Chapter 16
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This chapter makes me sad.
More Terra-abuse, and SPOILERS for BBS's secret ending.
Poor Zexion.
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"Xigbar, who the hell was that?"
Xigbar dispelled his gun and looked up at Vexen. "Vanitas."
"Yes, Xigbar, he told us that already. But who is he?"
Terra answered for him, already standing. "He's the Darkness in Ven's heart, given physical form. He's pure evil, and he's the one who broke Ven. I have to go after him."
Lexaeus frowned. "Terra, you're in no shape to go anywhere. You're badly injured, and this Vanitas has only made it worse."
"I'm going." Terra opened a portal and stepped through, stumbling slightly as he walked. Zexion groaned in annoyance.
"Vexen, I'm following him. Stay here and take care of the others."
He jumped through the portal after Terra, and Vexen had only enough time to throw a quick 'you do it' at Lexaeus before jumping through himself.
"Vexen!"
Zexion and Vexen caught up to Terra rather quickly once they entered the Realm of Darkness. After a scolding, they grudgingly followed him in further.
After what seemed like several hours of Terra's single-minded trek forwards, Zexion finally had had enough.
"Terra, that's it. We let you come this far. But there's nothing here- I'm sorry, we can't find them. Let's head back."
Terra spun around. "No- just a little further! I swear, just give me some more time!"
Vexen put a hand on Terra's shoulder, and he sagged. "Terra, I apologize. They aren't here…I know you want to see them again, but killing yourself by inches will not help. You're running on fumes, Terra. Let's go back, and you rest."
"No…no." Terra pulled out of Vexen's grasp and started forwards again, stumbling slightly.
Zexion and Vexen exchanged glances and followed him.
They jumped down to a small embankment in front of a seemingly endless body of water. Rock outcroppings and boulders littered the 'beach', and they were about to turn back when they saw a figure sitting on a rock, alone.
Terra approached him. "Who are you?"
The figure stood, and the three noticed he was wearing a black coat, like themselves.
"I believe the question is who are you? After all, you are the ones who disturbed me."
Terra growled, but Zexion stepped forwards. "Forgive me. We are Nobodies, traveling this realm in search of someone. I am Zexion, and this is Vexen and Terra."
"Terra…ah, yes. One of her friends."
Terra's eyes widened. "Her? Are you talking about Aqua? Where is she? Tell me!"
The man chuckled. "Calm yourself, young man. Yes, I am speaking of Aqua. She stayed with this old man a time, giving him comfort in his solitude. But not three days ago- I believe it was three days, time moves so erratically here- a boy calling himself Vanitas approached us. He taunted the young lady about you and young Ventus, and she followed him when he left."
Terra deflated. "She…isn't here? Damn…"
Zexion stepped forwards. "Sir. Did Aqua say anything to you that might tell us where to go next? It would be most helpful."
"I believe she mentioned that Ventus, or his body, was at a place called the Land of Departure. She was quite upset when Vanitas arrived, saying that she'd changed the castle so that no one but her could find the room."
Vexen crossed his arms. "Well, that doesn't give us much to go on…"
"The Land of Departure was destroyed," Terra said dully. "Master Xehanort destroyed it."
The cloaked man turned sharply towards Terra. "Xehanort? That name means something to me…but the Darkness had faded my memories, and I cannot recall why."
Zexion looked up at him, studying his shadowed face. Closing his eyes a moment, he sighed. "I knew it. Your smell was corrupted by Darkness, and your memories faded, but…it is you. Master Ansem."
"Master Ansem?" Vexen looked shocked.
The cloaked man removed his hood. It was indeed Ansem the Wise, his eyes tired and haunted.
"I believe that was my name, once…"
Zexion looked him over, struggling with his old, fond memories.
"Yes. You were…"
Ansem smiled softly. "You seem sad."
"Nobodies cannot feel, Master Ansem. You know that."
"Do I? It seems like so long ago…but even without the capacity to feel, you still remember, don't you?"
Zexion looked at the dark sand beneath his feet. He couldn't bring himself to look at the man he'd wronged - his foster father- any longer.
"Yes, but…"
Vexen touched his arm. "Come, Zexion. We must find this Land of Departure."
Ansem looked at Vexen now. "The young lady said something about her spell turning the Land into a place that traps those who enter in oblivion. Be careful."
Zexion made a noise. "Oblivion…? Castle Oblivion! That's it!"
Terra nodded. "Castle Oblivion, great. Let's go!" He opened another portal. "Hurry up!"
He jumped through, and Zexion and Vexen made to follow. Before they entered the portal, they heard one last thing from the old man that was once their mentor.
"Even…Ienzo…I forgive you."
Vexen bit his lip and hurried on, but Zexion paused.
"I'm so sorry, Father."
And he left.