And this is where our naïve travelers meet their mysterious host.
Before anyone asks, I just think Xemnas would make a good vampire. Plain and simple.
Constructive reviews are welcome. Rude comments are not.
I won nothing of Kingdom Hearts whatsoever, except my OCs.
Read, review, but no flames.
Chapter 2: The Master of the House
If the Chastain sisters thought that the castle was a beauty and a fright from a distance, they were surprised at how intimidating the castle truly was up close. Despite how ancient and seemingly desolate the grand structure is, it managed to maintain an air of dignity as well as a reminder of the bygone days of centuries past, most likely because it had many forms of history. Banners from ages past were hung in a few scattered places, but the crests and the cloths have long worn away under numerous conditions. All manner of flora could also be seen flourishing within the castle walls, but not exactly in a jovial manner; if anything, the flowers and shrubs that exist around the area are tempting but dangerous with their thorns defending their stems and roots from nosy intruders.
When the stagecoach stopped delicately, they looked out the window to see an enormous, wooden door standing proudly like it was guarding whatever could be of utmost importance beyond its boundaries. Leading up to those unnerving doors were a small set of stairs that may have worn out and crumbled, but still withstood the elements around the lonely grounds that nestled within the walls of the castle that is Hollow Bastion.
"This is Hollow Bastion?" Caroline questioned in bitter disappointment, "I was expecting something much grander and…well, glorious than this."
"You'd be surprised how intriguing the castle is when you learn about its history," Mary said as she looked around as best as she could, "I'm sure it used to be much more beautiful back in those days. But anything can make a lovely castle go into ruin, you should know."
"Maybe it will be much grander when we get inside the castle," Mina added to attempt optimism.
The next thing they knew, Xigbar came around and opened the door for them, allowing them to step outside and greet the castle face-to-face.
"Well, here we are, ladies. Now, don't be intimidated by the creepy exterior," Xigbar said as he helped them out of the vehicle, "Besides, once you get inside, you'll find that it's well taken care of. Granted, the master doesn't often get visitors, considering how not a lot of people pass by here…But whatever, what few guests we do get just makes our day."
As soon as everyone was out of the coach, they looked around with marvel at their temporary lodging, wondering what could be waiting inside this historical building they've never seen all their life.
On Mary's part, she turned back toward Xigbar and asked, "Excuse my asking, but how do we know that your master won't mind us being here? If he doesn't get visitors often, why bother trying to be as hospitable as possible?"
"That's a mighty good question there. I suppose you could call it routine on our part," Xigbar replied with a shrug, "Y'know, just to be on the safe side."
"That sounds like something we would experience back in our old hometown," Jane noticed.
Then, a sudden thought crossed Mina's mind. "Oh, pardon me, but should we retrieve our luggage?"
"Nah, don't worry about that. I'll see to it myself," Xigbar replied casually, "Besides; I have to get the coach back where it belongs."
One by one, each of the women were handed their luggage bags by their oddly generous driver before he moved on to urge the horses to follow him towards another section of the castle (most likely back to the stables). When the foursome was on their own, they took the initiative to walk up the steps and enter the castle. Of the four, Mary made the first move by knocking on the door in hope that someone would answer it and let them in. At first, it seemed like no one was going to respond; but when Mary was about to knock again, the door opened with a disturbing creak that nearly scared all of them.
But once the door was open all the way, the Chastain sisters went under the assumption that someone saw them coming and invited them to step inside. So, not seeing any options and no way to turn back since it was dark out, each sister slowly stepped inside Hollow Bastion and found themselves in a giant entrance hall connected to different doors carefully aligned in the right places along with two stairways that led towards the upper parts of the mysterious castle. Some parts of the hall was covered in cobwebs ranging from petty nuisance sizes to disturbingly large ones that could ensnare anyone unlucky enough to have to move through it, and there are countless candles scattered all over the place – but only an extreme few were lit since much of the wax on the other candles have been melted quite a bit, which didn't help brighten the brooding atmosphere of the once grand stronghold of the older eras past. There were a few paintings hung in select places, but it was hard to tell what pictures they were since they, too were bathed in the darkness of the entrance hall.
"Good grief, what a mess of a castle this is," Caroline complained, "Who would want to live in a place like this? I certainly hope it isn't an undertaker's lodging."
Mary completely ignored her older sister's complaints and called out, "Hello? Is anyone home? We don't mean to be a bother, but we had an accident and we were suggested to come and stay here until we can find another ride."
Mina looked around awkwardly and said nervously, "Don't you think somebody might've noticed us coming?"
"I don't know…" Mary replied as she looked around the area.
Before anyone could question their situation, a set of footsteps echoed within the darkness – one elegant yet powerful and domineering, while the other was moving at a normal pace like an average person. As the steps came closer, they were barely to make out two masculine figures emerging from the dank darkness; one of them – a tall, broad individual – was carrying a stained glass lantern with him to light the dim room a little more.
The one holding the lantern was an enigmatic man appearing to be in his late twenties or early thirties, with dark tanned skin and silvery white hair that both flared in a few places and flowed down to his shoulders, bearing golden yellow eyes that would've given off the impression of a deadly predator; he wore a long black robe that flowed down to his ankles with oddly striped black and white cuffs, and black boots hidden carefully from view. Seeing him before their eyes made them feel like they are in the presence of someone with a lot of power in his hands.
The other accompanying the leader was a man who seemed to be in his mid-twenties with blue hair that ran down slightly past his shoulders and spiked out at the back, along with golden eyes similar to the leader and an X-shaped scar across the center of his face; he wore simply a plain black robe (which, on a minor note, made Mary notice she wasn't the only one wearing mostly black) and black boots and gloves to match. His demeanor was more like a predator trying to determine whether or not the outsiders before him should be hunted down like prey, especially not helping with the fact that he appears to not trust them entirely.
Then, the silver-haired man spoke with a soft, deep voice, "Welcome…to Hollow Bastion, young travelers. Enter freely of your own will, and leave any petty anxieties you carry behind you."
Charmed by the rather polite mannerism, Mina asked, "Are you the master of the castle?"
"Indeed…I am Xemnas, and I bid you all welcome to my home," Xemnas replied politely, "Come closer, and allow me the honor of your names, if only to ease any distrust all of you have on your minds."
Despite her hesitation, Mary took the liberty to introduce everyone. "Well, sir, I'm Mary Chastain. And my sisters are Caroline Chastain," The eldest sister fluffed her hair with pride. "Jane Chastain," The second sister curtseyed respectfully. "And Mina Chastain," Mina blushed a bit as she gave a small bow. "We were travelling to Twilight Town, but we had an accident on the way there and we there was no town or village nearby to help us."
"That explains why the four of you have been brought here, and when we were not expecting anyone on top of that," the blue-haired man with a cold voice, "It's no wonder Xigbar was anxious to take you here on short notice."
"Well, we don't want to be a bother, but is there any way you can help us?" Jane asked, "Could you, sir, spare us a coach to take us to Twilight Town?"
Xemnas shook his head. "Unfortunately, I cannot spare one for your use. However, you are welcome to remain here for a week or so until another driver can be found to help you."
"What?" Caroline cried out as her eyes widened in shock.
Mary raised a brow at this. "You mean to keep us here for a week? I'm not sure if that's a wise move for us."
Apparently, Xemnas noticed Mary's suspicions and made a move to dissuade her skeptical words. "Perhaps we could discuss the arrangements over dinner? As I recall, there are some who are more willing to comply with any plans while being provided what the host has to offer."
"I'm not sure if that's a good idea. We have urgent matters to deal with," Mary tried to decline.
"But Mary, we cannot be rude," Jane whispered, "even if we have troubles enough as it is."
"We don't even know anything about the residents of this castle, much less the master," Mary warned, "What if there's something sinister about this place?"
"Oh, what nonsense you're spouting! You're just trying to back out of something that could be useful for us," Caroline dismissed eagerly, "Besides, we accepted coming here. So why not take advantage of it?"
Mary groaned in disbelief at her eldest sister's eagerness at the 'advantage'.
Mina rubbed her sister's shoulder and said softly, "Don't worry about it, Mary. We'll be alright."
"That's what I'm worried about," Mary murmured.
As the sisters were debating on the invitation, Xemnas turned to his follower with a dark look in his eyes.
"Alert the others that we have company, Saix. See that they all…behave…while they remain here," he ordered. "Also, look for Xigbar and find out what he is doing."
Saix bowed respectfully and replied, "As you wish." Then, he disappeared into the darkness while no one was watching.
Then, as soon as his right hand man was gone, he turned back to the sisters and made another move to persuade them. "I understand that you are not so trustful of anyone for the moment, but I can assure you that I mean no ill will with my invitation. I only wished to provide as much support as you need until an arrangement can be made. Surely you can comprehend that, can you?"
Mina made the move to answer him. "We are sorry for distrusting you, sir. We would gladly discuss the problem."
Xemnas gave a small smirk as he turned to lead the way. "Then, come with me."
Despite the hesitation still lingering among them, the Chastain sisters followed their host's lead as he guided them through the ancient halls with that solitary lantern in hand. As they traversed through the interior, Mary and Mina couldn't help but look around the halls in amazement at the old bits of furniture carefully arranged by the walls with faded antiquities that bear unknown origins; on Jane's part, she mostly stayed near her younger sisters and walked cautiously as though she didn't want to get caught by any potential rats or spiders that might be lurking about (That said, Caroline was not paying attention to any of that and only focused on following the castle's owner).
But when they reached a grandiose door at the end of the hall, Xemnas opened the door and led them into a large dining room that somehow managed to barely maintain its former beauty. All around the room were finely arranged candlesticks giving off bouts of light to contrast the darkness lurking outside of the barred windows, and lingering remnants of silver and gold-painted nature motifs could be found decorating all around the corners; only a single, large fireplace – also amazingly decorated with leaf motifs – was nestled straight ahead of the room, giving a slightly warming welcome against the dark atmosphere, along with a portrait of a man hanging above the fireplace. At the center of the room was a long wooden table with several intricately decorated chairs bearing the motif of various beasts of much folklore past, complete with smaller candlesticks all lit up and every empty dish neatly arranged for the anticipation of new guests.
Jane and Mary couldn't resist gasping in shock at the faint glamour the room was giving off as they looked around the place. Caroline was gazing around the place as well, but her eyes indicated more of a question as to how wealthy their host is rather than taking note of the details. Mina, being the innocent she is, wandered a bit to get a better look at the fascinating new environment she had stepped in like it was a dream made a reality.
"This is…amazing. Have you ever seen a room so well-done like this?" Jane asked as she gaped in awe.
Mary shook her head, dumbfounded. "I don't think anyone has seen things like this in centuries."
At the same time with Mina, she couldn't help but take a closer look at the chairs centered in the room and admire the touches added in so artistically. "Isn't it amazing how majestic the contents are?"
"Certainly, if someone has the resources to possess such things," Caroline answered as she looked around.
"No, really, look at this. Everything – even the furniture – is just full of art, like someone had made a painting become real," Mina insisted excitedly, "I've never seen such details so carefully put together."
"Haven't you?" Xemnas asked as he approached her rather unexpectedly.
Mina jumped when she realized how close the host was, making her almost lose her breath from shock, but then her cheeks turned a bright red when she tried to pull herself together and explain herself.
"Well, what I meant is…I mean, the most I've ever seen with extreme artistry is the manors that are owned by rich merchants or new generations of aristocrats," Mina explained, "This is very different from anything I've ever experienced."
"Much diligence and care went into the construction of this castle centuries ago. Though it may have lost much of the luster it used to bear, Hollow Bastion has nonetheless endured and stood strong against all that opposed it," Xemnas explained as he pulled out the chairs for each sister to seat in, "One could argue that this castle is just one of the select few structures of the past that continued to be respected by all who cross the land it surrounds."
As each sister took their place at the table, more individuals – three in total - made their appearance and carefully prepared the table with all that there was to offer to the young guests. One was a man with ebony black dreadlocked style and sideburns on both sides of his face, directing everyone with their designated tasks; the second was a prim and proper man with short platinum blond hair and a classy moustache and goatee, showing gentlemanly respect to the women as they were given their meals very delicately; the third was a mildly younger man with pink ruffled hair and dark blue eyes, who carefully tidied the table as he thoroughly looked at the new visitors every few moments with interest gleaming within his irises. It was noticed that they, too, were dressed in black as well, but each of them had tints of colored patterns that presented their own motifs which told their own stories.
After being presented with the exotic delicacies before their eyes, Caroline immediately began to work her way into the appetizers while Jane and Mary took it all in at a more polite pace; Mina simply consumed hers in smaller, daintier bites whilst savoring how unusually delectable the meal is.
But after a little while, Mina quickly noticed that the host was not partaking in anything; in fact, he does not have anything on his empty plate.
"Sir Xemnas, are you not joining us?" Mina asked out of curiosity.
The enigmatic host shook his head slowly as he replied, "Forgive me if I am not, Miss Mina. But I have already dined before your arrival."
Jane caught on about it and asked her own question. "Not even for a little wine?"
"I never drink…wine. I chose to withdraw from such things," Xemnas replied slowly.
On Mary's part, she was most intrigued at the old but well-preserved painting hanging high above the ornate fireplace. The portrait was that of a man with a strange resemblance to their mysterious host, Xemnas. In fact, the nobleman in the picture also bore darker tanned skin and gold-yellow eyes with silvery hair like the moon, dressed in a robe of black and white from many centuries ago. It made her wonder if that man was the founder of Hollow Bastion or some other person related to Xemnas in any way. She decided that it wouldn't hurt her to ask about the portrait since they are invited in a historical landmark.
"Pardon my asking, but who is that man in the portrait?" Mary asked as she pointed her finger up at the painting, "Is that an ancestor of yours? He does bear quite a resemblance."
At that question, Xemnas turned his gaze toward the portrait for a moment before shifting his attention over to Mary.
"Indeed…that man was the first owner of this castle, Hollow Bastion. Once this castle was a structure of unmatched dignity and vigor, filled with…light…that used to shine through these halls," he explained, "For generations, Hollow Bastion belonged to my family. Ages before, there was much that made this home outshine all others: life, pride, and…love. Unfortunately, all of that gradually vanished as tragedies – one after another – took all of that away."
As Mary let that information sink in, it made her wonder if there are elements of the truth to Xemnas' explanation of the mystery man in the portrait; perhaps Hollow Bastion indeed used to be a glorious and luscious place before it all fell apart. But one nagging doubt crept into her mind: was he telling the entire truth? Though he was more than willing to give away tidbits of history, he also gave off the impression that he is still hiding something. Could he be lying about the idea of having an ancestor? If there is a library around here, maybe it could be possible to do some research, Mary thought.
All of a sudden, the pseudo serenity of the room was broken when faint howling sounds echoed through the area. This made everyone but the master and the staff jolt in fright at the sounds of the howls, causing the Chastain sisters to silently question what is going on.
That was when the pink haired man took note of the howls and said calmly, "My, it seems they are feeling quite lively tonight."
"It would appear so…Marluxia," Xemnas agreed as he stood up to move toward the window. "Listen…the children of the night. Do they not make the loveliest music? I could think of no better musicians than the company of wolves."
Jane and Caroline turned pale with fear at the idea of wolves roaming about the isolated countryside, seeking for anything vulnerable helplessly trapped under the bleak cover of night. Mina began shivering a bit from unease, which caused Mary to turn to her and do her best to quietly give her comfort.
Just then, Saix returned with Xigbar in tow, most likely annoyed from how long it took him to locate the laid-back driver who picked the guests up in the first place.
"I've located him, as you requested. He was taking care of the coach after he returned to the stable," Saix explained emotionlessly.
"Aw, c'mon, I was just showing a little courtesy," Xigbar insisted, "But anyways, I've done my part of the work, so it should be fair that everyone else do their part and see that our guests are comfortable while they're here, right?"
Upon hearing this, Caroline and Jane turned to their younger sisters in surprise that everything was in order, making Mary and Mina turn to Xemnas with questioning faces; he answered their silent questions with an unreadable expression.
"I have made the offer earlier, allowing all of you to stay a while – perhaps a week, I believe - until feasible arrangements can be made," Xemnas spoke with a calm voice, "You are more than welcome to remain here, if only for your safety. If you do, I promise all of you the privilege to do as you please during your stay, and will want for nothing."
Mary still had her doubts about the invitation. "I don't know…we would rather get to Twilight Town as soon as possible."
Xemnas stared at Mary tensely, slightly frowning. "I'm afraid there is no other way. Saix will show each of you to your rooms."
Left with no other option but to comply with their host's wishes, the Chastain sisters slowly followed Saix out of the dining hall back to the main hall. But before they went past the door, Mary looked back to see that Xemnas kept his eerie gaze focused on Mina; he seemed to show intrigue on her, but his fascinated expression was also contorted with something else – desire. That alone convinced her it would be best to keep an eye on him whenever she gets the chance, if just to make sure that Mina will not come to harm.
When the four sisters were gone from sight, Xemnas stepped away from the moonlit window and approached his other followers with a question.
"Tell me – all of you - what do you think of the Chastain sisters?" he asked them.
The blond gentleman answered first. "They are certainly a radiant group of women, that much is clear. All are distinct in their own right, and are noteworthy gems in comparison to other guests we've taken in over the years."
"Admittedly, Luxord, I don't care about the eldest sister all that much. She seems to carry too much pride in her mind," the pink-haired man, Marluxia, replied, "I will confess, though, that the one called Jane piques my fascination. She seemed very beautiful and fragile…If you ask me; I think she is my type of woman. Wouldn't you agree, Xaldin?"
"You can do what you want with her. But I beg to question about the two younger sisters, though," Xaldin said dismissively, "The one called Mary is the one I'm more concerned about. She seems to be suspicious of all of us, and if left unchecked, she could be a threat to us all."
"Perhaps she might be. What about Mina, the youngest sister?" Luxord asked.
"Mina…she certainly stands out among the rest. But I'm sure that the matter of preference would be most difficult for the rest of us," Marluxia noted.
"You may choose whichever interests you the most. However, I must strongly order that Mina be left alone," Xemnas commanded strongly, "The other three are yours for the picking, but the youngest will be under my watch. I advise you all to comply with it…because you know what happens when any follower of mine disobeys a specific order."
Upon hearing this, the three men turned paler than normal with fear whilst swallowing their pride down. Pleased at their 'understanding', Xemnas gave them an ominous smirk before taking his leave from the room.
"Now then, we must be sure that our…guests…are settled in before we determine what to do with them," he said enigmatically, "After all, is it not better to sway the cautious into lowering their guard before going in for the target?"