Jacob: Bill Clinton once discussed the meaning of the word 'is.' I thought it was very… well, odd, to say the least.
Kaitlin: Even compared to what you and Jordan get up to?
No. XV
Frozen Pride
The sounds of whirring machinery and bubbling beakers could be heard clearly within the pale, almost empty laboratory. The place where Organization XIII conducted their experiments was not exactly a place for social outings.
Vexen, the Organization's leading scientist, stood over an operating table, starin gat the prone form lying atop it. Without bothering to turn his head, he reached for the recording device lying on the nearby desk and turned it on.
"Research Entry 326," he began, pacing back and forth. "The Program is largely on target. No. i, my finest Replica, has proven an even greater success than anticipated. I intend to take the other vessel-judged unfit for number status-to Castle Oblivion, where I will subject it to further testing. One thing is clear: could these Replicas not be classified as a special sort of Nobody?"
"Possibly," said a voice behind Vexen, startling the wits out of him, "but they would not be true Nobodies, due to the fact they were never anyone to begin with, unlike most Nobodies."
Vexen turned and glared at the intruder. "Kavma! How dare you enter here unannounced! Can't you see I am currently conducting research?"
"Indeed. In fact, the very reason I came in was to collaborate on your various experiments and data sources." And to watch your face contort in wild outrage while I'm at it, he thought privately.
Vexen sneered. "Hmph! And why is that? I believe that you are supposed to join Roxas in his mission today, correct?"
"I was," Kavma said mildly, "but I saw to it that he was paired with Xion today." He could see from Vexen's expression that he was now interested. "They aren't done yet, but I hope you'll be happy to hear that I will be giving you a report of their mission when they RTC." He glanced at the body on the table. "I assume that is one of the 14 other Replicas we made?"
"That is correct," said Vexen, turning to the table and picking up an odd instrument from a tray. "Unlike No. i, I have declared this one to be an inferior model. I intend-"
"To take it to Castle Oblivion. I heard you." He stared at the Replica. "Strange how they start without any features whatsoever. By the way, I heard that Marluxia has been given authority of Castle Oblivion by Xemnas. Were you aware of this?"
Vexen grimaced. "Oh, yes, I'm aware," he seethed, gripping the instrument with more force than necessary. "How dare they…He's only number eleven! How could they give him such a position? A more appropriate choice would be myself, or Lexaeus, or Zexion, even!"
"Would you rather it be Demyx?" Oh, I can't wait to see his face when his mind comprehends that!
"?" Vexen's expression defied explanation.
"I was joking, Vexen. We all know that Demyx isn't competent enough, nor does he have the capacity, to handle the position."
"That, Kavma, is an understatement."
"I suppose so." He checked his watch. "Looks like they should be back around now. I will return later to give you that report."
"Duly noted."
~Several months later~
The lab was strangely empty and dark, the same as most of the castle. Kavma quickly entered, wanting nothing more to get what he came for and leave. As he approached the sealed door, he thought briefly about what had occurred over the past few days. Xemnas, you have gone too far, as far as I am concerned. But you had your uses. He quickly typed in the code, and the door opened, sliding back to show an odd sight.
Time for my compensation, he thought as he gazed at the eleven Replica containment pods.
Now to have Princess come in with the forklift- His train of thought immediately halted, remembering who he was thinking about, and her destructive tendencies. On second thought, I'll take care of it myself.
Kaitlin: RTC means "return to the castle." Also, the ending only makes sense if you read our other fics. Oh, wait, we haven't published those parts yet…