animus_network | Video | Backdated to the middle of the Collar event (~13th March)

[The feed jumps on, revealing a rather composed, almost impassive, looking man in white lab coat.]

Greeting everyone.

My name is Xehanort and as probably quite obvious, I'm a new arrival to this tower. There was quite much of information to sift through on this Network; it certainly helped answered some of my questions regarding this place.

Even so, I'm left with a few question and I would appreciate, if you took your time to answer them:

First of all, if I understood correctly, one usually awakens with a letter nearby. I myself haven't found such, so I would be rather grateful to be told the exact content of said letter.

Second, I assume that most of us hail from different worlds. Still... if anyone here is from or at least has heard of Radiant Garden, I'd appreciate you speaking up now.

And lastly... due the lack of information on the issue- [read: people freaking out.] -I assume it isn't usual for one to awaken with their body... changed for the lack of a better word. Even so I wonder, has anyone here made similar experiences?

Thank you for your attention.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Take a wild guess who doesn't recognize you at all!!!!]

[That's right, it's this kid.]

[Canon points are a bitch.]

[Currently, he seems to be reading off of something offscreen for Xehanort's benefit -- that's right, this kid actually documented that damn letter for reference. Looks like it actually came in handy.]

It has only one sentence on it... 'You world has been destroyed. I saved you. Let's be happy here.'

Secondly, I am from Radiant Garden.

Thirdly, how do you mean 'changed'? There have been modifications made to people's bodies before, but never as early as waking up for the first time.

[That they are. Especially if you don't remember about them being a potential problem.

So yeah... "Xehanort" doesn't know what to do but frown. He appreciates his fellow apprentice' forwardness of course, but...]

...Ienzo. Do you not remember me?

[Blink blink. Now that he looks back at the messages... yes, this Xehanort person is clearly wearing one of Master Ansem's scientist uniforms. But why? He's never met this person in his life. Is this another alternate version -- a world where he didn't exist?]

...i don't know you at all, sir.

[Hmm... that's certainly strange.

Though, the memory loss certainly could be a side effect of their experiments with the Darkness and/or their arrival in this world he supposed. Well, no matter... he should better introduce himself, shouldn't he?]

As said, I am Xehanort. I arrived in Radiant Garden several months ago, lacking any memory of my life before that apart of my name. Master Ansem was so generous to take me in as apprentice.

[Ienzo nods. He's seen a version of himself apparently from ten years in the future, the few months' difference between them wasn't unlikely. And... well, Master Ansem would certainly be the person to take in a wandering amnesiac. He seems to love collecting strays...]

i see. in that case, hello, xehanort.

[It's not all too surprising to see in what a stride Ienzo takes his words... not really, considering the child's personality. Not to mention that they both know just how f̨ó͢o̴͠l͏i̢͘sh̴ly҉ ͠t͏r̡͘us҉́t̶͜i̴͟n͢g͏ open-hearted Ansem could be.

Nevertheless, it was better to thread with care... especially since there is no sign that Ienzo remembers the secret betrayal of their Master.]

Please, tell me what you know about this place.

[He looks back to his notebook and starts reading from it again.] ...we are in a tower with no apparent way in or out. there should be a collar around your neck; do not try to remove it. you will be called for medical examinations a few times a month, which consist only of changing the fluid in the collar. the meaning of the colors is unknown. should you die here, you will revive in your dormitory bed the next day. 'alternate versions' of yourself or the people you know could appear at any time, as well as people from different time periods, as you've seen. the owners of this tower contact us occasionally, but except for a suggestion box there is no way to contact them.