And the plot thickens on another spectrum...And does anybody wanna guess who Xehanort is talking about regarding the 'diversion'? I'll give you brownie points if you can figure out who's going to enter the picture. :)

Antex-The Legendary Zoroark: I saw your request, and I promise you that I'll bring them in, even if I have to do it one at a time. Just bear with me, okay?

Does anybody else have ideas for FF character candidates? Do you want a specific moogle? Your favorite protagonist (major, minor, makes no difference)? Last chance to offer ideas while I'm working here. Just keep in mind what I said in the previous chapter, and we're cool.

Anyways, hope you like this chapter.

I own nothing of Kingdom Hearts except my OCs.

Read, leave a review, but no flames are allowed here.

Video Surveillance: Computer Room – Record 068

At first, the computer room was empty, devoid of any activity that the staff would've been doing during the day. But then, what seemed like nothing more than a wall opened up to reveal a secret door, and Xehanort cautiously stepped out into the open.

He had secretly arranged a rendezvous with Vayne Solidor ever since they exchanged messages a little over a week ago. However, in order to avoid any extreme suspicion on them, Xehanort managed to notify Vayne on meeting him at night, since there would hardly be any activity when the dark of night shows its face and not many people would be on duty. After all, under the cover of darkness, nobody would notice a thing going on behind their backs. Not to mention, since it was a personal matter, it would be best if anyone they know are not involved with their own agendas.

Then, after moments of eerie silence, the sound of an elevator humming lowly was heard, and Xehanort turned to find Vayne coming out of the transport and into the room. He was still in his regular clothes, most likely because he hadn't bothered changing out of it.

"You arrived, I see," Xehanort said calmly.

"You were the one who arranged the meeting point, sir. I just went along for the ride," Vayne replied casually. "I will admit, though, it was not easy mapping out a route to the computer room without Ansem watching my movement."

That caught his attention. "Master Ansem was watching you? What for, pray tell?"

Vayne gave him a hard look before he replied, "You haven't heard, have you? There has been a spree of disappearances in the city as of late, and all the folk out there are slipping into a state of panic. On top of that, Professor Shantotto has caught on that something is going on, and she is currently investigating the cases." He paused. "And that is just the half of it. The other matter is that Ansem himself has his suspicion on nearly everyone within this castle, me included. Why he would is quite beyond me, but what are the odds that he might have an idea on what is transpiring?"

"If he suspects anything, then that would hinder my work greatly, and would practically ruin everything," Xehanort agreed, "But for now, that is of no importance. Let us come to our original objective: for what reason do you want to know about my experiments?"

An unsettling silence returned to the room as Vayne thought over his answer. He had to determine the best words to use to describe his curiosity over the secret projects that the apprentices have been doing for quite some time, and had to weigh on how the young man can be persuaded into sharing the information that has been kept under wraps.

"Not everything in this world is a peaceful, serene life. There are people out there that have always been suspicious on my family," Vayne explained, "I suppose it didn't help when those who knew us best have been spreading foolhardy rumors that I am a cold-blooded murderer just because my father died under peculiar circumstances. The point is that if my brother and I went anywhere else, what are the odds that they will regard us in a negative manner?"

Xehanort rubbed his chin with intrigue on this. "Ah…so that's why you have been living in refuge under Ansem's watch. But it wasn't enough for you, was it? Even within this castle, there are others who see you as a villain." He gave away a little smirk. "Am I to presume that your innocent younger brother is unaware of the dark stains on your family's reputation? Why else would you seek me in desperation?"

"Indeed, he doesn't know. And I would prefer if he never knew at all. He doesn't know what it's like out there, unlike me," Vayne replied as he shook his head, "If at all, I would rather that Larsa not see the monsters that lurk among those who appear to be inviting and sympathetic."

"Including you?" Xehanort asked.

That question alone managed to hit the young adult's nerve, but his grimacing face spoke volumes about his own inner demons.

"…That is true, I regret to say. If it was up to me, I would rather become a monster than allow Larsa to suffer at the hands of the wrongful persecutors," But Vayne shook his head to shove the bad thoughts away. "But never mind that for now. The reason I am interested in your experiments is because I desire to find a method – a tool, maybe – to protect my brother from the dangers of the world. Whatever it is you are working on might have the answer to help punish the enemies of young Larsa. Who knows? But I will not take any risks unless I know what you have learned."

Xehanort, when Vayne was not looking, flashed a devious grin with fascination at the young man's dedication and audacity to fight back against opposition. In a way, Vayne has demons within him that just needed the right opportunity to come out and wreak havoc against anyone who got in the way.

"Quite the admirable, brotherly dedication you have. No wonder you are desperate at this point, Vayne," Xehanort said with fake sympathy, "If I were a brother, I would feel the same way…Sadly, though, I wouldn't know about that since I have no memory to speak of." Then, when least expected, he placed his hands on Vayne's shoulder and made a cunning proposition. "Now, then, you wanted to know about my experiments, don't you? I do not have much to present right now because we are still studying these curious creatures we have dubbed 'Heartless'. However, I can tell you that – from what we have been able to work with – these things display such strong urges to seek their prey, much like a typical predator. The darkness in people's hearts, under the right conditions, can influence one person to become the monster that all would fear. From what we have tested so far, the results of the transformations are quite pleasing to the eye."

Vayne raised an eyebrow at this, and turned to meet Xehanort with interest. "If that is the case, should you find anything that would be worth my attention, will you let me know about it?"

"Indeed, I will. As soon as I find a breakthrough, I'll invite you in on the project," Xehanort replied.

"You do that. In the meantime, it would be best if we try to lay low on the matter," Vayne agreed, eager to fulfill his goals.

"Now that that's settled, perhaps we should discuss your brother's…diversion," the sly apprentice pointed out.

"What have you found?" Vayne asked with a shred of curiosity.

"Not what…who is the question. I've managed to find someone who will be of use to you during our mission," Xehanort replied, "During a stroll through town, I found an able-bodied man in the streets, with no home and no destination. Nothing more than a stray, but he has strength and great willpower." He paused for a moment. "Tell me, does the name Noah ring a bell to you?"

That caught the young man's attention, making him more curious. "Not too much. Why? Did you tell him to seek out Master Ansem in order to use him?"

"You said so yourself: your brother must not see the demons among men. And what better way to do that than a strong man to protect him from persecutors and rid him of the monsters that would threaten him?" Xehanort told him with clever allure. "He'll be on his way tomorrow to meet with Ansem, and will be given a place among his ranks. From there, I'll see that he knows what his real objective is. Rest assured, with his help, your secret is safe and secure with me."

For a good long while, Vayne said nothing in response. However tempting it was to question Xehanort's reassurances, he couldn't help but be even more intrigued at the prospect of achieving something great, even if it had to be done with utmost discretion. Nonetheless, his concern for his brother made him more than willing to take everything in and accept this promising proposition, and do whatever it takes to keep Larsa safe.

"Alright then, Xehanort…How do you suppose we should proceed with this plan?" Vayne asked him, eager to seal the deal.

Upon hearing this acceptance, Xehanort couldn't help but show a confident smirk that he had succeeded with his affairs…