'Ienzo, I mean Zexion, seems down. I know he's a Nobody now do he doesn't have any real emotions, but he still seems sad,' newly christened Vexen thought.

He sat back in his chair and pinched his eyebrows.

The little boy was always on his mind and more often than not it was some sort of worry.

'I wonder if a trip to Radiant Garden would cheer him up?'

Vexen stood up and walked into the bedroom off the lab that he often used and Zexion was currently sleeping in.

Zexion was fast asleep with his tiny hand clutching the sheet covering him.

'It's almost eight. He should be up by now. Though I guess the transition was a little harder on him than the rest. He's so young.'

Vexen knew the boy probably needed rest, but if he slept too much it would be just as bad.

He crossed to the resting boy and gently shook his shoulder.

Zexion mumbled something in his sleep before slowly opening his eyes.

"Even?" he asked, still sleepy.

Vexen shook his head.

"I'm Vexen now. Remember? And your name is Zexion."

Zexion nodded slowly.

"Sorry. I'm still getting used to it."

"I know. I still want to call you little Ienzo."

Zexion yawned cutely and sat up.

"Did you need something?"

"It's eight. You were supposed to be awake by now."

"Oh. Sorry."

He swung his legs to the edge of the bed.

"Would you mind helping me with my work?"

Zexion nodded.

"Thank you."

Vexen reached a hand out to Zexion and helped him off the bed.

They made the short trip in silence and set to work.

"I'm really sorry this happened. I didn't expect this to be the turn out and I'm upset that you were dragged into it. I never wanted you to lose your heart; especially at such a young age."

"I know."

"Good. I'll still take care of you and protect you."

"Thank you Vexen."

They continued to work in silence for another half hour.

"Zexion," Vexen suddenly started and the boy turned to look at him.

"Yes Vexen?"

Vexen shifted and looked slightly uncomfortable.

"Are you okay? You seem depressed."

Zexion turned and stared at him for a long time before saying anything.

"I'm not used to this existence. It's very disconcerting and it'll take a while to adjust to. That's all."

Vexen looked unconvinced.

"I was wondering if maybe a trip to Radiant Garden might make you feel better?"

Zexion's face brightened instantly.

"Could we really?" he asked with excitement clear in his voice.

"Of course. We could go as soon as we were done with work."

Zexion beamed and got busy with his job.

Vexen smiled at Zexion's hardworking back before returning to his own work.

"Okay Zexion," Vexen said as he pulled his gloves off. "We're done for today."

Zexion put his equipment away and turned expectantly to Vexen.

"Can we go now?"

"Just a minute Zexion. I have to clean up and then we can go."

Zexion helped him clean up quickly.

"Now we can go."

Vexen stuck out his hand and concentrated on summoned a dark corridor to their old home.

"Go ahead," he said to the waiting boy. "I'll be right behind you."

Zexion didn't move.

"What is it?" Vexen asked with difficulty. He wasn't used to controlling the darkness and it was taking all he had to keep the corridor open.

"Will," Zexion started, "will you hold my hand? Those corridors scare me."

"You can't feel emotions anymore Zexion," Vexen reminded him. "Hurry up."

Zexion shook his head and took a step away from the swirling darkness.

Vexen sighed and grabbed Zexion's hand to walk him through.

"Thank you Vexen," he murmured.

Vexen simply nodded.

The two walked around the town for a little while before Zexion got hungry.

"Sit down on that bench and I'll get us some ice cream."

Zexion walked over the bench and sat on it to wait for Vexen.

Just like he used to all the time when he was Ienzo waiting for Even or Aeleus.

Ansem the Wise happened to be walking through the town that day and he spotted a very familiar head sitting on a very familiar bench.

"Ienzo? Ienzo?" he called as he ran towards the bench.

The figure started and turned around at his old name.

Ansem stopped when he saw the changes, few as they were.

"Ienzo?" he asked a little more warily. "Is that you?"

The boy shook his head and hopped off the bench.

Ansem reached the bench and approached the boy slowly.

"Don't be scared. Do you remember me? I'm Ansem."

The boy backed up and tried to run.

"Ienzo, it's okay. You don't need to be afraid of me."

Ansem reached him and hugged him gently.

"Where have you been? I thought you were dead! Please tell me!"

The boy stiffened in Ansem's grip and remained silent.

Ansem pulled back to look him in the face.

"Why won't you say anything? I missed you."

"Zexion!"

The boy spun around.

"Even?" Ansem yelled in surprise.

The advancing man froze.

"Ansem? What are you doing here?"

"I was taking a walk and I found Ienzo here. I thought you were both dead! What's going on?"

"We are dead Ansem. My name isn't Even and that isn't Ienzo."

Ansem looked confused.

"Of course it is. I would recognize Ienzo in the middle of a crowded room. And I've worked with you long enough to know you anywhere."

The other man sighed.

"I didn't even think you'd be here when we decided to visit," the man said, almost to himself. "I've told you the truth, Ansem. The boy you're hugging is named Zexion. And my name is Vexen."

"What are you talking about?"

Vexen sighed.

"We lost our hearts Ansem," he said simply.

Ansem looked shocked.

"Why would you do that! I told Xehanort to quit the research! Why would you continue it?"

"We thought we were close. It turns out that we were wrong."

Ansem's grip on Zexion tightened.

"You've lost the privilege of taking care of Ienzo, I mean Zexion, so he's going to be staying with me."

Vexen was stunned.

"Don't do that! We can take care of all his new needs! You don't know anything about our new way of life!"

"I'll figure it out. Good day Even, err Vexen."

With that Ansem turned around and pulled Zexion away.

"Zexion!" Vexen screamed as he watched helplessly.

The little boy turned to look at Vexen sadly.

He tried to get away from Ansem but was unsuccessful.

The last thing Vexen saw was Zexion's tiny face break into sobs.

"Zexion," he whispered.

AN: Oh my gosh. ANOTHER new story? What's this?

Yes, yes, I know. I owe you another chapter of 'Taken' and 'Refuge' but I got this idea this morning and finally got down to writing it.

Why does all the stuff I write take a drastic turn? This was meant to be a one-shot where they went to Radiant Garden (straight away!), saw Ansem, talked to him, and then went back. The end! But oh well. I hope you don't mind! :D

Anyways, see ya soon!