And we're back! :)

The cold sterile light of the laboratory's shone down on Rinoa Heartilly as she placed the last few specimens of the zooplankton in the large refrigerator that held the specimens. She pulled off her lab coat and walked over to the door. She reached over to the light switch when a voice cut her off.

"Rinoa dear, I think I'm going to over a stay a little late again," Rinoa looked over to see a middle aged man, with long blond hair and green eyes looking up from his microscope.

"Of course, Professor," Rinoa replied.

"Rinoa, for the two-hundredth time, please do just call me Vexen," The man asked, a slightly annoyed look crossing his face.

"Sorry," Rinoa said before walking out the door. As the door closed, Rinoa stole an admiring look at Vexen.

Professor Vexen Clarkson was everything Rinoa dream of becoming. He had earned multiple doctorates in a wide array of scientific studies. His I.Q. reached the one hundred and fifties, he made guest appearances at universities across the planet, had discovered an entire new species of antelope not to mention dozens of previously unknown microorganisms, and even won a Nobel Prize. Leon, Rinoa's boyfriend, sometimes teased her saying that she vauled her work under Vexen over their relationship. That wasn't true, but Rinoa never took for granted the opportunity she had been granted to work with Vexen, or the respect he showed her.

"Finally!" Vexen muttered to himself. "Now I can get to doing real work. Honestly, how did I end up working with such a pathetic moron. I am an intellectual giant, why did I ever take her under my wing."

Vexen continued muttering as he leaned over the table and looked into the micro-scope.

"Such harsh words Vexen, you really know how to break a girl's heart."

Vexen almost jumped at the sound. He spun around to see a figure. The figure was wearing a long black trench-coat. The hood was pulled over her head so Vexen could not make out any of her features but he knew who it was.

"Number XII, what do you think you're doing here?" He growled, his voice lowering to a whisper.

"Oh, come on Vexen, can't a friend just drop by and pay a visit?" Number XII replied.

"Do you know how stupid that sounds? Your actions are a massive break of protocol," Vexen spat.

"Hmm, you're right that is stupid, after all you don't have any friends," Number XII retorted before snorting a laugh.

"Why you.. When the Superior finds out about this," Vexen threatened.

"But Vexen, he told me to come," Number XII mock pouted before adding in a more serious tone. "The time has come."

Vexen's eyes immediately widened at Number XII's words. Without a single word, Vexen walked past Number XII and stopped in front of the specimen holder. He pushed it to the left, blocking the door. Behind the specimen holder was a large vault placed into the wall. Vexen quickly spun the combination into the vault and opened it.

"So begins the great experiment," Vexen said.


Jasmine walked hand-in-hand with Saïx through the mall. Various people stared as they passed. She had grown used to this by now. Everyone looked at the two of them together and thought 'How in the world did that freak get that girl? None of Jasmine's friends understood her relationship with Saïx and her father had almost had a heart attack when he had first met his potential son-in-law. However, Jasmine had always found that the positions should be reversed in the common thought. How in the world had she ever ended up deserving Saïx?

Jasmine had come from a very well off family. She had gone to all of the best boarding schools, received the finest education, and gotten everything she wanted from her parents. That last part had proved problematic. Her parents truly loved her, but they lacked the ability to say 'no' to her. Thus, Jasmine had become quite the wild child. She did whatever she pleased, whenever she pleased. Anything from 'harmless' practical jokes to spending whole days at various parties. She loved the thrill of doing anything, anywhere, at anytime. Then, she literally ran into Saïx. At first, she was completely repelled and somewhat frightened by him. So of course the only thing to do to prove to her friends that she wasn't a coward was to sneak into his house at three A.M. She had found him, not asleep in his bed, but slumped over his chair, presumably in the middle of grading papers. Jasmine took his watch as a victory trophy and left. However, the next day, all she could do was stare at the watch. Jasmine tried to enjoy herself, but inevitably, her thoughts wandered back to Saïx. The day after, she returned his watch. After that, she started a strange friendship with him. Saïx seemed to be able to instruct a kind of order on her life. Not in any forceful way, but it was like his own complete self-control managed to rub off on her. Jasmine stopped really enjoying herself during her wild adventures. Instead, Jasmine found Saïx's rather Spartan lifestyle very enjoyable. As they spent time together, Jasmine began to see another side of Saïx. She could see the wide array of emotions he displayed with the slightest of gestures. Eventually, their friendship blossomed into something much deeper.

Jasmine had stopped caring what everyone thought about Saïx from a glance. Jasmine didn't care that people believed he was a heartless freak. If she was the only person who could see Saïx for who he really was, then so be it. The real Saïx was kind, understanding, intelligent..and not here.

Jasmine looked at Saïx, who was currently staring off into space. Jasmine had gotten used to this over the course of their relationship. Saïx was somehow grading his papers, in his mind. Jasmine had no idea how but Saïx managed to memorize them but this was not the first time she had to deal with something like this(and probably not the last.) A quick snap her fingers grabbed Saïx's attention.

"Saïx, it's not much of a date if you're going to grade papers in your mind," She said, slightly annoyed but mostly amused.

"My apologies," Saïx replied with his equivalent of an embarrassed blush.

"Saïx, at least try to enjoy yourself, for me," Jasmine asked, a small smile forming on her face.

"I will endeavor to enjoy myself," Saïx said, the corner of his lip quirking upward. "If it will make you happy."


Furthermore..

"Furthermore, who even says that?" Axel muttered to himself before erasing the word. Axel started down at the piece of paper on his leg. It was an apology letter written to Larxene. Axel wasn't sure if it was his romantic sensibilities that inspired him to write this letter, or the fact that he finished a showing of the Notebook. Either way it seemed like a good idea( though on the other side Axel had plenty of life experience that said just because something seemed like a good idea didn't mean it was one.)

"Okay, from the top," Axel said as he started reading his letter. He had spent the last twenty minutes splitting his time between writing this letter and showing his latest film, Cinderella. After finishing his recap, Axel stood up, taking a moment to stretch before walking over to the camera equipment and sliding film reel containing the last trailer, before the film. He sat back down and looked over the letter. It's good, but something's missing.. Axel mused. He picked up his pencil and started to add something when..

Thud.

Axel jumped at the sound.

"What the.."

Another loud thud, interrupted Axel. Then another, and another, and another followed. Soon the thuds became constant. Axel looked up at the celling wishing he hadn't spent all of last night watching horror movies. The thuds continued for a few moments before a large shadow appeared in the air vent. Axel started backing toward the door when he noticed one of the screws on the vent starting to push out.

"Oh boy," Axel muttered. Suddenly, the vent popped open and a strange form fell onto the ground. Axel blinked in disbelief. Lying before him were to children covered in dirty and dressed in what could only be described as rags. One of the two, a boy with spiky blond hair, immediately sat up and leaned over his companion, a girl with dark hair carrying a large stuffed bird.

"Xion, are you okay?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine Roxas it's jus-" She began. She stopped mid-sentence and started at Axel. The boy followed her gaze. He then immediately flung himself in front of Xion spreading his arms wide like he was some kind of tiny bodyguard. It was really kinda cute.

"Hey, are you two-" Axel started before the boy interrupted him.

"Stay back, or else I'll hit you!" Roxas threatened. Okay, now this is just adorable. Axel mentally chuckled. Axel thought for a moment, considering his next move. One summer, during Axel's teen years, his mother had sent him off to stay with his Uncle Reno, who had like twenty kids. At first, Axel thought it was a nightmare, but by the end, he managed to actually control Reno's wild children and even enjoy himself in the process. It there was one good thing Axel had learned during his life it was his way around children.

"Look, Roxas, right, I'm not going to hurt you," Axel said.

"Yes, you are!" Roxas said waving his arms in a protective fashion (this is too cute) "You're going to take away Xion, just like they took away Zack."

"Please, mister," Xion whispered from behind Roxas. "We just want to see the movie."

"...well I just happen to work here, maybe I could sneak you in," Axel grinned.

Roxas and Xion exchanged glances. Axel leaned over and picked up the bag of popcorn, he had brought with him to eat. He slowly inched toward Roxas before handing him the bag. Then, Xion spoke up.

"Roxas, shouldn't we pay him?" She asked. Roxas then reached into one of his filthy pockets and pulled out a rusted old nickel. He handed it to Axel, somewhat reluctantly.

"Look, it's on the house okay," Axel said, getting only confused looks before adding. "I mean it's free okay."

"Uh..Thank you, mister," Xion said.

"Who's mister, the name's Axel, got it memorized," Axel joked in reply.

This managed to elicit a small smile from the two. Axel then opened to door leading to the seats in-front of the screen and ushered them out. He then closed the door and picked up his phone. He opened it to dial a child services group or something but found, he had forgotten to charge his phone.

"Aw..come on!" He growled in frustration.


As the massive screen faded to black and a bunch of words Roxas couldn't read appeared on the screen, Roxas allowed himself a small huff. He didn't get it, why didn't Cinderella ever turn into a frog in the movie? She should have, that's how the story goes. Also, why didn't the Disney Mouse appear? Roxas knew for a fact that the Disney Mouse showed up in every movie about princesses. This was a-

Roxas was snapped out of his thoughts by a sniffle. He looked over to see Xion, tears forming in her eyes.

"Xion, are you okay?" Roxas asked.

"It..it wa…was so..beautiful, Roxas," Xion explained through sniffles.

"Is that bad?" Roxas asked.

"No, Roxas, I'm just really happy," Xion said, getting control of herself. "I'm so glad that we got here."

"Then why are you crying?" Roxas questioned, completely lost.

"Nevermind," Xion said. She then reached into her pocket and pulled out a stuffed yellow foot, Mr. Moogle's other foot. Roxas gasped.

"Xion, you're not.." Roxas began.

"That man, Axel, he let us see something so wonderful, I think he deserves something," Xion said.


Axel stood outside the exit to the theater, tapping his foot impatiently.

"Come on," He muttered. He looked through the crowds trying to find the two orphans from earlier. He was just about to go inside and look for them when he spotted them running to him. He gave a friendly wave, as the two ran up to him. Xion reached into her pocket and started to say something, Axel stopped paying attention when he saw a woman wearing a black coat with the hood up walking down the halls of the theater. Axel blinked for a moment. Could it be… He wondered. The woman had Larxene's exact build and height. Then again, Larxene was exactly uniquely built and she had no reason to be here. Axel had never told her where he worked and she didn't watch many movies. Still, it's worth a shot, besides, she might have a phone. Axel thought.

"Hey, look stay right here," He said interrupting Xion, before running off.


Saïx leaned over and dropped the now empty bag of pop-corn into a garbage can, before turning back to Jasmine.

"See, wasn't that fun?" Jasmine asked, with a hopeful smile. Saïx hesitated a moment. In all honesty, he had spent half of the film mentally tearing its plot to shreds and then spent the second half mentally grading papers.

"Yes," Saïx replied, keeping his voice in its usual monotone. Jasmine's smile dropped. Saïx felt an uncontrollable urge to start verbally whipping himself. He had spent years, years, trying to master his emotions. How in the world was she so good at deciphering everything he said? Maybe, that was why he loved her so much.

"Jasmine, I appreciate your intentions, truly, furthermore, the mere fact that you seemed to enjoy yourself brings me more pleasure then any mere film," Saïx stated simply. Jasmine giggled a little before saying.

"Who says furthermore?"

Saïx was about to defend his choice of words when a man with fiery red hair almost knocked him over running past.

"Watch where you're.." Saïx began. But he stopped in mid-sentence, as two children ran past, one who looked exactly like..

"Xion," Saïx whispered in shock. Without a second thought, Saïx started following.


Axel ran down the familiar halls of the theater, panting desperately. He saw the woman turn the corner that lead to the manager's office. He turned the corner himself to find no trace of the woman. But he did see a large briefcase opened up to reveal what looked like a bomb. He took a frightened step back, bumping into something small. He whirled around to see Roxas and Xion.

"Axel, you forgot your," Xion said before catching sight of the briefcase. "What's that?"

Crap crap crap crap crap, what do I do? Axel thought panicked.

"Xion!" Came a voice. Axel spun around to see a man with creepy yellow eyes and an 'x' shaped scar across his face approaching. He was about to say something when he caught sight of the bomb.

"What is that?" He asked.

"Look that's not mine, I found it..um..quick to you have a phone or something?" Axel replied. The man reached into his pocket and pulled out a phone. He was about to dial when Roxas asked.

"What do those numbers mean?"

Axel and the newcomer both stared at a set of red numbers counting down 5, 4, 3. There's no time, Axel realized. He looked around frantically before spotting the janitor's closet. He grabbed Roxas, Xion, and whoever this new person was and shoved them into the closet just as the counter hit zero. Then a brilliant flash of light nearly blinded Axel and everything when black.