test i

[austerulous]

So this is what becomes of a Nobody who ceases to function. I'm reluctant to describe myself with such a human term as dead, but this state in which I find myself is difficult to otherwise define. It is clear that my non-existence is set to continue, however, and I see no reason to deny that I am extremely satisfied with this turn of events

Comments

[afleetingshadow]

...then you're here, too.

How long until what he said comes true? How long until you're all here?

...I guess we'll have to wait. And see.

[afleetingshadow]

...I guess so.

[austerulous]

Roxas must have been a bad friend, though, to leave Axel behind like that. What a sad tale.

[afleetingshadow]

He needed to leave. He had to know about Sora.

...and Axel understood. I hope.

[austerulous]

Was he successful?

[afleetingshadow]

...Roxas found him, if that's what you mean. And he...completed him. As I did, to Kairi.

But something keeps us separate here.

[austerulous]

Now that is interesting. The opportunity to monitor a Nobody interact with their Somebody, fully aware of the connection yet unable to become complete. This calls for further study...

[afleetingshadow]

...we decided that it was the City. There are deities that run it...that are more powerful than we know.

[austerulous]

Well, perhaps I shall question one of these deities.

Is Kairi in this city as well? If not, I will settle for one set of test subjects.

[afleetingshadow]

...they only come around every once in a while. You missed a rare visit from Lanika. There are others, though: Kaen, and Yoshito. They both have assistants, too.

She's here, but...

I don't want you doing this to her.

[austerulous]

Kaen and Yoshito. Who is Lanika, another one?

Hmm. If I can't use you two, then I can make do with Sora and Roxas for now, although I'm sure VIII won't be impressed. In fact, he seems fond of you as well. He's becoming quite the thorn.

[afleetingshadow]

She's one of the "higher-ups," as Kaen and Yoshito call them. Their visits are rare, apparently only for maintaining the city.

For...interfering with what you want?

[austerulous]

I shall patiently await the next visit, then.

What I want happens to coincide with the will of the Superior - the study of the Heart. And yes, Axel is likely to interfere if he feels my research will do harm to any of you children. Quite when he became so sentimental, I will never know.

[afleetingshadow]

...if you say so.

There's no end to what can be learned about the heart, Vexen. But its true nature is beyond us, and experiments won't tell you anything. A very smart man told me so...Ansem the Wise.

...you would remember him, wouldn't you?

[austerulous]

Clever girl. Yes, I do remember him. However, I assure you that there is no limit to the power of science, no matter what he may have told you. He was wise in many ways, but ultimately the man was a wasted intellect, and one which we did not need.

[afleetingshadow]

...if you believe it, I won't tell you otherwise.

I think his mind was a little misguided, too. Because of what he did...but he did some good things, too. I guess there's a light and dark side to everything.