I'm finally back with another chapter! So sorry for the long wait. But it is here now.
Thanks to everyone who has been reading this story so far/ Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Ch.14
Vanitas woke up the following morning with a yawn. He blinked as his eyes adjusted to the light streaming into the room. It took him a moment, but he remembered that he was not in his own room, he was in Namine's.
Vanitas's eyes then shifted to down to see Namine snuggled up against him. Staring at her, sleeping so peacefully and calmly, Vanitas started thinking as to why Ansem would want her here. He knew that Ansem said that she came from a white magic family and she cleared showed she had that power last night, but he still couldn't figure out why. Ansem already had his own power and magic, why did he need someone else's? Vanitas just couldn't seem to grasp at a good solid reason.
He sighed as he placed a hand on top of Namine's head as he sat himself up. Though it had been four years since he had really thought about emotions of feelings, he started to wonder again. He wondered what he would be feeling right now aside from feeling bad that she was trapped here. He wanted to know what feeling like a big brother would actually feel like. Since he never got the chance to experience it, he didn't know how he would be feeling. He only knew it was probably a happy feeling… but even that to him felt faint memory now.
Namine stirred and her eyes slowly opened up. She looked up and blinked a few times at Vanitas. "Hello Vanitas. Morning."
"Good morning Namine. How… How are you… feeling?" Vanitas asked. He knew that she wouldn't actually be feeling anything, but she would be too young to understand. He thought it would be best to wait a bit before trying to explain it to her. A little four year old would not be able to understand that she couldn't feel emotions anymore. Something like that would be too hard for her young mind to comprehend.
"I...I'm fine. I think," Namine said as she sat up. "I'm still here? Why?"
Vanitas sighed. "It's hard to explain that… But this is your home now."
"With the scary monster man? Why? Why did he take me away?" Namine asked as she clung onto Vanitas's jacket.
"I can't really tell you that. You wouldn't understand," Vanitas started to say, but then Namine spoke up again.
"Why? It not fair!" Namine said as she pouted.
Vanitas thought carefully and slowly reached his arms around Namine and held her close. He knew it really wouldn't truly do much to help her, but knew it was the best he could do. "I know it isn't. But we can't do anything about it. But don't worry Namine, I'm here for you."
"You live here to? What about the scary monster man?" Namine asked.
"Yeah I live here. I've been here about four years… but it isn't all that bad. Ansem… I mean the scary monster man isn't around all too much. And then there are all the others here as well, so we aren't all by ourselves," Vanitas responded, hoping to ease her mind on things.
"Why though?" Namine asked. "Why are you in a scary place like this?"
Vanitas sighed again. It was getting difficult for him to come up with things to tell her. He didn't want to have to tell her the truth, but he had a feeling he might have to if she kept asking about it. The best thing he thought he could do was try to divert the conversation. He then finally let go of Namine before speaking again.
"I'll tell you later. Hey, are you hungry? How about we get some food?"
"Yeah food. Let's get some," Namine said as she hopped off the bed.
Vanitas felt relieved as he also got off the bed. As soon as he stood up Namine grabbed onto one of his hands. She didn't say anything more, but she stared right up at him. The expression on her face showed how worried and scared she was… or really would be.
"It's okay Namine. I'm here for you," Vanitas said as he started walking towards the door.
Namine nodded as they stepped outside into the hallway. Immediately she started looking all around, afraid that Ansem could show up at any moment. Her grip tightened around Vanitas's hand as she stayed close to him. Vanitas bit his lip as they walked down the hallway. He had no idea what he could say or do to try and calm her down. Even without emotions, she still acting so afraid of the place she was in.
Vanitas though guided her slowly through the hallway until they arrived at the kitchen. Isa and Lea were already there at one of the tables. There was also a couple of others there, but Vanitas never really talked to them much. Vanitas lead Namine over to the table where Isa and Lea sat.
As soon as they got close to the table, Lea looked over at them. "Well there you guys are. We were wondering when you might show up."
Namine quickly hid behind Vanitas and gripped onto his clothes tightly. Vanitas placed a hand gently on top of Namine's head. "You don't have to be afraid Namine. Lea and Isa are my friends. They are nice people."
Namine slowly peaked from behind Vanitas's legs and looked over at Lea first. He gave her a smile and waved. "Nice to meet you Namine. So you heard right, my name's Lea, got it memorized?"
Namine shifted slightly as she stepped to the side to get a better look at Isa and Lea. Lea then pointed to Isa, who was sitting next to him. "And Mr Boring over here is Isa."
After a moment Namine slowly stepped forward and climbed up onto a chair at the table. "Hello…" she spoke quietly, but did not seem as afraid as before.
"You can sit here Namine, I'll grab you something to eat," Vanitas said as he entered the kitchen area.
As Vanitas started to make some food for Namine, he turned to see her engaging in some conversation with Lea. Vanitas thought it was good at least that she seemed to have warmed up to Lea at least. Once the food was ready, he brought it back to the table and sat down next to Namine.
"Where you live Vanitas?" Namine suddenly asked him.
"Huh? Where did a question like that come from?" Vanitas asked her.
"That's 'cause of me," Lea interjected. "I was telling her about how Isa and I are from Radiant Garden, which is known for is large castle. Namine got all excited and asked if you were from there as well, and I told her just to ask you instead."
"Ah," Vanitas said as he looked at Namine. "Well I'm actually from Destiny Islands."
"Des...ta..ney… Islands?" Namine asked, trying her best to pronounce the word destiny.
"That's right. It's a place right by the ocean with many islands you can go and visit," Vanitas explained.
Namine's eyes lit up. "Oh! By the ocean? That sounds really pretty! I always wanted to see the ocean!"
Vanitas wanted to smile at her energy. He wished he could be happy for her wanting to see the ocean, but he knew he couldn't. There was no way she would ever get to see the ocean now that she was trapped inside the mansion. But he didn't want to crush the determination that she held in her eyes. It still amazed him how much it seemed like she still had emotions, even though he knew what she wasn't actually feeling what she was displaying.
With a small sigh he placed his hand on her head. "Well… maybe you will."
"Do not try to fill her mind with false-" Isa had started to say before Lea jabbed him in the side. Lea sent him a sharp glare, indicating that now was not the time to be cold and direct about those things. Thankfully Isa understood and went back to not saying anything.
Everything seemed to go smoothly after that. Food was eaten and Namine didn't ask too many questions. Once things were finished Vanitas told Namine he would show her around the mansion. She nodded in interested and started to follow right besides Vanitas. They had only walked down one hallway when the temperature dropped around them.
"Vanitas? Why did we stop? It feels cold. Why is that?" Namine asked him as she looked up.
Before Vanitas could answer, a darkness appeared in front of them. A second later Ansem appeared in his demonic form. Namine gasped as she hid behind Vanitas. Vanitas took in a deep breath as he stared at the monster before him. He had no idea what Ansem could want at a time like this, but he could tell it was nothing good.
"What do you want Ansem?" Vanitas asked.
"I was looking for where the girl was. I wanted to make sure she has awoken nicely," Ansem replied, trying to sound caring.
"Yeah she has. Now you can leave her alone," Vanitas said as he kept his eyes locked with Ansem's.
"I cannot do that yet. You see, I am needing the girl for a short time today."
"No way," Vanitas said as he made sure Namine was still behind him. "I won't let you touch her."
"But you do not understand. I need her. That is why I brought her here."
"Why is that then? Why did you bring a young child to the mansion? What reason do you have for that?" Vanitas asked, hoping that maybe he would get a little insight on why Ansem did what he did.
"It is because the girl has strong magical powers. Her magic is the type I need to accomplish certain tasks," Ansem replied much to Vanitas's surprise. He didn't expect Ansem to actually give him an actual answer.
"Don't you have your own magic or something? Why can't you just use yours?" Vanitas questioned.
"It is because my magic differs from the girls. Her magic is white magic, which is far different than the type that I use."
"But why her," Vanitas continued to question. "Why take a child at such a young age?"
Ansem loomed a bit closer to Vanitas. His demonic eyes glowing brightly. "It is because...with her being so young… it makes it easier to teach her in the ways that I want."
Vanitas narrowed his eyes. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Ansem stole his little girl away from her home all so he could train her to use magic how he wanted? There had to be more too it than just that. Vanitas knew that much at least. But he didn't want to question any further. He had enough answers for now. But now he wanted to keep Namine away from Ansem even more than before.
Before Vanitas could say another word, Namine ended up speaking. "Leave me alone! Only mommy teaches me magic!"
Ansem chuckled deeply, clearly finding Namine amusing. "How intriguing. For a child who barely has had time to experience emotions, she fakes it the best. But…" He loomed over both Vanitas and Namine. "I will teach you magic and you will listen to me."
Namine frowned as she gripped Vanitas's shirt tightly. "No! I don't wanna!"
"Leave her alone Ansem. If she doesn't want to go with you, you can't force her. I am not going to let you take her now."
"This is my mansion. What I say goes. If you do not let me have the girl...I will have to use… more serious measures. Would you prefer it if the girl was a completely empty husk?"
"What?"
"If neither of you choose to cooperate, I will be force to get what I need by force. If I so choose I can erase all of her memories of her little life. It would leave her completely empty. Perfect for molding however I please."
Vanitas started with wide eyes. "Erase her memories? He… he can do that?" Vanitas glanced down at Namine. Seeing her big round eyes look up at him with confusion, he knew he never wanted to see something like that happen to her. Even though he had only known her for less than a day, he wanted to do what he could to protect her.
"I'm not going to let you hurt her though," Vanitas replied, keeping his strong determined look, hoping that maybe Anse would back off.
"I do not intend to hurt the girl," Ansem said before his form started to shift. Seconds later he was back in his human form. "The girl is my honored guest here. She shall remain unharmed and will be well taken care of. All I need is for her to cooprerate and let me teach her."
Vanitas took in a deep breath as he thought over the situation. He still did not want to trust Ansem, but he didn't want to left Namine lose her memories. They may only be a few, but they were all she could hold onto from her life for emotions. He wanted her to have at least a little something to hold on to. Suddenly Vanitas had an idea that he thought might just work.
"You'll have to let me stay by her side as you teach her whatever the heck you wanna teach her. You put me in charge of her so I say I get to stay with her and make sure you don't harm her.
"Yeah! Let Vanitas stay!" Namine retorted.
Ansem crossed his arms as he examine the two that stood before him. His eyes locked onto Vanitas and then shifted down to Namine. His eyes narrowed slightly before he gave his answer. "Very well, I suppose I can accommodate for that. I will allow you to watch over our training sessions."
Vanitas breathed out a sigh of relief. He then turned around and kneel down to Namine's eye level. "All right Namine. I know you find Ansem scary, but you are just going to have to listen to him for now. I promise I'll be right by your side though. Do you understand?"
Namine nodded slowly. "I understand."
Ansem turned around and spoke up. "Now, you two shall follow me. " He then started to walk down the hallway.
Vanitas held his hand out to Namine and she tightly took hold of it. The two of them quietly followed after Ansem.
A Few Months Later
A loud thunderstorm rumbled outside. Every once and a while a flash of light would bled through the curtains. Vanitas grumbled as he turned on his side, facing away from the window. He had slept through plenty of storms in his life, the biggest ones being back when he was home in Destiny Islands. But for some reason he just was having trouble falling asleep tonight.
Though after a few minutes it seemed that Vanitas was finally drifting off. But then he heard his door open. He groaned in annoyance. He had no idea what time it was, but he figured it was around or past midnight at least by this point.
Vanitas turned back to his other side and to his surprise saw Namine standing in front of his bed. She stood there and looked at him with wide eyes. "Vanitas?" she asked him, as if not sure if he was awake or note.
"Namine?" Vanitas asked as he slightly sat up in his bed. "What's wrong?"
"I don't know… The storm is scary. I can't sleep," Namine replied.
"Oh… I see," Vanitas said. He had a feeling it may have been that, though Namine showed no sign of being afraid. Vanitas figured though it was something in her subconscious that kept her awake. If she still were to have emotions, the storm surely would have made her scared.
"Can I stay with you?" Namine asked as she inched closer to the bed. "I don't wanna sleep alone with the scary storm outside."
Vanitas was almost half tempted to tell her that it didn't matter. That, without emotions, she couldn't actually be afraid of a storm. But he remembered she was a young child. She still would not understand. He did still want to look out for her though as a brotherly figure, so that meant he had to do what was best.
Vanitas nodded as he scooted himself back on the bed. "Sure."
Namine crawled up onto the bed and got under the covers. She snuggled right up against Vanitas and closed her eyes. "Thank you Vani," Namine replied quietly.
"What?" Vanitas asked aloud, not expecting to hear her say that. "You can't… You can't call me that…"
Namine looked up at him and tilted her head. "Why not? Isn't it short for Vanitas?"
"Yeah it is…" Vanitas sighed slightly. "But only one person can call me Vani."
"Who? Is it Isa? He doesn't say your name much does he? Or Ienzo?" Namine asked, suddenly very curious about the answer.
Vanitas shook his head. "No. The person who calls me Vani isn't here at the mansion. He didn't get trapped here like the rest of us. He...He's a childhood friend of mine."
"What's his name?"
"Ven… Ventus…" Vanitas said.
"Oh I see. So I can't also call you Vani?" Namine asked.
"I'd prefer if you didn't. Ven was the only one to call me by that name...it's just a special memory from my childhood I guess you could say."
"Ooh. I'm sorry Vanitas. I didn't mean to upset you."
Vanitas shook his head. "No you didn't. It's okay. Let's just try to get some sleep now, okay?"
Namine nodded as she laid back down on the bed. Vanitas yawned as he closed his eyes, ready to finally fall asleep.
"Vanitas?" Namine asked not a minute later.
"Yes?"
"Why… Why am I not scared?"
Vanitas's eyes widened slightly. He never expected Namine to ask such a question. Had she been thinking about what had happened to her? Vanitas wasn't sure if he would be able to give her a proper answer on the subject. "What do you mean?"
"I'm not scared of the storm… though I remember when I was home with mommy and daddy I was scared. But not now."
"Well that's because…" Vanitas started to say. He hadn't expected to have to tell Namine about this so soon. He didn't know how to avoid the conversation, so he decided to just try his best to explain it to her now. "It's… the mansion has a curse."
"Curse?"
"Yeah… that's right. It takes away our ability to feel scared, or anger, or happy… " Vanitas explained, hoping this simplified version was enough to help her understand.
"But why? Why does the mansion do that?"
"I…" Vanitas started to explain it was Ansem's doing, but then he stopped himself. He figured if he told Namine it was Ansem who did it, it would only make her more hesitant to have him train her with magic.
She still was not to inclined to learn magic from Ansem, but Vanitas was always right there to watch. It seemed to make things easier for Namine knowing that he was near her if she needed.
Slowly Vanitas wrapped his arms around Namine and pulled her closer. "I can't really explain it right now. But I will one day okay? Just try not to think about it. Let's just get some sleep now," Vanitas said in hopes that Namine would listen.
"Okay…" Namine said as she yawned. "Thank you Vanitas."
Present Day
Vanitas stared off at the window and let out a long sigh. "After that not much of major interest happened. Namine learned the magic that Ansem wanted to teach her. He had her use that magic for whatever the hell he wanted. Making the barrier around the mansion stronger and various other crappy things."
"And you watched over her all these years?" Ventus asked, still very invested and curious about the stories Vanitas had just told him.
Vanitas nodded. "Yeah. I knew I had to do that, whether Ansem told me to or not. I don't any else really would have wanted to help her get through her life here, except maybe Lea."
"So really nothing else happened?"
"Well there were other things, like the time I spoke out again to Ansem 'cause I thought he was pushing Namine to hard. He broke my arm, but Namine healed it shortly after. But I feel like I've said enough, I'm sure you get the premise of everything."
Ventus nodded. "Yeah I understand now." He then paused for a moment before speaking up again. "I still am sorry though... I still feel responsible for you getting trapped here."
Vanitas sighed. "I already told you not to be sorry. It's complicated you know? If I never was trapped here, Namine wouldn't really have someone that looked out for her. She is really the only positive thing I can say that comes from all this. Looking after her like a brother for all these years…and all that stuff."
"Ah… I see," Ventus said, trailing off slightly. "Do you wanna hear about my life and what I did?"
"I don't know… maybe later," Vanitas replied.
The two young men then sat in silence in the room. Neither of them knew what to say next. It had been fourteen years since they last saw each other, and now it felt hard to start a conversation.
But then an idea came to Ventu's mind. He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Vanitas, giving him a hug.
Vanitas gasped in surprise. "Ventus? Seriously? Another hug?"
Ventus put on a smile. "What? I can't help it. Hugs are just in my nature I guess. Besides it's been fourteen years, I've missed out on a lot of hugs."
"But Ven… we're grown men. We don't… hug," Vanitas commented. He knew he would have felt embarrassed for sure if he still had emotions.
Ventus let go of Vanitas and looked at him. "Who says we can't? Best friends can still give each other hugs. We're… still friends right?"
Vanitas looked back at Ventus. Without even thinking a smile came to his face. It was just a natural thing for him to do when around Ventus. Ever since they were young Ventus always could find a way to make him smile, mostly cause Ventus was doing something goofy or dumb. But the more Vanitas thought about it, he did guess that Ventus had a point.
Before Ventus could say anything more, Vanitas pulled him into a hug, catching him completely off guard. "Yeah, we're still friends."
So we finally end the Vanitas flashback arc! It went on longer than I thought it would haha. But now we can get back on track with the rest of the main story!
Thank you everyone for reading and I will see you next time!