#vaninort

And maybe he could have. If he hadn’t been found out. If Xehanort hadn’t finally decided he’d outlived his usefulness, after failing so completely in his eyes. But of course, Xehanort was never one to waste a resource, however small. Perhaps there was one last task Vanitas could be used for…

Xehanort left once the deed was done, leaving Vanitas in a state of panic, clutching at his head and chest. There was no need for him to stay. He already knew what was to happen. It was inevitable.

Vanitas struggled against the shard of Xehanort’s heart, of course. But it was useless. His body stilled as control of it slipped away from him, and as it did, his dark hair paled, the color seeping out until it was a silvery gray. He opened his golden eyes, grinning as he flexed his fingers.

“Well...this certainly is interesting…”

Vanitas -- or the person acting through him -- grinned. That look of horror on Ventus’s face...it was enough to make Vanitas’s heart strain against his. Once upon a time, it would have filled Vanitas into a manic glee, but now he would only angrily struggle against the force causing Ventus such distress.

He really does love him...and it will be enough to destroy them both.

Taking Vanitas as a vessel had always been an option, of course. But with how unstable his body was, as long as he had followed him willingly he only stood to lose him if the action was premature. But the loss of his loyalty had also cost Vanitas that protection. He no longer had anything to lose by killing him.