words to sink in; however it didn't take me long to come to a decision.
'No, I am sorry, this is something I must do for myself, you cannot help me this time.'
'As you wish Princess, but unlike him, I will always be here for you.'
Laughing bitterly to myself, there were two men in my life that have abandoned me; one I loved, and the one who would allow me to see my beloved. Wait, did I just say loved? That isn't right, I still love Sora and always will, however, I have a faultless plan which must go into effect no matter what the consequence.
Continuing my trek onward through the countless hallways and corridors, I still had no idea where I was going, but frankly; I didn't care. My feet knew their destination and I wasn't going to fight with them. Even with the immensely heavy dress I was adorning, I still somehow managed to walk briskly; as though the hounds of Hell were nipping at my heels.
As I walked onward, I found a rather familiar site, a set of stairs, which were located before two ominous statues. I couldn't understand or think as to why I knew this place, but something felt familiar. The statues were of a lion and a wild boar and they were both frightening to look at. Shrugging the sense of deja vu off my shoulders, I walked towards the large wooden doors.
'Ah, to manipulate the Darkness, it has made my life so much more peaceful and easy.' I chuckled to myself as I placed my palms in front of the door, however, never touching it.
With the simplest thought, the doors swung open at my will. I faced a large room with a fountain and marble floors. Pillars stretched their long bodies to the tops of the ceiling and there were doors surrounding the parameter of the room. As I walked around, I found an old looking doorway with a small plaque, which read the word library.
Forcing the doors open, I walked inside to amuse myself and take my mind off the large amounts of anger I knew still bubbled within my body. Walking onward there were as many books as there were stars.
'There are so many, I wonder if they've all been read?' I thought to myself as my gaze hovered over the vast amounts of literature.
Walking up to a random shelf, there was an entire section devoted to a strange sounding land called 'Atlantica.' There were novels about the ancient kings and rulers of this world, books about the geographical migratory patterns of the native animals and everything else a person would need to know about this land. As I continued to walk to the nearest shelf, a small flickering candle drew my attention. A tiny candle was lit within this dimly lit library and was melting wax all over the table where it was sitting. Also on the table there was an incredibly old and crumbling book, which appeared to have seen better days.
I closed the book, holding the reader's place with my left hand. The title gave me a rather large shock.
'Ansem's Report?' These two words were the only things I could think of to myself.
Nothing went through my mind; I must have stood there dumbfounded for a few minutes, just staring at the title as though it were the most interesting thing. I could not take my eyes off the book. I reread the title many times to make sure that I had indeed read it correctly.
Turning back to the page that I was still keeping safe, I read the passage called; Report Number Thirteen.
'When the heart casts off the flesh, where does the body go? Heart and soul are separate, and the spirit remains in the body. But can we assume that the leftover body and soul perish? Certainly, when the heart changes into a Heartless the body disappears.
However, that is only this world's story; in another world, mightn't they change forms like the Heartless and exist there? If we take that to be the case, there must be a you other than yourself existing somewhere.
An existence neither of darkness nor of light. An in-between existence. Cast off by the heart, a mere shell, one who begrudges both the darkness and the light. This mystery cannot be easily resolved. The relationship between the heart and the flesh is a complex one. But since we exist here, they cannot be termed as existent. Therefore, I shall call them:
'The non-existent ones.'
"The non-existent ones? I do not understand." I thought aloud to myself.
Flipping further on within the book, the pages were caked in numerous layers of dust. The yellowed pages were falling apart as I was flipping through the pages, so I took more care with them, not wanting to damage them any firther.
'Yes, that is right Princess, continue reading these passages, they may answer your questions or even aid you with your plan.' As always, the Inner Voice within me had suggested something quite helpful.
I stopped at a random paragraph in the book. Reading the words on the page, it seems Ansem knew far more than he was telling me. He is a man who is very familiar with the Darkness and as I continued reading onward, I knew he could very well help me connect the worlds allowing every person and living creature to live in a blissful existence. Reading onward, there was something that again caught my attention and left me utterly speechless.
'The Princess of Darkness is the fabled young woman who can manipulate and use the Darkness to her utmost advantage. Any mortal being cannot surpass her powers, as she is the most powerful being within the universe and Worlds alike. Her power's are immense and should not be taken lightly; she can destroy a World as well as instigate terrible havoc towards any one person she chooses. .'
'It seems I have more strength than I thought' I chirped to myself.
Suddenly, I felt incredibly happy. After all, according to Ansem's reports I am the most powerful person on this Earth. However, again, this man betrayed me. Ansem lied to me and deserved to be punished; if not by me, then the Heartless would surely aid their Princess.
With a quick circular movement of my hand, I created a portal, which would take me straight to Ansem's chambers, if I commanded it. Walking within the gateway, I closed my eyes, thinking of Ansem. Before I knew it, there I was, standing before his throne.
'Manipulating the Darkness into obeying my every command, it is though I was truly meant to be the successor of the Darkness.' I thought as I glared at Ansem with coldness within my eyes.
"Is there something the matter Princess?" Ansem asked, as though he was utterly dumbfounded as to why I would be intruding on his privacy.
Walking towards him, so that I was only a few steps from him, I could feel my body shaking with immense anger. Smirking to myself, I looked at him almost sympathetically. As I began to pace around the foot of the thrones, I found myself laughing at the almost comical scene that would take place soon enough.
"Something the matter? Why, I wouldn't say that, exactly. There isn't anything wrong with me. However, I wouldn't exactly say the same for you my dear friend." Stretching my arms outward, the Darkness poured over them like an overflowing tub of bath water. The old book filled with Ansem's own reports materialised within my hands, still on the very same page I last read.
Looking at Ansem's face, it was almost priceless; fear and horror were evident all over it. His body was stiff and his eyes were filled with fright.
"Oh, yes, as it turns out I found your old reports. And you know something, I found something very interesting as well. I'll read a small passage I found particularly intriguing." My voice was commanding as well as belittling towards this man. I read him the passage regarding the Princess of Darkness, and Ansem's face paled significantly.
"As you see, I don't take to liars all too well. I never have, even on Destiny Islands." Placing my hands before me, the book disappeared into the air and I continued to pace around the room.
"We have a problem Ansem, or should I say you have a problem. I could easily kill you. We both know it. Although, I have only learned of this, but I must ask; were you ever going to share this information with me?"
His face was still panic-stricken and his mouth was moving, although not forming words.
"Of course Princess, I just, wanted to err, make sure that you were indeed strong enough. I would have indefinitely shared everything with you." I probably would have somewhat believed his answer, if not for the nervous laughter within his voice.
'Go on with it Princess, he has deceived you once. He will do it again. Do what you have come here to accomplish, he needs to learn.'
Nodding my agreement to the Inner Voice, I knew it was right.
"Is something the matter Ansem, you look as though you have seen a ghost, or perhaps your future?"
Again, his mouth was moving as though to form words, however no sound was to be heard.
With a swift motion of my hand, the Darkness created a small pool of seeping shadow, which fell over my hand. Blowing the Darkness away with a tiny breath; there was a small thread comprised of white-light.
"This string signifies your ties with the World, as well as Fate. If it were to break, your life would end instantly." I was in control now. I could feel the power of the Darkness surging through me stronger than ever.
"Please Princess, if you are to kill me, allow me to do one thing." His eyes were filled with a mixture of sympathy and fear.
"Remember Ansem, I am stronger than you, and if you try anything, your string will be cut without warning. Choose your actions with caution." I would not fall to a man who was inferior to me.
Nodding his agreement, he closed his eyes. A bright oval light erupted onto the ground and suddenly two bodies emerged within the light, which I presumed were two boys. I couldn't make out their faces, however something in my heart ached when I gazed down at these young, helpless men.
The light subsided and I was shocked beyond words for the third time today. There lying before me was none other then both Riku and Sora. I walked towards them, however neither of them was moving. My actions were slow so I would not disturb them from their slumber. Sora's eyes were moving under his eyelids, as though he were dreaming. Groaning slightly, he opened his eyes, looking straight into my own. His eyes were more beautiful than I could even think of remembering. They were the deepest blue a person could ever imagine. They were bluer than the skies above, bluer than the bluest precious gem. I could get lost in these eyes for all of eternity.
"Kairi? What has happened to you?" The pain in his voice was evident; his eyes were filled with shock and sadness.
I never expected Sora to look at me like this. It hurt to see him look at me, his eyes boring themselves into my soul.
With the flick of his wrist, Ansem created a burst of light within the entire room, blinding me. I had no choice but to shield my eyes from the one I loved most. When I opened my eyes once more, I was alone with Ansem only. There was no trace of Sora or Riku; it was though neither of them were ever there.
"Where did they go?! What have you done with them?!" My voice was filled with fury and anger.
Smirking to himself Ansem replied to me very coyly, "I can fetch them for you once more, if, and only if you never threaten me again."
I could feel my eyes glaring at him hard and I made no choice to stop them. So, he was in a sense blackmailing me. Me, the Princess of Darkness.
"I'm sorry Ansem, but I do surpass your powers, and if you are able to find Sora and Riku, I can too." His smirk faded off his face in a moment's time.
"It has been nice Ansem, however, I do not trust you. At all. If I cannot trust the one person who has given me this power, whom can I trust? You've betrayed me Ansem, and I will not forget it." With a snap of my fingers, the Heartless materialised from pools of Darkness surrounding Ansem's feet. They all looked at me expectantly knowing what I would have them do.
Grinning to them, I beckoned two words that would start them on a rampage.
"Kill him."
Without a second word more, a sea of Heartless surrounded Ansem's panicked body. His screams were muffled by the immense amount of Heartless. As I looked at Ansem's thread of life, it was no longer pulled tightly as it was before. The thread of light was becoming loose and limber; Ansem's life was ending.
However, I decided to do something that would end my companion's suffering. I commanded the Heartless to stop. They stopped, and spread themselves away crowding around Ansem expectantly. I looked down at the mangled, bloody mess that Ansem was reduced to. I smirked to myself.
"Let this be a lesson to all of you. Do not betray me."
I looked down with a bittersweet sympathy at Ansem. His eyes were barely open; bruises were colouring his cheeks deep blues and purples. Both of his eyes were blackened and his blood was dripping down his lips. I did not pity this man; he deserved this. Every ounce of pain I felt was the result of this man. I took his thread of light between both of my hands snapped it.
Ansem's heavy breathing ceased and his eyes faded and hollowed very much like my own.
"You all can leave me. Take his body with you, I don't wish to see him any longer. Satisfy your hunger and feast on his flesh." The Heartless picked up Ansem's fallen body and carried him out of the room.
'Ansem deserved death Princess. You have done the right thing.'
I smirked towards the Inner Voice's comment. It was true; this man did deserve to die. I took away the life of another and felt no remorse.
"And now, I can see Sora and Riku without interruption. Now I can be truly happy and free without Ansem or the Heartless getting in my way."
Turning around, I walked to Ansem's throne and sat down within it. I smirked at the memory of his torn and bloodied body and closed my eyes thinking of things that I could say to Sora when I would see him next. My plan was no longer needed. I had a new idea forming within my mind.
Author Notes:
It is so nice to have a day off. It is Wednesday June 30, and I am using this story as a break on my one day off. I worked six days in a row; or forty-four hours. I have been in need of a relaxing activity; and curling up in a cozy blanket on a rainy day is just the need for this exhausted body. I hope my syntax and writing didn't sound crappy and half done in this chapter; I'm feeling incredibly content and lethargic right now. This chapter was long, almost 4000 words. I was thinking about cutting it when Kairi first found Ansem's reports, but decided against it. With the author's notes, this chapter was seven full pages on a size ten font.
I rather liked my analogy of the Darkness going through Kairi towards the beginning and comparing it to a bright and luminous shooting star. How did you guy's feel about it?
So to clear up any confusion that may have occurred for a while as to what I have imagined the Inner Voice to be, it was brought upon the Darkness in Kairi's heart from her depression and sadness regarding the 'loss' of Sora. Pretty much it has brainwashed her (in a somewhat far-fetched sense, but the same sort of propaganda-style influencing) into believing that she truly is worthless. And then we have Ansem pretty much force feeding her the same dribble as well. I'm not certain anyone was confused, but I have meant to explain that since about chapter one, but never remembered until now.
Replies from Nothing to Lose
. . : I am afraid you didn't leave your name, so these periods will have to suffice winks. I am glad you liked it, it was rather sad wasn't it? Thank you for the kind comment! smiles
Juzlovnsora: Oooh, that would have been a great way to end it!!! grins evilly I think I might keep an ending like that for one of my future one-shots though! Thank you, and no worries, my stories are only a pebble along the road of Kingdom Hearts fanfictions, there are much better stories then my own; but thank you, that small comment made me feel like posting is a great thing to do!
Madcow863: Ha, no, I'm not a morbid person, but it was a pretty depressing fic like you said eh? A thanks for admiring the detail, that's one thing I try and keep evident is the detail; so everyone can see the ideas I have seen within my imagination.
Lyphe: My dearest friend! Thank you for your e-mail, it was really sweet of you. And once again, you have stuck behind me, no matter what the subject matter of my fic; my most gracious and ever lasting thanks to you!
Aliasfan: Aw, thank you for adding me to your favourites; that was awesome of you! More one-shots you say? For you, I will =) I read your profile, you like The Ring? shudders That is possibly the scariest movie I have ever watched! I watched it in grade eleven math class before March Break (which was not the March Break that just passed, but the one before) and the concept of Samara still creeps the living hell out of me at night!!!!!!! You are one brave soul my friend! I know this is getting to be a long reply, but I am happy that on your profile you called me a friend and referred others to my work!!!
Shive: Brody!!!! hugs Hi! Thank you for reviewing; nothing like an ice obsessed friend as yourself to review! sniffs I still can't believe what will befall our most precious unintentional-cliff-diving fiend grabs tissue handed over from bishounen in bag
Stickz: Hi hi Katie! Thank you for also reviewing my fic, as always, you're the sweetest girl I have ever, ever met on the net! You are so right, Tsubasa is brilliant! hugs Katie
HisLight: Hooray! A comment about the song, ha, no but seriously, it was nice of you to review as well as mention the song. I love your poem collection; you are incredibly talented. Continue your most wonderful work okay?
Actual ITDWM Reviews Now . . .
Lyphe: As always, you have supported me through thick and thin, flames and reviews. I am forever grateful for the unending support and kindness you have supported me with. Without you, this fic probably would not have been updated. And there isn't anything wrong with a little anger, everyone has to get frustrated once in a while; whether it is an annoying flamer, which helps get the anger out through typing or a sibling! grins
Madcow836: Your story is really wonderful so far. I am enjoying it already. The plot has already started, which will keep my attention! My unending thanks towards your comment, and as long as there are friendly reviewers such as yourself, I will always update!
HisLight: I also owe you a special thank you for your reviews of each of the chapters. They are both kind and a pleasure to read! Oh, my name? Astaldothôlwen is my name in Tolkien's Elvish language. Barrowdowns.com have an Elvish translator, which you can find out your name (however they have changed it slightly since I found Astaldothôlwen three or so years ago; but it is still great.)! If your sister (Aliasfan, of course, you know your sister, but you know . . . ) doesn't see the replies I gave to her reviews, could you let her know I mentioned her anyhow? Thanks hugs
I've been told I am too modest and gracious, now, that's not true eh .
And a special thank you to Shive, he proofread this chapter, so I'm not worried that it is littered with errors. Thank you Brody!!!!