Chapter 1: Welcome to my life, how may I be of service?
I awoke with a start. Somehow, he invaded my dreams as I lay asleep, blasted Key bearer. I will kill him one day to ensure that I am no longer haunted by his presence. He deserves no less. Not only has he done the unthinkable, but now he is invading my sleep. One of these days…
Anyway, today was like any other at Hollow Bastian, perpetual gloom. Maybe the fact that I remember when it used to be beautiful and full of other life forms is what makes it so terrible. All that remains are myself and Xenonart. We have been working together since this world was obliterated. He found me and helped me become what I am today, granted there have been side effects. I've killed people. I've destroyed worlds. I'm not proud of it, but whatever moves me closer to my ultimate goal is just fine by my standards.
I'm sure you'd love to hear my goal is world domination or to obtain a heart. Unfortunately, those are not my intentions. My purpose, my reason for existence, is to find her. My younger sister. This, is the most noble reason of my being. I am no Nobody, so I still love my little sis. Well, I suppose I should tell you the tale of how we became separated in the first place.
It was roughly 10 years ago and we were here. Suddenly, the storm sirens began to blare, indicating that a massive one was on its way. In times of dire emergency, evacuations would be made through the ships made of gummi blocks which were used to transport the worlds inhabitants safely to another world. This time of year, the evacuation world was Traverse Town. So, once the ship had 50 or so citizens, it would take off. The order was simple, the royal court and entourage were the first who got to leave. Next, the citizens themselves. Finaly, the guard and soldiers were allowed to evacuate. So, being part of the court, we made our way out, when I saw the most gruesome sight, falling from the storm were these black creatures (later I learned they were called heartless). I made a split decision, apparently I make them often; I went to help the guards fight them off. Several of the other members of the court were attempting to bring me back to the ship to be taken away from this place, but I knew my place. Father would have a fit when I returned, but I cared not. All that mattered was that my sis got away safely. All else was obsolete.
Captain of the guard, Nero was trying to rally the troops and ready them for the next wave of the monsters when I arrived. He was surprised that I wasn't with the other members of my class. "My lor-" he began when I cut him off "I told you never to call me that. What is the situation over here." I liked the captain. He trained me in the art of sword play and many other things. He never told my father that I would sneak out of the palace and go to visit the common people. We were more than employer and worker, we were friends.
He shook his head. "Get out of here, your father would kill me if you were even touched. I cannot let you stay." He said as he pulled one of his men to his feet. "I don't care what father says, I'll protect this world from any disaster. You know as much as I do that it isn't in my nature to hide from problems. I will join you." He lowered his head, trying not to look me in the eyes. "You lack a weapon. You can't fight-" "I have the house blade, Thor." I interjected as I unsheathed the broadsword. The blade glowed a yellowish aura as it hit the air. A spark was visibly emitted from the tip. The black hilt radiated with power. The sword, was ready to join the fight.
"Where-" he began. "Father left it out, so, naturally, I took it. Not like he'd use it to fight them anyway." I said as the creatures began to rush our position. "You two, get him out of here!" Nero yelled to two guards. The men began to close in on me when I swung the mighty blade at my foes. A row of electricity flew from the end of the sword, which then proceeded to shock and destroy an entire row of the vermin. The men looked on this display of power unable to speak, let alone comprehend how that happened. Nero sighed. "Alright. You may stay. We will attack shortly after their next assault. Jake, Luther and Martin will be the first to go over. Arthur, Wallis and Daneele will give us ranged support for the middle. While I, Rupert Austin will guard the rear, heal the wounded, and protect the flanks. The rest of you will provide ranged support until we are out of sight. Then, in 5 minute intervals, squads of 5 will charge to meet up with the rest of the force. Rendezvous will be the town square. Any questions?" The men began to look as if there was a hope for felling out fiendish foes. "Good, and just in time. Here they come!" He shouted as the monsters began to charge down the hill towards our position.
The men got in their fighting stances, this would most likely be the last set of orders they received, better make them good. The first group of Heartless poured over the makeshift wall like mud down a hill. I swung the blade, at least 20 were destroyed instantly, while maybe 5 more died due to the after- shock portion of the electricity. Another swing, another 12. The other guards were destroying them with a new intensity. One man fell, then another but the moment they struck the ground, Nero or another soldier with healing powers would move over to save them. After roughly 10 minutes of this, a man died and his body dissipated. One of the creatures was where he died. Shortly after, we wiped out the remainder of the attackers; that is when we charged. No sooner had I gone over did I realize how many of the men were already dead. Out on the field, were hundreds, nay, thousands of people strewn across the ground, dead. We kept formation while sprinting towards our goal, the square. We destroyed a few more Heartless by the time we reached our destination. We had little time to rest, for we immediately were being charged by the monsters that held the square. We fought the creatures for the duration of our wait for the next wave. However, only 3 men showed up, all of which were badly wounded. After a quick rest, more creatures attacked. The battle was swift, no injuries. The next wave showed up lead by Nathan, whom explained how they were all that was left.
Nero looked to the sky as the last of the royal escape craft took to the sky in an attempt to flee. It was suicide. A massive creature of shadows materialized and with one fell swing of his mighty hand, destroyed all but one craft. That one remaining craft was the one that held the youth of the royals, meaning my little sister was on board. "Fuck yeah! You go sis!" I yelled to the sky as the ship escaped view, leaving us with one massive problem. The Heartless. It turned to face us. He stood taller than all the other buildings in the square. He pounded his fist into the ground energy flew into our ranks, killing two men. His foot shot out, killing Martin and Nathan. More heartless flooded in and killed another three men. This sort of fight continued until it was Nero and I fighting a massive, uninjured heartless. Nero raised his greatsword, Basil, to the sky.
He slowly began to hover in place, then, he began to fly. He flew right for the heartless, swinging viciously at the massive creature. After a few moments, the creature sank to its knees and dissipated into nothing. It was over. He looked to me and I nodded, time to leave. We ran towards our new destination, the ship yard, where would board our craft and escape. No sooner had we left the square had Nero fallen. I rushed back to his side. He was breathing heavily. He looked up and laughed. "That…blade…hah…is more…demanding than…my wife..hah..hah.." He looked up at me and smiled. "Take it. I no longer…" Time seemed to slow down. His body came crashing down upon the pavement. His heart left his body and he was gone. No sooner did he die, then an innumerable amount of Heartless enter the square.
I rose, ignoring my own sword, instead picking up the foreign blade. I quickly swung the massive blade and crushed a few. I swung my blade back down and took out a couple more. A stronger Heartless ran at me, grabbed the massive sword and tried to wrest it from my hands. Two more joined him and they finally took the sword. More of the vermin began to enter the square.
My eyes grew clouded, my vision became more center focused. 'Was I…dying?' I thought as I slowly sank to my knees. A familiar voice chimed in "Come on you lazy bum, get up!" It was my sister. I smirked, she had a way of getting what she wanted. I rose and drew my blade. I could feel a strange power coursing through my veins. I raised my blade, pointing it at the nearest Heartless. "KA-KA-KAAAAA!" A massive bolt of lightning flew from the end of the sword and destroyed a few hundred of the monsters. They began to rush my position. With each swing of Thor, many of my foes were slain. After a few minutes of this, the power seemed to be increasing. I threw myself into the air and channeled all of the excess energy through the sword in a massive beam of electricity which produced a massive explosion. When the dust settled, none of the creatures remained.
I fell to my knees, exhausted. I heard what seemed like clapping and looked in the direction of where the sound was coming from. A man from the royal court was standing there, apparently applauding my victory over the Heartless. "Well done young one." The man said as he approached. "You have fought long and hard, but if you wish to be reunited with the one you love, then more fighting is what awaits you." He stopped and looked into my eyes.
"Xenonart…" I breathed as he stopped. He shook his head. "I'd prefer if you called me Ansem, like the rest of the world knows me as." I only nodded in response. "Now, your sister needs you, I must prepare you for the fight of your life; for there are many foes, all of which are stronger than the ones that you faced today. If you wish to be reunited, then join forces with me, and together, we can save her. What do you say?" He reached his hand out in a gesture for me to take it.
I nodded, but refused to take his hand. I was very skeptical of this man, but what other choice did I have? He taught me more about fighting and how to travel through the darkness without endangering my heart. Well, now you know everything. If you have any questions about my life, please let me know. Welcome to my life, how may I help you?