The next day, Riku is about to head outside when he hears someone knock on the door. Naminé immediately stiffens in fear, and Riku tenses up. He gives her a thumbs up, and she nods, then he opens the door.

It's Ve- Even. Of course.

He knows he shouldn't judge them too harshly for their time as nobodies in the Organization, but his memories of being “tested” in Castle Oblivion always come to mind when talking to certain apprentices. There's no doubt it's the same, or worse, for Naminé.

Riku greets him, "Hello, Even-"

"There you are, Naminé!" The scientist completely ignores him, addressing Naminé exclusively, "We need you back at the Castle for more replica body tests." He steps inside and says, "You've given us a lot of grief with this little 'excursion' of yours. Come along now-"

"Even. Hello." Riku grabs him by the wrist briefly and releases him.

"Oh, hello, young Riku. I was just escorting Naminé here to-"

"She hasn't even said anything to you; you're not escorting anyone." Riku cuts him off and places himself in between Even and Naminé.

"I..." Naminé stammers.

"Hm? Yes?"

Naminé takes a deep breath and says, "I'm not going back for more tests."

"Why wouldn't you? Of course you are."

Naminé's volume rises; her fists are clenched. "I'm not going back for more tests! I don't want to!"

"But we're about to find a breakthrough! Your replica body could be perfect."

"I..." Naminé steps away from Even but retains her resolve: "I don't want it to be perfect! If what- If what it takes is constant testing, I don't want it!"

"Oh, come now, silly child, surely you can see the appeal in perfection?"

"I don't care about perfection. I want to- I want to feel the snow on my hands again, hear the waterways at night, step in some muddy snow and almost fall, talk to, talk to my f-friends about tea flavors. I want to be outside!"

"Naminé -"

Before Even can say anything else, someone rounds the corner and interrupts him: "Even, surely the tests aren't urgent anymore, are they?"

It's Ansem the Wise.

Before he can even say anything, Naminé looks at him dead in the eyes and says, "I'm not going back."

Ansem looks away. "And we're not going to force you..." turning to face Even, he continues, "Right, Even?"

"I- yes! My apologies. I got carried away." Even stammers out.

Naminé looks at him, neither accepting nor rejecting his apology.

"Right! Well, I'll... head back, then," Even says as he leaves.

As Even's steps grow more and more distant, Ansem speaks up: "Naminé... it seems I have failed you a third time. I am deeply, truly, sorry."

Naminé blinks, not expecting an apology, of all things.

"You were held prisoner at Castle Oblivion and used for your powers; I knew of your existence, yet I did not help you until Sora and Riku forced my hand." Ansem continues, being unable to look at Naminé's face, "And then I did the same to you. I used you and Riku for your powers, and I did not let you leave the Old Mansion, holding you prisoner once again." The scientist sounds deeply ashamed. "And now, one of my own apprentices is doing the same to you, holding you against your will, something that happened due to my negligence. I cannot allow my apprentices to get carried away again. I am sorry."

"I-"

Ansem interrupts Naminé. "You don't have to accept my apology. You may even deny it. I robbed you of your chance to experience being alive once, and I do not want to do it again. You are a child—a powerful child, yes, but a child nonetheless. A child who should be doing things children do. So, please, go out and see the Worlds."

"I-I'm not doing it for you..." Naminé says.

"I know... And you do not have to." Ansem closes his eyes. "I have imposed upon you two for far too long, I shall take my leave. Please, enjoy your day."

Ansem the Wise leaves as fast as he arrived, and Riku finally moves again, to close the door. Immediately afterward, Naminé begins to cry and hugs him from the side.

"Naminé!? Are you-?"

"No, no. I'm... I'm really happy. Thank you, Riku."

"Me? I hardly did anything..."

"No... You were here, and that's a lot. Thank you."

"I appreciate it, but that was all you, Naminé." Riku says as he returns the hug.