Zexion has memories of his past life, but most he'd rather forget. Not that he despises the memories, but he'd rather not remember something that he once held dear. Unfortunately, the door deep in his mind has opened and the memories come flooding back. Our dear little Nobody even comes to a shocking realization about our favorite Graceful Assassin.

The main pairing in this fic is Amaru/Ienzo and is rated M for later chapters. Yes, there is also Marluxia/Zexion in this as well, but not as often as the main pairing. There are very strong hints of Aeleus/Ienzo, Lexaeus/Zexion, and possibly Marluxia/Vexen as well, I won't be focusing too major on those...or will I? And in case you haven't noticed yet, yes this is a YAOI fanfic. So if you're not into a strong relationship between two males together then I highly suggest you turn back now.

Disclaimer:Kingdom Hearts I, II, Chain of Memories and all of it's characters within it are copyrighted to Square Enix and/or Disney which is not owned by me, so therefore the characters used in this fic or mentioned in here are not owned by me either. (If I did, then the KH: II Final Mix would've been allowed to be release in the United States. Damn...I wanted to watch my Vexen's death better.)

Reminiscence of Apple Blossoms

Chapter One: Once Intimate Redolence

The slate haired Nobody let out a short sigh after placing the rest of his books onto one of the many stacks in his new chambers. Their Superior said the move to this new Castle would only be temporary for a number of the members. He's always trusted Xemnas, even if the man was one of the main reasons he became the shell he currently is. None of the elder members such as himself would ever blame the Superior for what they are now, for they all knew they had agreed to explore the darkness which they had once craved to know more about. Does Zexion regret going along with the other apprentices and even convincing Ansem the Wise to expanding their facilities just to experiment more in that area?

"..." The Schemer shook his head, for reflecting on memories that cannot be changed were a waste of time that could be used for better purposes. 'Unfortunately, not everyone has the element of time such as Number X does.' Not a moment after he thought this, a swirling mass of darkness appeared within the center of the cluttered room of books. A tall blond Nobody stepped out of it looking very furious about something. It was always amusing to Zexion that Number IV could get so worked up, even without emotions. The Academic quickly paced over towards the smaller Nobody and almost tumbled over a large clutter of books in the process.

"You must really acquire shelves for these." Vexen grumbled as he glared daggers for a moment towards the pile of novels and such.

"Did you come here just to pester me about my messy room like a finicky mother would, Number IV?" The smaller Nobody crossed his arms as he leaned himself against the desk behind him. The older male practically hissed at the comment.

"I'd never waste my breathe with something so petty." Vexen glared that ice cold stare right down towards Zexion, who matched his glare with a neutral look. The younger Nobody knew he wasn't glaring at him on purpose, it was just in the Academic's nature to do so whenever someone flustered him so. "I can't believe our Superior would do this!" Zexion knew what was coming. "How could he give such a position to him?! Of all people! He's nothing, but a stubborn little neophyte and he has no respect for his elders! Just now, he talked down on me as if I knew so little of our plans here. The nerve!" Vexen's ramblings went on as he paced about in Zexion's room. He has heard this rant many times before and never really did fully care about it. It was like back in the days when Even use to complain to Ienzo about how annoyed he was with Braig or how foolish it was for Ansem to deny a request to perform a certain experiment. Some things don't ever change, even when you do lose a heart.

The slate haired Nobody tuned out his fellow elder with his own thoughts. The decision was final with their Superior, and even though he didn't like it at all himself that a high position was given to a lower ranked member, he didn't argue. Obviously the Superior saw something within Number XI and knew of the Nobody's power, so that's why the Assassin was now Lord of Castle Oblivion. Vexen just wasted energy and breath with his complaining and arguing about the whole matter, which gave reason for the Assassin to tease him so. Number XI seemed to like to torture the elder very much with the fact that he didn't have a say in any of Marluxia's decisions or choices anymore. Zexion thought the Academic foolish for not realizing his fits about the situation was just making it worse for himself.

Although Zexion would never verbally admit it, he did agree with his Superior's choice. Oh, he didn't agree with Marluxia's choices, tactics, or anything of that sort, but he did see why the Superior chose Number XI. The scent of the Graceful Assassin's power was great indeed; so much that it almost scared the young looking Nobody. The almost flamboyant male also had the aura of a great leader about him, which scared Zexion more. These features that Marluxia held matched that almost of the Superior's, which wasn't a good thing in Zexion's mind. So far, the short Nobody only met Marluxia once when he was brought to the Organization by Numbers II and III, but that first meeting was enough. From then on, he knew he'd have to keep a close eye on the Assassin.

Also, there was another reason he wanted to watch Marluxia closely from a distance. The man's scent seemed so familiar...

"...We have company, Number IV." Zexion said during the middle of the blonde's rant. Yet another mass of darkness appeared and soon faded when a red headed male stepped out.

"Yo." Axel said with that sly grin of his plastered on his face. That smirk always disgusted Zexion, very much. The pyro crossed his arms when the other two just stared with stern expressions. "Heh, didn't expect a warm welcome anyways. Anyways, Zex, the new boss guy wants ya." In the past, Zexion use to flinch at such a nickname, but he knew that that type of reaction is what Axel wanted to see. He'd never grant him that pleasure again. With just a simple nod, the Nobody warped himself quickly out of his own chamber. Hopefully his books wouldn't be scorched or frozen by the time he got back, for it was never a good thing to leave Axel and Vexen in the same room alone. Then again, if they did destroy any of his property, he could charge them his usual hefty price or have them do perform some tasks for him. If they refused, they'd have to answer to the Silent Hero.

It paid to be close to someone that wielded great strength such as Lexaeus. They were even closer back in the 'old days,' which was probably why Lexaeus still felt as if he needed to keep protecting the shell of hisIenzo. Zexion wondered how Lexaeus would react if he told him Ienzo had loved another. Best to keep that to himself while his stay with the Organization.

The Schemer appeared just before a pair of white double doors with the etchings of beautiful roses and vine like designs upon it. Number XI's chambers was probably the only room within Castle Oblivion that no Nobody to port themselves directly into; just like the Superior's chambers and study back at the World that Never Was. Zexion knocked with his the back of his knuckles, and no sooner then after he did so the door opened wide for him. Immediately, that hefty scent hit the Nobody with full force that he had to take a step back. The others wouldn't have been taken aback like he was, but then again, they didn't have his skill. For a slight moment, Zexion blacked out a bit.

"They're Apple Blossoms. They represent something very beautiful that most hold dear..."

Zexion got his balance and pushed the old voice from deep within his memories back into the dark corner of his mind. He needed to focus on why he was here. Number XI had called for him, and he wasn't going to be like some of the slackers in this castle and keep him waiting. It showed lack of respect; not like Zexion had any for the flower man, but it was better to have the Assassin think that he did. He stepped into the room with vine covered walls that reached the tall ceiling. The room was heavy with mixed aromas of various plant life, which made the small Nobody just a tad dizzy. Next time, he'd make sure that whenever the Assassin called him that they'd meet in a completely different room. He didn't want something a little as a few flowers' throwing off his thinking.

"You called for me, Number XI?" Despite there being much vegetation within the chamber, his voice still echoed. He heard the door close behind him, but didn't glance back or even act surprised, for that was a clichéd reaction. The familiar scent came once again to Zexion just some distance behind him. Without turning, he addressed whoever was behind him. "Is it proper manners from where you're from to sneak up upon someone you requested to speak with, Number XI?" The echoing of footsteps from behind him rang through the room.

"Is it proper manners to come into one's chambers unless they're given the command so?" The feathered haired Nobody spoke as he rounded off in front of the shorter male in the room. The taller stared down at the other as if he was trying the read the other as well as his abilities allowed him to. Zexion saw in those deep blue eyes of Marluxia's a great interest or something of the sort. The slate haired Nobody was curious about his now temporary leader as well, but hid it well. He probably already knew more about the Assassin then vice versa, but he still didn't know everything about the flower user.

"Did you wish to speak with me, Number XI?" This was the first time that the two ever spoke to each other directly. Sure they heard the other speak during the meetings at the other Castle, but this was different. Slowly, the flower user started to stalk around the other Nobody, his blue gaze never leaving him. Zexion closed his eyes for a brief moment, for he hated whenever someone did that to him, but he had to act like it didn't bother him in any way.

"Why of course, my dear Number VI. I'm glad that you came as soon as you did after I sent Axel to get you." My dear? Zexion has heard Number XI use that title on some of the others like Numbers VIII, XII, and even IV just to tease the eldest member. "I'm very surprised we've never talked to each other before our coming to this Castle. Why is that you suppose?"

"I wouldn't really know." The shorter male nearly sighed out the comment, for his breathing was hard to keep constant with all the thick aromas within the room and especially Marluxia's scent making it difficult for him to focus. There was a reason he did avoid the pink auburn haired man and only kept a close watch on him from afar. That scent. That aroma that brought back glimpses of moments he'd worked so hard to lock away, that interfered with his work.

Zexion then slightly jumped in surprise by how close the Assassin leaned down near him without his noticing.

"You're lying. There must be some reason." The taller male whispered in the other's ear before going back to his circling around Zexion. "Is it that you're like that Vexen and hate the fact that I have power over you now?"

Zexion sighed again before answering. "I'll admit, I'm not fully with the Superior and his decision, but there's no point getting worked up about it either. Is this all you had to speak with me about, Number XI? I don't see the point in any of this, so if you'll excuse me." He turned to walk out, but ended up facing the other Nobody instead. He stopped himself from letting out yet another sigh, for he didn't want the other male to take that as a hint as if he was nervous.

"Oh trust me, my dear Zexion, there is a point behind this small meeting we're having now. I'd like to know a little more about you, for you seem to be the only one, aside from myself, that has any decent logic at all. I think it's better if we know more about each other in order to build...let's say...a stronger connection while our stay here." Now it was my dear Zexion? Marluxia was getting a little too...

"My dear Ienzo..."

The Schemer closed his eyes tightly, ridding the voice in his head once again. When he opened his eyes, he gave the Assassin a stern glare.

"I appreciate the offer, Number XI, but I rather finish up some work before it gets any later. Perhaps another time we can discuss some topics you'd like." Though he much rather not, but he wasn't higher in power than Marluxia anymore, so he wouldn't really have any choice there. Being this close to the feather haired Nobody, with his aroma thick in the air, and his deep sapphire gaze made him want to leave as soon as he could at that moment, and yet...

"I would like to know more about you."

Zexion couldn't help, but let his eyes widen in shock. Without waiting for a response from the Assassin, he ported himself out of the room and into his now own empty chambers. The slate haired boy had to scramble over towards the nearest wall to support himself. He held his head because of an oncoming headache while his back rested against the pale wall.

"No...the circumstances of him being here is unsubstantial...but...AH!" He growled in frustration this time as he covered his face with both of his hands. "I'm just imagining it...I'm just..."

"Ienzo..."

That voice again.

"Ienzo..."

The voice echoed his old name within his mind and a strong realization came upon the Nobody. There was a lot of relate-able factors, but he still refused to believe it. It's a possibility his past memories got triggered somehow and he was just imagining...just thinking that...

Zexion slid down against the wall until he was sitting in a slumped position on the floor.

"Ienzo. Where are you, my dearest Ienzo?"

Zexion looked up from his hands towards nothing with a dazed stare in his eyes.

"I'm right here, Amaru."

This is actually going to hold more of Ienzo's story with a slight update on Zexion in Castle Oblivion every so often soon, but this first chapter is to trigger off the Ienzo story, so thank you for bearing with this first chapter. Yes, I know Marluxia and Zexion is a crack pairing, but I'm trying my best to make it work. So I don't want any reviews saying stuff like, "Eww...how could you write about those two together? Blah blah blah." I actually take this pairing very seriously, and to me it's more plausible then the whole Zemyx thing, so there! (Nothing against you Zemyx fans. If you like that pairing then I have no issues with that.) Though I know my fellow Org. XIII cosplay friends are gonna ridicule me for making a fic about this pairing...

Be happy all, I stayed up until 4:30am working on this first chapter.