Legacy of a Star Child

Chapter 66: Ripples on the Water Kami's Pond

"The screams have been silenced with slumber."

"I see, though for how long can you keep them this way?"

"Not long. Like myself, they are beings of the dark, shadows as masterful of its arts. Eventually they will be resistant to its spell, but for now it will keep them comfortable."

"As if I have any care for there comfort, they are simply pawns to bring her out. I will send the one I have chosen after hers, what will you do with the other?"

"...Not a hand will be laid on Riku. He will be fulfilling his destiny, following the path chosen for him by the everlasting darkness. I expect that if you want my cooperation, that will be upheld."

"Protective of the pawn are you? Almost as if this were personal."

"He is not a pawn, he is my nephew, child to my late sisters loins, and this is the only warning I give. I will do as you have requested, but if harm comes to Riku, I will withdraw. Do not interfere in my intentions for him."

"Sentiments like that are a downfall to any man, Ansem. But, I will hold to our agreement, for now. As long as you provide what I expect that is."

"Heh... So, the other child, what is he for?"

"A shadow of her chosen "key bearer". He will be a lovely distraction while I set plans into motion."

"A shadow? And what is this shadows name?"

"Vanitas. A name meaning emptiness, futility, and worthlessness. That is after all what he is, a worthless stepping stone whos efforts to be anything more are a waste to my time. An empty vessel of nothing but pain and misery."

"If you view them as such a lack of potential, why use them at all?"

"Even a useless fool can make a great hostage or sacrifice."

-----

So you want to swing back this way before we go?

I see no reason not to. The Huns have been reported in the area, so its best to have one final walk through before returning.

Oh, so you are worried.

I don't have the ability to be, you know that.

-Xaldin and Demyx were finally finishing out there complete recon of this new world the group of nobodies had discovered, mostly due to Xaldin's knowledge of the area, otherwise this would have taken months. He refused to admit it out loud, but indeed, Xaldin was worried for the village he and Demyx had left behind some weeks before from there first surveillance of this area. He wondered how they were doing.-

You don't have to act all tough about it, not like I'm going to tell anyone you actually have concern for something. This was your home after all right?

Indeed you wouldn't be telling anyone anything. I'd remove your vocal cords if you tried.

Hey! I need those!

-Whined Demyx as he backed away a bit and huffed, trudging through a much lighter patch of snow on the side of the mountain trail. It was looking like the weather was dying down for a while, and that the valley just might have some warmer weather for a short time in the coming weeks. Which would be nice for some of the incoming fall and winter harvests. It only took a little bit longer for the pair to come upon the village hidden in the bamboo thicket. Xaldin hesitated, his large royal purple lenses staring intensely at the entrance, he didn't have to go in to simply see if the people were doing well, things looked good enough. He was about to turn around to do the last trail walk, before Demyx moved to stand in his way, hands on his hips.-