After proving he didn't need help bathing with a feat of flexibility, the maids gave up on trying to scrub him. Dressing him was a battle he would not win.

The following week passed quietly, but Vanitas was still alert. Life of the rich was the most foreign thing he'd experienced in his life. This extended to his newfound lack of hair after a trip to a barber.

Impossible to tame spikes had been trimmed to something manageable and his head felt lighter, and air flowed coolly on his scalp. It wasn't unpleasant, nor was it exactly a welcome feeling. They spent their last day at the hotel quietly, and departed for Xehanort's home. Vanitas read through his smallest books first during the journey, making notes of interest in his journal and answering Xehanort's questions when asked. Talking between them never fell into casual conversation which was perfectly fine by Vanitas. His mind was often in awe of his surroundings until they got old, like the massive ship and vastness of the sea.

When they reached port, the dresses of ladies and glimmering of shiny trinkets kept his gaze aloft. The Sisters kept their rooms sparse, and the nicest thing to look at was the stain glass of the small church.

The jungle was vast and colorful as well. Fading memories of face paint, vases and beaded jewelry floated in front of his eyes, but they didn't have gold. Vanitas blinked down the bubbling pool of emotion welling in his stomach

After a long ride down a path of fenced off hedges, Vanitas looked from his book once more when he saw his new home.

Xehanort said he lived in a manor, but his estate resembled a castle. Past a circular court with a fountain at its center, Vanitas stared at the expanse of grass neatly segmented in four squares. At the center of each stood different statues spewing water from their mouths and the massive stone building loomed at the edges.

Three tiers of windows glinted in the high noon sun. Coned roofs of dark grey contrasted to the lighter grey of the brick and stone walls. An elegant entranceway paved with black marble was likely as wide as twenty feet. Upon the large wooden doors were two steel heads of goats with rings in their mouths.

The carriage came to a stop and a grinning man with slicked back hair and butler's uniform greeted them with a less than formal wave. Red splashing across his neck in the shape of a scarf further cemented his casual disposition.

"Master Xehanort, you're back! And here I was thinking about throwing a party." The man snapped his fingers twice and both doors were held open.

"Enough of that Braig." Xehanort chastised, though without any heat behind his words.

Upon seeing the head of black spikes the man's eyebrow raised.

"So this is the kid? Well he sure has your eyes." Braig gave a sweeping bow. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance young master."

The sudden show of formality was such a dramatic shift Vanitas stiffened. It was gone when he stood straight once more and patted his back.

"Well, least you're not a baby. Not good with those."

Vanitas cringed and looked to Xehanort for any way to handle this situation but the man was already walking inside.

"Do show him to his quarters. I trust they've been prepared?"

"You know it Master. Alright, this way."

Vanitas gave one last look to Xehanort, and allowed himself to be lead through the halls.

Braig's fast pace didn't allow him to really take in the interior. To say the least, it was big and impressive. At the top floor, Vanitas took in where he would live.

Beside a rounded segment of the wall sat a table with a vase of lavender at its center. Two plush chairs were placed at opposing ends, and if someone looked over, they could overlook the entire yard from the large, arched windows. Shelves, mostly empty or having miscellaneous decorations, lined the wall next to it. Vanitas would surely fill the currently empty book case eventually.

At the center of the room, against the wall, was a king sized bed. Several feet away, Vanitas found a door on an adjacent wall. Just as he stepped toward it, he remembered the other man who had not moved.

Cautiously, Vanitas watched Braig who watched him in turn.

Braig relaxed his posture and held his hands in mock surrender.

"Don't mind me."

Vanitas minded him very much but he didn't comment, instead opening the door to discover the bathroom. The bathtub against the wall even had a shower. A circular rug was put before a vanity with a large mirror. Stepping out, he stared at the dark wood of the clothing dresser and experimentally opened the compartment for hanging clothes.

It was unbelievable. So much so that Vanitas wasn't sure if he was suddenly dreaming. A part of him was scared. Scared that he would wake up. Another part of him was worried this was all some sort of trick. His wide, gold eyes flicked to Braig with distrust and the man grinned, making the sinking feeling in his stomach worse.

"A lot to take in I guess? Heh, once you clean of these rooms it feels even bigger." Braig folded his arms behind his back and brought his height up with that unsuspecting formality Vanitas never saw coming.

"My Master is very busy and he has tasked me with overseeing many of the finer details of adjusting to your new home." His posture slouched. "I wouldn't get too comfy. You've got a long week ahead."


Journal Entry 6

I didn't read much today. I was getting used to my room, which is as big as a house. The estate doesn't feel like a home. The servants keep staring at my eyes like it's some big surprise. My tribe had lots of people with gold eyes. Mine were the brightest, they said it was luck. Maybe I'm lucky?

It should be ok to write about. Xehanort- my father-Master Xehanort-

I'm not sure what to call him. I had a real father, but he's not anymore. He doesn't own me like the slavers did, so he's not really my Master. His name doesn't feel right either.

He said reflection was important, as long as you don't start to doubt yourself. So I guess I'll reflect here.