**Author's Note: Curry's Husband Edition: I, too, participated in the ask game Curry mentioned in the previous little ficlet. After reading her entry, the Sam interview, I went back and did one for Velcia as well in a similar style and with the same questions. As with the Sam interview fic, this is set after KH3 (though before Sam's interview), and for those wondering specifically where it falls in our "Hinata-verse" timeline this would be set during "Velcia and the Angel of Darkness", sometime after the main events of the story but before the epilogue - though it is not required to read that before this! I hope you enjoy!

Interview with Velcia Anthes

Velcia had always enjoyed walking through Ansem the Wise's castle. The pristine stonework, the grand arched halls, the breathtaking view through any of the enormous windows; all of it brought a sense of wonder to her no matter how many times she visited and irregardless of the amount of time spent within.

Many of these windows were cracked open today, a faint breeze blowing gently through the curtains and rustling the drapes. The air was crisp and clean, without a hint of the dust or pollen that Velcia would have expected back home on Olympus; indeed the soothing airflow brought nothing with it but the subtle scent of sea air.

She'd been asked to come here by Ansem the Wise himself, to partake in some form of interview. What about, or even exactly why, she was only loosely aware of, but if Ansem felt that it would be worthwhile she felt she would likely agree. For now, all she knew for sure was that she was to meet him in the East Wing Study - one of the few rooms she was well acquainted with.

As Velcia approached the room, she could hear a pair of voices from within - these she recognized as Ansem himself, and Ienzo. She might have expected it would be these two, though she was curious which part of the interview Ansem expected would be of interest to Ienzo.

"Good afternoon," she greeted with a small bow as she entered the room. Ansem and Ienzo, who'd been sitting in a pair of chairs not far from the door, each stood to greet her with a smile.

"Welcome, Velcia," Ansem started, his arms held out welcomingly. "Thank you for taking the time to participate in this part of my study, and on such short notice."

"Of course. And, Ienzo, it is good to see you again as well," she said with a small bow towards him as well.

"Likewise," Ienzo said with a nod. "I am glad to see you have recovered."

Ansem nodded. "As am I. Well, let me not waste any of your time, Velcia - you must be eager to return back home. Are you prepared to begin the interview?"

"I believe so," she said with a nod. "Though I must admit that I was not entirely sure what I would need to do to prepare. When I first received your letter, I'd assumed the interview would be in regard to our recent work together, but when I learned that you'd requested Hinata and Sam also come in for interviews I began to doubt that."

"Ah, yes, an understandable train of thought," Ansem said, motioning towards the seats. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

Velcia walked over to one of the seats nearest to the open window, feeling the gentle brushing of the breeze rustling her robes against her legs. She smiled happily, and sat down in the plush seat as Ansem took his spot across from her.

"Unfortunately, this aspect of my work often lags considerably behind what could be considered the field work," Ansem said as he picked up a notebook from his side table. "As I'm sure Hinata must have told you, today's questions are more of a personal nature, to help ensure the records kept of you and your companions are not just of your actions, but also your natures."

"I see. Rather, Hinata seemed to be more reserved with information when I asked her about it," Velcia replied.

"Is that so?" Ansem hummed to himself, making a note in his book.

Velcia observed this with some amusement, wondering if perhaps this was somehow an important tidbit of information being recorded for posterity.

Ansem lowered his book, then turned his attention to her. "Then, without further ado - if I may begin-" he paused for a moment, continuing after a permissive nod from Velcia, "If you were to visit the local candy shop, which item would you be most likely to purchase for yourself?"

"O-oh!" Velcia chuckled, shaking her head. "I must admit, that is not the sort of question I'd expected you to ask me. Truth be told, I'm not overly familiar with what sorts of treats and confections there are here. I am rather partial to pastries, especially with honey, nuts, or fruits. If I were to visit with Hinata or Sam, though, I would ask them for recommendations for something new to try."

"Interesting. Ienzo, do you believe you can work with that?" Ansem asked over his shoulder.

Ienzo nodded. "I've made do with far less, sir, you know this."

"Perfect. Then, please be on your way," Ansem said.

"Very well," Ienzo said, turning to leave with a surprising haste.

Velcia stood up, reaching out with her hand. "Oh, no! Please, you don't need to go on my account-!"

Ienzo, however, was already well out the door. Velcia stood there for a moment, blushing lightly; then shook her head and sat down. "If this was meant to catch me off guard in some way, I'm afraid it's worked. I must admit I didn't expect any of this."

"It seemed best to open the interview with something a bit more lighthearted," Ansem said with a nod as he picked up his notebook once more. "And, I find the prospect of treats often proves to be an encouraging thing to look forward to."

Velcia bit her lip. "Well, now you're beginning to worry me. Please, continue with the questions."

Ansem hummed as his eyes scanned the page, then tapped the end of his pen against one of the lines. "Ah, yes. Is there anything you find that you are particular about? Aversions to certain sensations, textures, or habits in yourself or others that you find particularly irksome?"

For a moment, the room was filled only with the rustling sound of the breeze blowing past; and Velcia reached up to brush a strand of hair from her face. "If I may, I might prefer to keep many of these to myself. If these answers are to be recorded for posterity… I would hate for any of my friends or travel companions to have reason to worry that their behaviors have inconvenienced me."

Ansem raised an eyebrow, a smile of intrigue on the ends of his lips. "A curious answer. Do you not believe your inconclusive answer may itself cause some such worry?"

"What I will say is this…" Velcia said, shaking her head. "Any behaviors that have truly upset or bothered me have been discussed in private, and my friends need not worry about such a thing. Though, so as not to leave you without any answer… I must admit I have never been able to find myself completely comfortable traveling in a vehicle."

"Ah, is that so?"

"It is. Though I understand that these machines are considered to be quite reliable and I do rather appreciate their utility, there is something about the experience that just feels… deeply foreign to me," Velcia said, doing her best to suppress a shiver. "I am sure I shall grow used to them with time."

"I believe so," Ansem said, nodding slowly. "Now, for your next question - if a dear friend was struggling, or in need of comfort, in what way would you be first inclined to help them?"

Velcia shifted, folding her hands together in her lap. "Well, it is different for each, I suppose, but I do find that simply taking the time to listen goes a long way. Often, simply being there for support seems to be just what's needed to help strengthen their spirits… and when that isn't enough, it tends to serve as a good review of the issues that helps lead us towards finding a solution."

"And what sort of solutions do you tend to find are needed?" Ansem asked.

"Well, again, it does rather depend a lot on the situation," Velcia said softly, but she nodded and held up her hand; which began to illuminate with a soft, magical glow. "Though, as you know, I am always ready to lend whatever magic assistance is suitable for the occasion."

Ansem chuckled. "Yes, yes, this I am sure the records will show quite plainly. Now," he paused, shifting a bit, "From here, the questions may become more difficult."

"I am ready," Velcia said with a nod.

Ansem pursed his lips. "...Very well. Who, if anyone, in your family do you consider yourself closest to?"

Velcia's smile faltered for a moment, but returned soon; softer and more melancholy than before. "I would say my uncle, Agopios, though that is not to diminish my love for aunt Delphine. As you yourself are already likely aware, my aunt and uncle… they are all that's left of my family, and I am dearly grateful for them both."

"I am so sorry," Ansem said, shaking his head. "Would you care to expand on your relationship with them?"

"...of course," Velcia said softly. "I lost my mother when I was just a baby, and then my father and cousin when I was a teenager. My grandmother, who as you know just passed recently, was of no comfort in that time, and so my Uncle and Aunt took me in, thank Zeus for that. They were very sweet and encouraging to me, more so Delphine. Agopios was always more reserved and a bit more harsh in those days, but he was still supportive of me. Truth be told…" she stopped, taking a breath to give rest to her faltering voice. She closed her eyes tightly for a moment, lip quivering. "I couldn't bear it. I'd chosen to try to sneak away in the night and go live with my grandmother despite her abuse. I knew I didn't deserve their love."

Ansem paused, and set down his pen. His eyes, just a little bit wider than before, took a long look at her before he continued. "But something kept you from going through with it?"

"Agopios caught me on the roof, before I could sneak away," Velcia said with a sniffle. "Asked where I was going… I broke down. I told him that what happened to his son… it was because those monsters were after me. That it was my fault, and that my grandmother was right. I told him that I couldn't bear to take advantage of their love, when it was my fault they were suffering. And Agopios… he… he only hugged me, and asked me to stay. Told me that they needed me, and that he didn't want to lose me to darkness and evil the way they lost their son. It wasn't my fault at all…"

Nodding slowly, Ansem picked up his notebook once more and began to write as Velcia regained her composure.

With another sniff, Velcia continued. "Well, it felt like uncle Agopios changed after that night. He was seldom ever harsh or short tempered, except when dealing with my grandmother; and when dealing with her he fought to protect me with a fire like I've only seen in the Coliseum."

"You've talked about what happened to your father and cousin rather freely before," Ansem said as he tapped the pen against his page, "But I don't believe I've heard you discuss this."

"What happened to me and my family at the Coliseum… it felt as though everybody in Thebes knew that, and even with the most caring intentions it was something I found I needed to learn to be open to talking about. But, as for what came after that… the long nights, the nightmares, the struggles with myself… only Agopios really knew the extent of it. I wouldn't have made it through without him."

Ansem hummed. "Perhaps, someday, I ought to bring him here for an interview of his own."

Velcia smiled, a certain brightness returning to her face. "You've no idea how much he would love that. In fact, I rather believe you would have a hard time convincing him to leave."

With a hearty laugh, Ansem stood up from his seat. "Well, we shall see. This seems as good a time as any for a short reprieve. I will go check in with Ienzo, and see if he shall be returning soon; please do make yourself comfortable."

"Thank you," Velcia said. She watched him leave the room, and turned towards the window. The breeze felt nice across her face, small nips of cold stinging at the corners of her eyes where tears had begun to well. This certainly wasn't a topic she'd expected to be discussing, and she wasn't sure how to feel about such weighty and emotional answers being put to some sort of permanent record; but a part of her was glad to get it off her chest. She'd never told Sam or Hinata some of these details, she realized, and as she pondered this she found herself shaking her head.

"Ansem's going to have his work cut out for him, trying to get Sam to answer these questions," she muttered to herself with a knowing chuckle.

She turned her attention to the sight of the garden below, welcoming the warmth of the sun and the pleasant distractions the beauty Ansem's Castle Grounds afforded her. It felt like little more than a few seconds before Ansem returned, with Ienzo in tow.

Ienzo stepped forward, holding out two small bags. "Here you are, Ms. Anthes. In this bag," he said, gently shaking the brown paper bag in his left hand, "we have a Passion-Fruit-creme donut with a mild honey glaze."

Velcia's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but lick her lips at the thought of it. "Why, thank you! That sounds incredible!"

"I hope you like it," Ienzo told her. "In the other bag, I've brought a pair of chocolate truffles - Hinata's personal preference, and something she may have recommended, were you to ask."

"This is really too much, thank you," Velcia said, taking both bags graciously. "Surely, you've been allowed to get something for yourself as well?" she asked, eyeing Ansem expectantly.

Ansem laughed, shaking his head. "Ienzo is a rather professional apprentice, and would dutifully perform such a task regardless, but," he smiled, holding up his hands to reveal a Sea-Salt Ice Cream pop in each, "I of course insisted he get one for himself, as well."

"That is good," Velcia said with an approving nod. "Ienzo, shall you be staying with us while we enjoy these treats?"

Ienzo glanced over at Ansem, who nodded permissively. "Yes, of course," Ienzo replied, taking his own Sea-Salt Ice Cream and finding a seat.

Velcia opened the bag containing her donut and removed it, eyeing it with a hungry though curious anticipation. It was a shape and a texture not entirely familiar to her, but the language of pastries is near-universal and she felt that she understood it well despite this. She found the first bite to be adventurous, and the initial meeting with the Passion-Fruit Creme to be a surprising one; but the end of her time with the donut had cemented a new love. For this, she thanked Ansem and Ienzo profusely, before moving on to more casually enjoying her chocolate truffles.

"I must say," she began, "It is good to have a moment to take a breath and enjoy this with you both. With everything going on lately, why… it's been rather hectic, hasn't it?"

Ansem and Ienzo both nodded in agreement, and as Ansem set his now-clean popsicle stick down upon a plate on the table he cracked a grin. "Agreed. On that note, I think you may find the next question somewhat more pointed than it was meant to be. You may not believe this, but I was intending to ask this well before our recent endeavors."

Velcia tilted her head. "Should I be worried?"

"Not at all," Ansem said with a chuckle, retrieving his notebook. "The next question is this: If you had the ability to travel back into the past, where would you be most likely to go? Would you attempt to correct a mistake, or perhaps return to relive a perfect moment?"

Velcia couldn't help but laugh. "Well, I understand now what you mean. I suppose that when you wrote this question, you hadn't expected that you yourself would be creating a machine to do just such a thing?"

Ansem shook his head, an incredulous smile on his face. "No, not at all, and I could never have expected it would have been used for such a purpose."

"Still," Ienzo interjected, scooting forward a bit towards Velcia, "Surely you must still be able to provide an answer. If you had never had a reason to need to travel back in time to save your ancestor, would such a thing have occurred to you?"

"No, it wouldn't have," Velcia admitted, shaking her head. "And I'm still not entirely certain that I've fully come to terms with it happening either. You are correct, though… if I set that aside, there is only ever one incident that would come to mind."

"I believe I know," Ansem said with a nod, "But please, state it for the record."

"That, of course, being the night my father and cousin were killed," Velcia said, shaking her head. "What I wouldn't give to save them… if only it were possible. Even if… even if it were possible to change the events of the past, of things set in stone… after everything I've learned of Xehanort I do not believe I would ever be able to stop him, even now. After the little I've seen firsthand of his destruction, and what I've learned of the horrible things he put into motion to trigger the second Keyblade War… why, I'm afraid I'd have as little chance of stopping him now as I did nearly twelve years ago."

Velcia took a deep breath, shaking her head. "But please, do not worry… I am not, today, foolish enough to try it."

Ansem and Ienzo shared a wry smile, shaking their heads softly. Ansem crossed his arms, thinking upon the subject. "Xehanort… who knows, truly, how many decades of planning went into his designs? Even now, I fear we may never know the extent of his influence in the events that shaped our present. Still, it is good that we have all managed to learn from our trials and grow into the people we are today."

Ienzo and Velcia both nodded, and the group sat in solemn reflection for a moment.

"So, Velcia," Ansem started again, "For the last question of the day, let us examine a bit your thoughts in regards to your character, shall we? What would you say would be both your least favorite trait, and in contrast your greatest strength?"

Velcia smiled weakly, a faint sense of amusement to her expression. "Well, I'm sure you of all people need to be told about my failures the least, Ansem."

"I think you'll find my perspective on such encounters to differ from your own," Ansem said, folding his hands. "And, perhaps there is a day when my thoughts on the matter may be relevant - but it is not today. Please, if you wouldn't mind?"

Velcia bit her lip, and shook her head. "Well, then… my least favorite thing about myself, the issue that has, ironically, caused the most trouble for those I care about…" she took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. "I just… when friends or loved ones are in danger, it is as if I lose all control of myself, all rational thought… I become so desperate, so, so desperate. I can't bear the thought of losing anyone else. I understand now, the trouble it causes. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to live down the shame of it, that one time, and I am so truly thankful to you for saving my life after I so foolishly threw it away. Still, even knowing that… it is a mindset and a reaction that is very difficult to train myself out of."

Ansem nodded. "You need not thank me."

"So you've said," Velcia said, shaking her head. "I suppose we shall always differ, on that opinion."

"Perhaps," Ansem replied. "Now, finally, what is your favorite trait?"

"Heh, perhaps it would be the other side of that same coin. For as poorly as I may sometimes handle such situations… I am proud to be able to help others. All of my magic, my potion-making, my studying… it would all be for nothing, if only used to help serve myself. I do not mean this as a boast, I assure you, but rather it is something I am thankful for. I am thankful for my Papa, and my Aunt, and my Uncle… for their love and guidance. Without them, I would not have such positive traits. I shudder to think what could have been, if only my grandmother had her way with me when I was young," Velcia said, and indeed shudder she did.

Ansem finished writing her reply shortly, then set down his pen with a satisfied nod. "Very good. That will be all, for today. It has been good to have you visit again."

"Thank you," Velcia said. "I quite agree. So, will you be asking Sam the same questions?"

"I will try," Ansem admitted, hand held to his chin. "We shall see how forthcoming she decides to be."

Velcia couldn't help but chuckle. "I'm afraid that is one battle for which I won't be much help at all."