Author's Notes: Another fic that I literally will spend my time on seeing as how I wanna keep improving my English and whatnot – prepare to suffer my weird yet intriguing roleswap trash fic filled with one-shots!
You've been warned again!
Warning: Features a slow-developing romantic story in an alternate universe where Mina plays Repliku's role and Kairi plays Namine's role – again, you've been warned!
His 'Finest' Creation!
"Nearly done… so much progress that will all be worth it in the end! I still can't believe I stumbled upon the perfect specimen for the experiment… though I do wonder if Marluxia will be pleased. Hmph, what do I care if he isn't? It matters little…" These thoughts echoed inside the scientist Vexen or as he was famous known as the Chilly Academic while checking on the computer that was connected to that pod housing someone that was important to him.
Like most of his comrades in the mysterious Organization XIII, he wore the standard black coat that came with boots and gloves. But his appearance was that on a person that spotted platinum blonde hair that was worn longer with two slightly short bangs that framed his face along with emerald green eyes, which were solely focused on the monitor that was displaying the life readings of his 'experiment' as he claimed inside his mind.
One thing that made Vexen special within the Organization was the fact that he wasn't just a scientist a heart but he also controlled the powers of ice and blizzard – hence why he was titled the 'Chilly Academic'. Plus, he was a very cold individual that only respected those who felt like deserved it… but to those that were considered 'neophytes', he was cold and cruel towards them.
He had only love for one thing – science. To him, it was like a child being born from the womb of a mother and nurtured until it could be considered a gift… that was what Vexen truly though towards science – he didn't just crave for it. He loved it and always performed any and all forms of experiments in his free time… yet this one was very different.
Recently, he had received orders from the higher-ups to head onto the Organization's second base: 'Castle Oblivion' and await for further instructions. In addition, five other members came along with him – Number V: Lexaeus; Number VI – Zexion; Number VIII – Axel; Number XI – Marluxia and Number XII – Larxene. The last two he hated the most since they were considered the most cruel and wicked inside the Organization – plus, they had the habit of commanding others to do their dirty work for them.
The only people Vexen trusted the most were Lexaeus and Zexion – mainly due to the fact that they all spent their human years very close back at their home in Radiant Garden… but that was a long time ago. As for Axel… he didn't trust him. Not one bit – mainly because he was dubbed as the person who is most difficult to read. Nobody knew what he was thinking or what he could plan next… why he came aboard for this mission, no clue.
When they arrived at the castle, the name was no joke… this place was definitely a hellish oblivion. Once you entered, nothing but an endless maze awaited you… though only those who had knowledge of the castle could navigate it without trouble.
So, imagine the surprise on the faces of the members when they discovered a resident that was already living inside one of the castle's room at the top: a young girl with a pale complexion, long hair that was bleached in a dark shade of red with bangs on the opposite side and violet-blue eyes. Her only piece of attire was a simple sleeveless white dress that ended at her thighs in an embroidered laced pattern and a pair of blue-colored sandals with decorated flowers on them.
After a quick questioning by Marluxia and Larxene, they realized several things about the girl:
Her name was apparently Kairi and she was born inside this castle;
She couldn't remember a single thing about who she was or how she ended up in this castle;
She had the rare ability of memory manipulation.
The members quickly came to the conclusion that she was a Nobody – a creature that possessed no heart or any emotions whatsoever. Though nobody had a clue on who was the other-half to 'Kairi'… if this girl was Nobody, then her Somebody had to be out there somewhere.
For the time being, they allowed Kairi to continue living in the castle under their watchful eye, of course – in addition, she was also informed of the potential consequences should she attempt to escape or rebel in some way or form. She obeyed and kept quiet – though she was asked questions about her former life and her powers.
All they could learn was mainly the fact that by using a sketchbook, her powers were in full operation – memories could be manipulated and even changed. She just had to draw something and lives or events could be changed… it was a dangerous power indeed. One that Marluxia and Larxene decided to exploit for their own secret agendas.
Speaking of that, those two were up to something… yet they didn't share. All that was known was that in end, a worthy prize awaited them. Vexen and his two companions weren't so convinced – they believed that Marluxia and his partner-in-crime were up to something and that Axel was also on board with this as well. Yet, they couldn't prove it mainly because they were assigned to different floors:
Marluxia and his partners at the upper floors with Kairi;
Vexen and his companions at the lower floors.
The fact that they were hiding something frustrated Vexen to no end… he needed to find out what those two (Axel included) were up to but no such luck. There were complications:
Even if he did find out what Marluxia was up to, he needed proof. Failure to accuse without the proper evidence would draw the attention of the superior Xemnas and he would be in trouble;
If Marluxia was planning something in the works, Vexen needed the help of his comrades in order to stop him – alone he would be vanquished;
He also needed a spy to keep an eye on Marluxia and whatever he was up to – Axel couldn't be trusted since his mind was unpredictable; Zexion and Lexaeus – possibly.
For the last one, he thought about using Kairi as his spy yet the girl wasn't trustful of her caretakers mainly due to the fact that she was under abuse from Larxene and the constant watch of Marluxia. Plus, he had a small pity for her due to the fact that in his human life he took care of the young Ienzo before he became Zexion.
He thought long and hard about how to earn her trust but nothing came up in his mind until it hit him – she was alone. Perhaps if he could befriend her, then maybe she could be trusted enough to become his spy… though he had to roll his own eyes at his statement… he himself was a Nobody and not a human. He couldn't possibly befriend her… but someone else can.
Axel was out of the question since he was unpredictable; Zexion… probably - but prone to failure. Vexen was frustrated – nothing was working… he would never get his spy and find out in Marluxia had a secret agenda in mind. And just when he was about to give up – his prayers were answered.
One day while busy in his lab – a corridor of darkness had been summoned. Vexen at first thought that it might be Marluxia or Xemnas… until the most peculiar thing happened: a female around the age of 16 with brunette hair and red eyes landed face forward into his lab – ironically, she was completely naked and bruised up a bit. Said corridor disappeared soon afterwards and left Vexen alone in his lab with the girl.
The academic approached the girl and began examining her from top to bottom – he had no idea who she was or what she was doing here. He had to admit that it was first time seeing a female that was naked falling through a corridor into his lab… at first, he thought it might be a prank from either Axel or someone in the Organization but the chance of that being was one-to-a-million.
He also wondered if she was a Nobody like him but he dismissed it upon sensing that she still had heart. In the end, he concluded that she was an ordinary female that lost her world to either darkness or the Heartless. Vexen planned on contact either Zexion or Lexaeus to discuss this… until he sensed something – mainly in her heart.
Darkness… not just any kind of darkness – but pure and tainted… just like that girl that the Seeker of Darkness manipulated… what was her name… Xion. Fascinating…
Vexen wondered what to do with her… contact his comrades or keep her hidden? He couldn't allow Marluxia to find her – if he did, he could use the girl in his… plans… Then, it hit him.
He found the perfect way to convince Kairi to be his spy and to find out what Marluxia was up to. Not only that, he had a weapon in case the neophytes tried to hurt either him or his comrades – the only ones that he trusted at least. Perfect!
So, he set to work and placed the girl in a pod to keep her stabilized and alive - in addition, he cleaned up the wounds and patched her up to full health. Another thing was that he gifted her with the same abilities that the girl Xion was manipulated with by the Seeker of Darkness: the sword Soul Eater; the ability to use dark-based spells and Dark Mode.
By gifting the girl these abilities, she would be able to use them against Marluxia when his plot was revealed… plus, his spy would also be protected too in case the neophytes tried something. So far, everything was going according to plan…
Only a single problem remained – the girl's memories were the same… she needed a new identity in order to not draw suspicion. That was easier said than done – with a little help from Kairi he could manipulate the unknown girl's memories and create a false identity for her. Though… would the Memory Witch agree?
Of course not! Vexen wasn't a fool – the girl with the memory manipulation wasn't a threat at all… if anything, she was quiet and reserved with a hint of politeness. It would be impossible for her to agree to his terms of becoming his spy… unless he offered something more to the table.
A friend was a start… but what else? Hmmm… what did the girl desire more… her own room? Probably, no Marluxia and Larxene to keep an eye on her – wouldn't that be an enjoyment… hmmm… what did she desire…? What… what…
Then it hit him – freedom. She didn't want to be in this castle… she wanted to escape and hide where no abusive caretakers would hurt her or order her to do as she was told without fearing what the punishments would be.
Ugh, curse his pity towards children… alright, it was decided – if Kairi performed a good job, she would be allowed to leave and go wherever she wanted. Vexen planned on not telling the superior or anyone else about her or her abilities. But… ONLY if she did a good job.
In addition, he planned on letting her keep the unknown girl as her friend – to allow her some form of company. God, he was growing soft… why was he acting this way? He was the 'Chilly Academic' of the Organization and not a child caretaker!
He didn't know why he was acting this way… maybe it was because he felt remorse at what he had become… the cruel irony – him feeling remorse for being a Nobody; maybe he wanted to atone for what he did to his master Ansem; maybe… just maybe… he wanted to do something useful in his life.
Either way, he still had work to do and a spy to hire…
And thus, here he was… his 'finest' creation was nearly completed – all that remained was to manipulate his mind and rearrange her memories… then he found find out just what Marluxia was planning.
The door to the lab was opened slowly as the memory witch known as Kairi entered inside with her blue sandals making squeaking noises. "H-hello, Vexen… you wanted to see me, sir?" She inquired shyly as Vexen turned to look at her and smiled.
"Yes, indeed. I have a little proposition for you with the promise of a reward should you perform your task well." Vexen told her as Kairi looked at him confusingly but with a shy look.
"W-what… do you- Who is she?" Kairi asked before pointing at the naked brunette girl resting in a dormant state with her eyes closed.
Vexen's smile increased. "Ah, yes… my finest creation yet: a girl whose heart possess nothing but pure darkness. Kairi, allow me to introduce: 'Mina'! You have a very important role to play in this young girl's life… if you are intrigued, of course." He told her.
Questions ran through Kairi's mind – Who was 'Mina'? Why was she in a pod? Why did Kairi have a role to play with the girl? What kind of proposal did Vexen have?
"An… i-important role?" Kairi inquired as she shifted her feet a little bit in a shyly look – Vexen just nodded.
"Yes. If you succeed, I promise you that the reward will not only satisfy you… but you will also have the opportunity to do some good. But only if you are curious…" Vexen told her as Kairi continued to shift her feet.
Part of her was telling that this might be a trap set by either Marluxia or Larxene… yet curiosity filled her mind once more. After a few seconds of silence, she decided on at least hearing out what Vexen's proposal was. "We-well… okay. I'm listening…" She assured him.
Vexen smiled – so far, so good…
Now, let's see if she will agree to the terms of his proposal.
Next time:
Vexen: You are to act as my spy and report every moment that Marluxia is making.
Kairi: You'll… r-really free me?
Mina Replica: I swore that I would protect you… you are my friend and we made a promise when we were kids.
Axel: What is he up to…?
Mina Replica: I'm better than whatever you'll be, old hag.