Chapter 2
"Now about this boy Pence, the one Demyx mentioned Why on earth did you choose him? He must be very smart to have been chosen from another world after all. What are his grades like? All A's I Presume." Even asked eagerly.
"To be honest Even, I don't know about his school records, but he did teach himself how to use Ansem's master computer at the Twilight Town mansion. Plus helped me collect valuable data to help restore Roxas and the others to complete your replica project. So, I suppose I chose him for all the help he was. Plus, I do believe his computer skills will be most useful to our research. Of course, Pence still needs to live on his own town world with family and school but now that its summer vacation for Twilight Town, it will be great for him to get some hands-on experience by staying with us for a while."
"Hhmm I see, well then we'll just have to see how well he does. I will look forward to seeing the boys progress when I return."
"I had a feeling you'd say something like that, but I also have a good feeling he's going to make a great addition around here just you wait."
Meanwhile at Ansem the Wise's office. Ansem stood at his desk packing his folders and papers in his travel suitcase. when there are a few knocks at the entrance of his door.
"You may enter." Ansem replies as he finishes packing his suitcase.
With a tiny creek of the door swinging open a teenage girl walks into the room.
"Aah Princess Kairi how good it is to see you. Is there something I can do for you?"
Kairi looked around the office room anxiously as if second guessing to herself if coming was a good idea. This did not go unnoticed by Ansem eyes.
"It is alright Kairi, if you need to talk, I am here to listen. Come, take a seat."
"Sorry to bother you, I just wanted to talk with you before you left. Theres just been something on my mind for a while." Kairi says as she steps forward and takes her seat.
"You're never a bother here Kairi, now what seems to be troubling you child? Ansem asks.
"It's these dreams I've been having lately. I keep on dreaming about him every night especially ever since I came here to stay at the castle."
"Him being Sora, is that correct?"
"Yes, I keep seeing him, seeing his journeys or perhaps at least what I think are his journeys. I'm in a room full of darkness with many different pictures and images and then before I even get the chance to get close to view them, darkness surrounds me. I can't breathe and I just fall into darkness and after, that's around when I wake up. It's such a bizarre place but then again, I don't know. At the end its always a dream but sometimes I wonder whether if it's all for real or not.
"I see and your wonder if these dreams are somehow tied to your hearts connection to that of Sora's?"
"Yes, deep down I know he's still out there somewhere and I think my heart is trying desperately to dig at whatever hints or breadcrumbs are left to salvage to find him were ever he is. That or maybe I'm just being over optimistic and it's all just my imagination.
"Hhmm that is a very interesting hypothesis and by the sound of your dream patterns I don't feel as though this is all just your imagination as it clearly sounds like a typical reaction of the heart. That or maybe Perhaps…?" Ansem went silent for a moment in deep thought.
"Perhaps maybe I'm just going crazy?" Kairi can't help but answer out in defeat.
"No, I'm thinking Perhaps maybe these aren't just your typical dreams but a portal to Sora's memories.
"His memories but why would I need his?"
"Maybe it's your heart's way of learning more and with learning comes an edge of discovery and with discovery comes answers.
"So, in other words do you think my hearts trying to prepare me for what comes next?"
Ansem nodded his head in agreement.
"Then I need to know now Ansem. How can I reach sora's memories?"
"That I'm afraid even I don't have the answer, but with further testing and data analyzing of your heart I'm sure we will find a way for you to access them. Even and I will be getting some more funds and resources at our conference and when we get back, we will be able to continue our normal testing sessions. In the meantime, I would suggest that you keep a notebook by your bed and write down as much data as you can about these dreams of yours." Ansem says as he passes Kairi one of his spare notebooks.
"Thank you, Ansem, and thanks for listening." Kairi says standing up from her seat with a little more confidence in her voice.
"It was my pleasure Kairi. Oh, and remember we will only be gone for 3 weeks. Ienzo will be around in case you have any more questions on my behave."
"Thanks Ansem I'll remember goodbye." Ansem waves his hand goodbye as he watches Kairi take her leave. He was glad to give the girl a little comfort for her nerves, but deep down he couldn't help but wonder if there was something else troubling the girl and that perhaps she wasn't quite ready to tell him just yet. Pushing those worries aside though he only wished he really could do more. Ever since her return to the castle. Kairi wanted nothing more than to find the answers from the deepest of her heart's code and yet still, even with all the technology he and his scientist had to offer they always ran short on answers. Ansem glanced down at his suitcase tapping the edges with eagerness. This meeting he thought, it could be the only thing left he could do to further Kairi's search. If not this, then he could only hope a good thing would come and guide him to more knowledge.
"Master Ansem, are you ready?" Ansem glanced up to see Ienzo walking through the doorway with Even behind him fussing about with his binder's pages.
"Is, is this peanut butter, oh diabolical. I'm telling you the next time I see Demyx he's going to get a serious lecture from me on sanitation and cleanliness." Even complained.
"Ienzo, Even, glad you got my message. Do come in I'm just about finished here." Ansem greets as he stacks a few stray papers on his desk.
"Even, I see that you found your binder excellent."
"Would have been much faster if it hadn't been for a certain someone." Even couldn't help but murmur to himself.
"And Ienzo are you ready to take responsibility in watching over the castle while Even and I are away?
"I'm all set Master thank you. I've even already made plans for the next week." Ienzo replied.
"That reminds me Ienzo I want to give you this." Ansem says while handing a rectangular envelope over to Inenzo. "It's a check for $5000 Munnys. use it for food, resources, emergencies, and of course ice cream. I specially made sure that you'd have enough to be able to treat the castle residents out for a sweet treat now and then." Ansem said with a wink.
"Thank you Master I will be sure to spend it responsibly." Ienzo said placing the valuable envelope in his lab coat pocket for safe keeping till he could process it.
"Right then now that you have your funds, is there anything else you need before Even and I leave the castle under your care?"
"No sir, Once Pence gets here, we should be all set. Demyx has informed me that Pence will arrive here at any moment." Ienzo answered proudly.
"That's excellent my boy, I'm so excited for you. After all, this is such a big milestone for you as a researcher. I'm so glad you decided in taking someone on as your apprentice, after all, you're no longer the small boy I once knew years ago and after all that's happened it's about time you've taken on an apprentice of your very own."
"Thank you Master I hope to make you all proud. After all someone did tell me I was trained by the very best." Ienzo Said giving both his mentors a smiling glance.
The comment made Ansem smile back, but for Even Ienzo couldn't help but notice the older scientist's eyes swell up with a few tears of joy.
Their heartfelt moment was soon broken at the sound of a phone ringer going off.
"Oh, my apologies that would be me." Ansem says pulling out his phone from his lab coat.
"Now let's see I'm still getting used to these um gummie phones you've given us Ienzo how do I answer with face video?"
"Oh, swipe up the then click the down arrow key and select the camera icon."
"Ah got it brilliant ha. See, and who says you can't teach an old scientist a new trick, am I right haha."
"Right you are sir." Even said with a sympathetic nod.
It was true Ansem was still new to the gummie phones ever since his return to the castle. After all he was walking in the realm of darkness for some time and even when he got out and was in hiding, he still needed to catch up on all the new things the world was now offering. And though Wise was in his title he was very grateful to have Ienzo and the others to help him get readjusted.
Ansem, now holding his phone correctly answers to see a castle guard's face appear on the screen.
"Master Ansem." Dilan answered. "Your ride has arrived as well as a boy which I assume is for Ienzo?"
"Yes, that sounds about right. Tell the boy to wait by the gate we will meet him there."
"Will do Master." Ansem ends the phone call and places his phone back in his pocket.
"Alright now that things are in order shall we be on our way." Even declares.
"Yes, we shall." Ansem says grabbing his suite case and following the two to the door of the office.
"Hmm funny I don't remember closing the door." Even questioned.
"That's because it wasn't. stand aside I got this one." Ienzo sighed, stepping forward to the door to open it with great caution.
SPLASH! A bucket spilled from the crease of the door missing the three scientists on its descent and crashing to the ground.
"Demyx what on earth were you thinking!" Even cried out peaking his head over Ienzo's shoulders from behind the door knowing very well who set the trap.
"Haha I was thinking that maybe I'd finally get one of you guys before you left as a party gift hehe?"
"Oh boy, do you mean Parting gift Demyx?" Ienzo moaned while fully pushing the rest of the door open to step through it safely.
"Um maybe is that a good thing?"
"No its not, pranking the Master and a superior apprentice is not a good thing at all."
"Woof ok I get your point. Yeesh for a moment you sounded like Zexion there."
"That's not what I. why would you even suggest that I would."
"Hehe, you did say you'd be able to handle it Ienzo." Even said in a sing song like way that sent a shiver down Ienzo spine stopping himself from his rambling. By collecting himself Ienzo cleared his throat and straightened his back.
"Right then Demyx, I will discuss the matter of your behavior later, right now I need you to clean up this mess that you've made and have it look spick and span. After that, report back to me for further orders. Now if you excuse us we have a guest to greet and a ship waiting." Ienzo said taking his leave with grace with Even shaking his head in disapproval at the nobody's failed prank. Meanwhile Ansem The Wise couldn't help but observe the nobody's prank design.
"Mmm you really need to work on that aim of yours lad." Ansem said giving Demyx a pat on the shoulder in pity before he followed his men out. Which only made Demyx look confused as the old wise master of the castle simply left him there to question his own prank.
Waiting outside the gates Pence anxiously glances through the gate doors. His spiked-up hair bounces from his sports head band as he bops up and down on his heels. This rhythmic motion eventually forces him to readjust his large backpack more comfortably on his back.
"Do you need assistance with that young man?" a guard asks.
"Naw I got it thanks, I can wait until Ienzo gets here."
"So, you're the one who's going to be training under Ienzo?" The castle guard asked.
"Yup, that's me. The boy says, reaching his hand out for a handshake.
"Names Pence, nice to meet you, um?"
"Aeleus, it's nice to meet you kid."
"Nice to meet you too, and wow you have a tight handshake."
"My apologies I sometimes don't know my own strength."
"Believe me kid he used to throw boulders in his past life." The other guard half heartly jokes.
"That over there is Dilan, we are the current guards of this castle. But we will see you around the castle from time to time, especially around mealtimes. We take turns cooking."
"I see, nice to meet you both then." Pence says holding and shaking his now sore hand from Aeleus's tight grip. The guards were at least nice but the pain he felt in his hand told him to never get on their bad side or challenge them to an arm-wrestling match that was for sure.
"Pence, it's so good to see that you made it here!" Pence glances up to see a familiar figure come through from the other side of the gate.
"Ienzo Hi, it's so exciting to be here thanks for inviting me to stay with you guys this summer! I can't wait for my training to begin, also, I made sure to pack lots of snacks, energy drinks and of course I remembered to bring the video game console and!"
"Ahem I'm sorry did he mention video games." Pence and Ienzo both flinched when they looked over at Even who was giving them both a very dirty look. Ienzo couldn't help but swallow a big lump in his throat. He turns on his heel to see both Even and Ansem looking right at him. None the less he was ready to say something that is until Ansem spoke up.
"My dear friend Even, let the boys have fun with their videos games. It sounds like one of those new cool hip trends that's been going around, maybe this is also like using those new gummie phones, we may struggle to understand it but at least it doesn't hurt to learn. Now come, let us depart our ship is waiting." He says giving Ienzo a reassuring understanding wink. Making Ienzo smile back knowing his Master was not going to judge him or his new apprentice. Ansem then takes his leave and heads towards the ship before them with Even following with a confused and contemplating look upon his face.
"Now since when did you start using the words hip and cool in the same sentence?" Even asked, but to his disappointment Ansem didn't answer but just smiled.
"What's gotten into you Master. You seem cheerful for once? You didn't even flinch from that Demyx prank back there?"
"Indeed, I am in quite a good mood today." Ansem said, bowing his head toward their pilot Leon who was waiting.
"Care to enlighten me on that note Master?" Even asked curiously.
"Hehe nope." Ansem simply answers with a chuckle.
Once the scientists boarded the ship. Leon gave a salute from the pilot window to those below before finally taking off. Everyone watched and waved their goodbye as the ship shifted into overdrive and blasted off.
"Well now that our leader is gone, I suppose that means Ienzo is official master of the castle for the next 3 weeks?" Dilan asks sarcastically. "Perhaps we should call him Master Ienzo from now on till Master Ansem returns."
"Indeed, I agree. Aeleus answers. "However, I think Young Master is a much more appropriate title. After all, he still has much to learn before he's a full fledge Master."
"Gentleman please there's no need for the formalities around here. I assure you I will run things around here just fine without any formal addressing titles thank you."
"Well, I think it sounds cool Ienzo. I can see it now Master Ienzo the Wise. It's gotta a cool ring to it don't you think?" Pence said cheerfully nudging Ienzo on the shoulder.
"I appreciate the incentive Pence, but you can keep calling me Ienzo. Like the guards said I'm still learning things myself and even though I'm your mentor, I'd like you to view me as your Mentor, not as your master. Does that sound fair to you?" Ienzo asked with an outstretched hand.
"Mentor it is then, I look forward to working with you Ienzo!" Pence answered accepting the handshake proudly and thankful that Ienzo didn't attempt to rip his arm off like the guard Aeleus.
"Good, now then come. I'll show you where your room is so you can unpack and settle in."
"Sounds good Ienzo. I'm ready to get this load off my back literally." Pence says stumbling to keep his balance from the weight of his oversized backpack before finally falling splat on his face."
"Don't worry, I got you kid." With one arm Aeleus grabbed the backpack and lifted it off the ground effortlessly without even realizing that the boy was still attached to the luggage.
"Um A- Aeleus can you put me down I can still walk."
"Oh, sorry Pence, as I mentioned before I sometimes…"
"Don't know your own strength ha-ha." Penced finished.
The guard before him smiled, nodding his head towards the boy's answer.
"Right then shall we continue." Inenzo said following his loyal guard Aeleus up the stairs.
"We shall I'm right behind you... oh." Pence looked up, noticing the number of stairs that were laid out before him to climb up to the top of the castle. Guess it's going to be a climb. Pence thought to himself as if it was nothing he couldn't handle and yet he couldn't help but wonder.
"Let's see one, two, three, four." Pence begins counting the number of steps on his fingers.
"Pence is everything alright down their?" Ienzo called out.
"Oh yeah, sorry I'm coming. Five six seven eight nine ten." Pence continued counting only this time faster to catch up to his mentor and guard. "And twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, few you guys got a lot of stairs here."
"Then why are you counting them if I may ask?" Ienzo questioned.
"Oh, well you see there were these mysteries back on my home world called the seven wonders of Twilight Town. They were all weird and strange occurrences that would sometimes happen around town. One of them was a stairway that no matter which way you counted the steps. They would always count differently. I suppose it's the super sleuth in me trying to see if maybe Radiant Garden had a similar mystery."
"Mmm kids got excellent computer skills and is a junior detective. I can see why you picked him, Ienzo."
"Yes Aeleus, Pence is a man of many talents. I think he's going to make an excellent addition to our team. So, Pence what do you think?" Ienzo asked now at the top of the stairs.
"Woah, what do I think? Ha, I think the gang back home isn't going to believe I'm staying at a place like this." Pence said in awe and was already snapping photos of the castle entrance and scenery around with his phone.
"Ha-ha there will be plenty of time for more pictures later. Come let us get you settle in. There's also someone who's looking forward to seeing you inside let's not keep them waiting."
"Really who?" Pence asked, trying to think of someone he may know from this world.
"Why the Princess of course. Kairi's been staying with us ever since the war ended. She's been on a quest in searching for Sora using the help of our equipment here at the castle labs."
"Oh gosh now I remember how I could have forgotten. So, did you guys find anything on Sora yet? How does she like living at the castle? Does she miss living on the Destiny Islands?"
"Those are questions better to ask Kairi when you see her."
"Right, I guess I'm getting a head of myself then ha-ha." Pence said breathlessly from all the excitement. He then turned to have a final glance to view the skies horizon. The sun was starting to set leaving a semi orange, purple-like color which couldn't help but make Pence feel a little more at home. He'd live in a world of nothing but sunset for so long it was nice to see that familiar sky color. He smiled and knew then he was going to do well here this summer.