Atonement V

"Sometimes, the right path means taking the darkest route."

Radiant Garden

"WHAA-?!" A gloved hand covered the mouth of the person who was screaming his head off.

"Quiet, you dunce." The man covering the mouth of said 'dunce' looked around to make sure no one had heard him before removing his hand.

He had picked a corner in the plaza of Radiant Garden because it was large enough for them to enter and speak without being seen. No one from either side would be on to them, especially in the wake of the fact that they were not important at the moment.

"But, dude, why would you pick me?" The younger man who was in fact Demyx asked with a flabbergasted look on his face.

"I cannot let the chosen catch wind of this, understand?" Vexen answered, pointing his finger at Demyx.

"Oh, I see!" Demyx exclaimed as he pointed back. "It's because I got benched!"

"I got 'benched' too!" Vexen barked back.

"Wha-Hey!" Demyx quickly covered Vexen's mouth. "Quiet!"

He didn't want anyone seeing them or listening in on what they were saying, especially someone else from the Organization.

Vexen glanced around as Demyx removed his mouth and cleared his throat, taking a second to calm himself down.

Dealing with Demyx was always difficult, especially for him.

"Okay, man, look. Real talk?" Demyx asked as Vexen turned away. "Backstabbing those guys would be stupid. If they find out, we are yesterday's toast. I mean, what's in it for me?"

Vexen turned and looked across the plaza, taking in the splendid garden. "Forgiveness."

"Huh?" Demyx was now even more confused if such a thing was possible. "For what?"

"Men like us –in the pursuit of science, we sometimes make terrible mistakes. Lose sight of our mission to help people. But now, I can help someone with my research. Now, I can atone." Vexen explained.

Demyx blinked and frowned. "I'm not a scientist."

He turned to walk away, losing interest in whatever craziness Vexen was planning.

"Wait, wait, wait!" Vexen called out, grabbing Demyx by the shoulder to stop him.

Demyx grunted as he turned around. "C'mon, dude. I'm useless, I'm chicken, we're not friends. I can count the number of times you and I have hung out on one hand– less than one hand! I didn't even know you in the old life!"

"Fine, fine!" Vexen brought up both hands in a gesture meant to calm Demyx down. "But listen."

Demyx was skeptical as Vexen gestured for him to lean forward but complied. Vexen whispered into his ear and he was shocked by what he had heard. "Huh? No way!"

"It's true. The whole thing was his idea." Vexen confirmed.

"Huh? No stinkin' way." Demyx couldn't believe it.

Him of all people backstabbing the Organization?

"He wants to atone, too. But, he is one of the chosen, so his hands are tied." Vexen continued. "Hence my actions on his behalf, hence my need for you to act on my behalf should all go awry. As you said, we are far from friends. No one would ever suspect you."

"Hmm…" Demyx was now considering the idea. "So I'm not doing any fighting?"

"Correct." Vexen nodded and smiled briefly. "And more importantly, no bench warming."

Now Demyx liked the idea. "Ha! Ya baby! Sign me up!" He spun around with an excited look on his face while Vexen sighed in exasperation and relief. "Yes! Demyx time!"

Xxx

Ansem Schnee's Report
Subject: Reincarnation

It has been a long proven conclusion that eventually all things die. However what has never been proven if reincarnation was possible. In existence, there two different afterlives that all Somebodies go upon the death of their Body. The Soul remains in their reality and enters what I've decided to call a Native Afterlife while the Heart goes to a place I've called the Final World.

To give an example, imagine if someone from a world, say Olympic Coliseum, perished by whatever means. The Soul would go to the Native Aferlife, the Underworld, while the Heart would return to the Final World. I know of this somehow because of my association with a close friend who I believe is responsible for my rebirth. The Final World is the final resting place for hearts before they journey on into the next life and the soul left in the afterlife can be connected to the heart when reincarnated, allowing for one to live their new lives free from the burdens of the old life but can still be shown glimpses of their past lives if necessary.

In my time here on Remnant, I began as a child in a foster home in the city of Mantle. Times were hard as my foster parents struggled to make ends meet and as a young boy I always felt somewhat different from my foster siblings. I knew I possessed a higher intellect than a child should have at the time but as time went on, more of memories would return. I began studying, working with my foster siblings to try and make our home as good as possible for the sake of our family.

I studied the history of Remnant, the Grimm and the mysterious power known as Aura. For some time, I sought out people to help me unlock my own Aura with little success until a man who had just graduated from the Atlas Huntsmen Academy agreed. It was on that day my memories as Ansem the Wise, the former ruler of the world Radiant Garden returned to me. Whether this would happen on its own or if the awakening of my Aura triggered the memories of my past life returning to me, I do not know for sure.

With my memories of my former life now returned to me, I knew I had to begin my work in finding a way back. With my resources limited to me at the time, all I could do was study on the strange power known as Aura as well as work to make ends meet for my foster family. This Aura, said to be powered by the Soul is similar to the Aura I know from my past life as ruler of Radiant Garden.

Warriors from my former home world have utilized Aura as but in larger quantities than here on Remnant and much different. As far I know I never knew anyone who utilized Aura as both offense and defense like shown here on Remnant but due to the dangers I believe this to be a form of adaptation against the Grimm. It's possible that this adaptation led to more creative use of Aura here in Remnant than what from I remember in my former home.

It would be sometime before I gained the necessary resources to renew my studies into the heart and to make sense of how I was reborn in this world. I have learned that the reincarnation process has allowed me to be reborn in a body exactly like my previous one with the same skin tone, hair and eye color and baring some significant change, I will resemble my previous appearance completely.

Is this a true reincarnation or am I somehow different?

Am I the only one or have there been others like me?

Not only is my body the same but I have concluded I have been fully reincarnated, Body, Soul and Heart. There is without a doubt I am truly Ansem as much as I am in this life as I was in my past life. It is both fascinating and concerning for if I have truly been reincarnated, what has happened in the period since I have been gone?

Did the world survive?

Did Sora and his friends set things right?

And can I find my way back or should I embrace this new life and focus on the concerns of this world?

So many questions and I am no closer to answering them.

All I can do for now is try to build up my resources here, continue conducting my research as best as I can. It helps that I have come across two old friends who like me are looking for redemption and an old friend who left behind her own 'research' to help me.

Xxx

Remnant
Mantle
SDC Headquarters

Ansem Schnee looked over the latest reports and was for the most part pleased. While Mantle was no longer the capital or the kingdom it once was, he had worked hard to update it in everything to ensure it and its people would not be left behind. It was a long process though since for a good while, Mantle had been suffering a decline as despite suppling Atlas with the majority of its Dust, the people would barely receive any upgrades or support from the 'City in the Sky' with many people looking down on the city. Ansem however, did not look down on the people and even worked to help elevate their lives to the same level of comfort enjoyed in Atlas.

However it was long as the SDC ended up rebuilding over half the city by the time these goals had been met.

Ansem met with various owners and businessmen down in Mantle, agreeing with work with them to improve life in Mantle. Of course he was met with suspicion for the most part but the workers in his company had spoken on his behalf and eventually they all agreed to work with him. Old buildings were torn down and rebuilt, small time business owners were allowed to keep their shops and stores while working with the SDC, and even built new apartment buildings so no one would have to worry about living on the street.

"I believe everything is in order, Mr. Fifestone." Ansem placed the paper on his desk as he looked to his latest guest. "The wall has been rebuilt and Mantle's own security network has been updated."

Hanlon Fifestone was the current leader of Mantle's Union, a group that had been working hard for equality between Mantle and Atlas. He was a former Atlas soldier who left the military due to the prejudices between the upper class of Atlas and the lower ones down in Mantle. Since Ansem had moved the main headquarters of the SDC down to Mantle, he was often in regular meetings with Hanlon Fifestone who represented the majority of Mantle.

Though truthfully, from what Ansem had heard Hanlon had been considered 'all bark and no bite' for a long time, even by people living in Mantle.

It didn't help that Ansem had learned that Hanlon's method of trying to improve things between Atlas and Mantle was using his Semblance to extract raw emotions both classes in an attempt to remove the negativity. Ansem believed that method was doomed to fail because it was an attempt to force change and while people were often naturally resistant change they were even more resistant to being forced to do something against their will. In addition to this, Hanlon had a reputation as a deserter among the people of Atlas and while he was respected down in Mantle, his methods were only to appear loud and making fancy speeches that didn't get anywhere with the people of Atlas.

His own daughter Winter had even less respect for Hanlon due to being a deserter, no matter what his reason was.

"Indeed it does, Mr. Schnee." Hanlon nodded, sitting across from Ansem. "The people of Mantle owe you greatly for all you have done for us."

Halon was a tall man with short messy black hair, short beard, sky grey eyes and had a vertical scar on his left eye. He wore a torn white plain button shirt with a dark gray coat, bright red gloves, light brown belt, and black pants. In additional, he wore a red banana covering his forehead.

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" Ansem asked patiently.

"Not at this time. With everyone here getting plenty of options for jobs, our economy booming and our city finally joining Atlas in the latest century, there's not much to complain about." Hanlon answered as he stood up from his chair.

It was subtle but Ansem detected a note of jealousy in his voice.

One didn't became a ruler of a world or the CEO of a major company without learning how to pick up the small details, like tones in the voices of people you are working with. Despite his best efforts, Hanlon had not made any major changes between Atlas and Mantle, not compared to Ansem Schnee or even Robyn Hill and Ansem had a feeling he resented both of them for possibly 'stealing his thunder' as young people would say.

"Until then, Ansem." Hanlon nodded and turned to the door.

Once he was gone, Ansem let out a sigh as he leaned back in his chair. He felt things had been much easier when he was ruling Radiant Garden. Even back then, he researched ways to keep his world safe but Remnant was much different than his original home. There was much more negativity here, people were less united and more focused on their own self-interests despite the fact that the Grimm remained an ever constant threat to the people of this world.

As he studied the history of this world, he was disappointed to see that instead of banding together one half of the people of this world discriminated against the other which resulted in a terrorist movement which in turn creates more negative emotions that attract the very monsters trying to destroy them. It's a shame to see a world with such potential be stifled for such petty reasons. He and his close friend had worked hard to repair the damage that had been done but even Ansem the Wise was only just one man, no matter how intelligent or wise he might be.

He was fortunate that his hard work paid off in such a way that he is now the head of the largest corporation on Remnant, putting him in a position of power with the resources to carry out the methods he used to turn Radiant Garden into a paradise.

However he knew many people out there would be naturally resistant to the changes he had planned and thus when he had regained his memories, he worked to regain the powers he had in his past life and to his relief, he did indeed hold on to them.

The powers he had used as Darkness in Zero: DiZ.

Xxx

Ansem Schnee's Report
Subject: Aura

Aura is said to be the manifestation of one's soul and is used to empower the people of this world against the Creatures of Grimm. After having mine awakened and thoroughly studying it I have come upon several discoveries. The most notable discovery is that the power of this Aura is similar but rather miniscule compared to the form of Aura I have seen wielded by warriors from Radiant Garden. That suggests that the people here have much smaller reserves…or since they use their own souls to manifest this Aura, it is likely they do not have access to the magical energies that can be found on many worlds in the Realm of Light.

On worlds like Radiant Garden, Aura is an indirect magic spell that can increase one's own physical ability and grant them a power known as a Limit Beak. A Limit Break is a power that one can use when one's power reaches its maximum output or if one is near defeat in battle. It allows its wielder to release all of its power in the form of a special attack that can often devastate the surrounding area in an attempt to destroy all of the enemies. I have compared my knowledge of Limit Breaks with the Semblances that Aura on Remnant helps unlock.

A Semblance can be seen as comparable to a Limit Break but is actually much lesser in terms of power but more adaptable depending on the user. A Semblance is limited to only one ability but has the capacity to evolve, which again is similar to a Limit Break but as I have said, smaller in terms of sheer power.

The question is can a Semblance evolve to the point it can become like a Limit Break?

Obviously through training a Semblance can be honed and evolve to a new level but nothing so far suggests it is possible to reach the level of Limit Break, possibly because the Aura of Remnant lacks the magical energies I have seen in Radiant Garden. However the possibility of a Semblance evolving to the point it can be considered a Limit Break is still something to consider.

Xxx

Harriet Bree knelt down, getting to go off into a sprint. Electricity flashed around her body and her eyes sparked before she took off, dashing through the snow.

Usually when a member of the Ace-Ops takes some time for personal training, they would do it in the specialized training rooms of Atlas Academy.

However today was different. Approached by Ansem Schnee himself who proposed some new training methods to help the Ace-Ops become stronger and possibly evolve their Semblances. General Ironwood was skeptical of this, curious as to why Ansem was suddenly interested in studying the Ace-Ops after he tried convincing him to let his two bodyguards join them.

"I am scientist as well as a CEO, James. I believe in studying all aspects of everything we know, including Semblances which we use as our main method in battle against the Grimm. It's known that Semblances can evolve with the proper training but we have yet to see a Semblance evolve to a point that it become…something new."

Ironwood raised an eyebrow. "Something new?"

"Forgive me for sounding strange, James. I had my Aura unlocked as a small boy and since then I worked hard to not only master my Semblance but to see if pushed to the metaphysical limits, it could evolve into something else entirely. One of several theories I came up with." Ansem explained, taking a moment to walk by the window of Ironwood's office. "We grow so comfortable with the abilities we have, we possibly risk complacency no matter how great our experience might be."

Ironwood took a moment to consider Ansem's words. "How would you suggest we go about this…evolutionary theory of yours?"

"Through a series of tests I came up, none of which will be harmful to your Ace-Ops, I can assure you. The tests I have in mind are meant to see if a Semblance can grow not just with training but applying with a form of creativity." Ansem turned back and faced Ironwood. "Of course I will accept your refusal if I am not making enough sense or you consider a waste of time."

Ironwood brought a hand to his chin…

Which led to the current moment of Harriet Bree racing with her Semblance, not inside a training room but outside of Mantle itself. She was racing along the walls of the city with the objective of racing all around the city itself back to where she started. Ansem's test here was to see how long she could handle going at super speed and how many times she could run around the city before she reached her exhaustion point and to see if her speed would increase at all from running for so long or if the constant state of going fast would produce any strange new abilities.

A long and daunting task, even for Harriet Bree.

She took the challenge without hesitation.

Meanwhile in the training room of Atlas, Elm Ederne was facing a test of her own. Her Semblance allowed her to produce Aura Roots from her feet, anchoring herself down into the ground.

But where her feet the only place her Semblance could project roots from?

She placed one foot on the wall of the training room and roots came out. She placed another foot up, grunting from the sudden change in elevation. She was now firmly planted on the wall and was staring right up at the ceiling. She looked at her feet and focused on her right foot, un-rooting it while working to keep her left foot rooted as she then took a step forward/up with her right foot.

She managed it and managed root her foot back in and then tried again with her left. It was suddenly hard, keeping one foot rooted while un-rooting the other one and quickly rooting it back into the wall. Her focus was suddenly feeling like it was being split as she worked her way, even sweating a bit.

She only managed to take five steps before her concentration broke and her Aura Roots vanished.

"GAH!" She let out a scream as she fell…

Only to see a softly sensation rather than the cold hard floor.

Opening her eyes, she saw the pale yellow Aura arms of Vine's Semblance gently placing her on the ground.

"A good start." Vine simply said as Elm got back up.

"Not good enough." Elm looked at the wall and then up at the ceiling. "I thought I was getting there but I couldn't keep it up…Unrooting myself with one leg, keeping the other rooted and then rooting then rooting one leg on while taking the other out…I never thought of this before."

"Perhaps this test was not such a bad idea after all." Vine mused.

"Oh yeah." Elm clenched a fist and grinned. "I ain't stopping until I'm walking on the ceiling!"

Ansem, Winter and General Ironwood were watching from a window, observing as Elm began her slow walk up the wall again.

"It seems Elm is getting the idea that this test of yours was beneficial." Ironwood remarked, suddenly interested in what the results might be.

Perhaps his Ace-Ops could be made even stronger now.

"It has its virtue, General." Ansem answered.

Winter glanced at her father, wondering if he had another reason than just a scientific curiosity in studying the possible evolution of Semblances.

"As of now, the only Semblances I can see possible of evolving are Miss Bree's and Miss Ederne's. Miss Bree's Semblance allows her to travel at speeds that I understand have the highest record of any known speed Semblance on Remnant while Miss Ederne's while usually meant to keep her stationary I admit I am curious if her feet would be the only place where she could manifest her Aura Roots or if she can manifest from any part of her body if her Semblance reaches a point of evolution." Ansem observed as Elm managed to make it up by six steps before she fell again. "Mr. Tortuga's shield is powerful but the only method I can see of trying to evolve his shield Semblance would be somewhat of a live fire exercise, testing the limits of its durability and to see if it can possible reinforce itself after enough training. Mr. Ebi's on the other hand is seemingly constantly active, a means of manipulating probability positively around himself but I am not sure how to test that given that it is constantly active, even when he is off duty. As for Mr. Vine, his Semblance is useful and he shows a complete mastery of it but I wonder if he is becoming too reliant on it."

Ironwood glanced over at Ansem, making a note of the man's observations. He could take what he learns for and apply it for training both current and future candidates for the Ace-Ops.

"I suppose you're not planning on limiting this to just the Ace-Ops." Ironwood looked back into the training room as Elm tried again.

"I have extended an invitation to most people I know, including Robyn Hill and her Huntresses." Ansem admitted. "Only time will tell if they accept."

Something for Ironwood to be on the lookout for.

He wasn't completely bought on this studying the evolution of Semblances but he could see the benefits of the tests so far with the way Elm was training and he drones monitoring Harriet's progress which he check via his Scroll.

She had already run around Mantle three times and was just about to finish her fourth lap.

Xxx

So far today's tests had not yielded any results.

Harriet had managed to run around Mantle about eight times before she became exhausted and had to be picked up by Atlas military on patrol and brought back to the Academy for rest. Elm had only managed to reach the top of the wall before she fell down again and couldn't get back up. General Ironwood had personally interviewed the pair on their thoughts about Ansem's test. Elm had admitted to wanting to see if she could make it up to the ceiling, walk across it and back down and see if she could do more with her Semblance.

Harriet was flat out disappointed she could only last eight laps around Mantle and wanted to go again due to her own personal need for competing.

So far Ironwood was open to continue these tests and see if it bears fruit. Even if nothing came of it, his Ace-Ops would at least be stronger.

In the meantime Ansem had returned to his office, looking over all the findings he had from studying the pair's Semblances and if there was anything that might be enhanced or even if the Semblances had evolved into something like a Limit Break.

Just as he sat down, his senses screamed at him and he stood up as a Corridor of Darkness appeared in his office.

"Finally. 'Bout time." A voice said from within the corridor.

Ansem watched as a man in a familiar dark coat emerged, carrying a white body bag.

"Oh. Nice place!" He looked around the office before his eyes landed on Ansem. "Hey there! You that Ansem guy?"

"I am." Ansem nodded. "I suppose you are here on behalf of Even?"

"Yep." He placed the body bag on the floor. "Turns out, I'm so off everyone's radar that I am just the guy to handle a special delivery."

Ansem walked over and slowly unzipped the bag, noting the white blank figure inside. "Is this-?"

"A present from Vexen." Demyx answered. "One was all he could manage for the time being but hey, he figured you would know what to do with it."

"And he has forwarded all his information?" Ansem asked.

"Yep." Demyx produced a gummy phone from his coat. "So, am I like back in time here or something? How does this all work?"

"The temporal streams between Remnant now and the time you came from are far from being synchronized enough that it would be safe for me to return. I have to wait until the time lines are perfectly matched." Ansem answered. "Until then, there is much work for the both of us."