A/N: Hopefully, this chapter won't be boring. XD It's setting things up. Well, welcome to a UCNC story that hayori-spirit-rain3 requested (look at her profile for the details). I've put my own spin on things. It will involve Zexion and his other half Ienzo who's supposed to be his opposite. Even if it won't be the case in Birth by Sleep. But, whatever. It's only five chapters, though I swear this will be a long short story, about Stephen King sized. Or maybe not, since his short stories tend to be REALLY, REALLY long. Anyway...hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: KH belongs to Square-Enix. And I kind of reference "Who Will Save Your Soul?" by Jewel at the very beginning. I don't own that either.

Chapter 1: Boring?

Just another day, another mission, another dollar, another towel—Zexion's strange, twisted thoughts needed to be less lyrical. He was a born scientist prodigy, not a musician. If he was a Somebody again, he would test hypotheses through cleverly planned experiments. There was no way he would grow out his hair any longer and hop from dimly lit coffee shop to coffee shop, hoping to get tipped by critical people. Quite frankly, that very idea was darkly comical. Hilarious. Too bad his heart had mysteriously disappeared, or he would have burst out laughing. Or not. Zexion never laughed. He was too cool to express such trivial amusement on his face. As he stood away from the battle, he watched his mission partner Lexaeus fight Heartless.

The more hearts they released from those dark, yellow-eyed creatures, the more likely Kingdom Hearts could belong to them. But, Heartless having hearts? What a contradiction, not to mention highly illogical, Zexion thought as rationally as ever. Then again, when one looked at this from a more scientific viewpoint, the Heartless were mere thieves of people's hearts. The rest of the time, they searched for hearts to fill some sort of temporary void. For, surely, all Heartless as well as Nobodies faded back to darkness? There were zero exceptions to that rule. Zexion was getting a headache, he sensed it coming on as Number Five's tomahawk wiped out more Heartless.

Zexion's clear cerulean eyes dully moved back and forth, as though this mission was suspenseful. It wasn't. Lexaeus always won these battles (more like training) solely with his brute strength. These pathetic Heartless inevitably had little muscle to speak of. They died within seconds.

"Zexion, behind you!"

However, he hardly needed that warning, for he shut his cumbersome, heavy lexicon on the Large Body that rolled behind him. Hmph, Lexaeus had been somewhat slow on that particular warning, hadn't he? So, after facing a potentially life-threatening situation, he merely yawned. As Lexaeus used his tomahawk like a baseball bat for the conclusion of the fight, Zexion continued looking on disinterestedly.

He liked his mission partner all right, or as much as a Nobody could tolerate a fellow member of the Organization. Sure, Lexaeus hardly uttered a word, making him seem like this dumb lummox, but he remained quiet for a reason. Honestly, he thought himself as superior to the other members. To him, an idiotic conversation was no conversation. However, the two Nobodies could speak to each other without getting dreadfully bored, and that was enough for them. They weren't exactly...friends, but what else could they be considered? Ironically, though, they deemed friendship as non-existent as they themselves were. It was only logical.

As Lexaeus' tomahawk vanished in mid-air, he asked his colleague, "Why do you always stand by?"

If Zexion liked to laugh (which disgusted him to even think about), he might have considered doing it at this moment. Lexaeus should know by now the obvious.

"You are aware that I hate to dirty my hands in anything like this," he replied in his completely emotionless monotone. "I only involve myself when absolutely necessary."

Doubtfully, Lexaeus grunted in response. "Yes, that's true. But, you have the power to clone yourself, so I would assume..."

"I cast illusions. There's a difference. Be that as it may, casting my illusions tends to weaken me."

"Hm...No matter, our mission is over for the day. Let's report."

Taking one last glance at the gray, dreary landscape of Halloween Town, Zexion formed a portal along with Lexaeus. He never thought too highly of the place or any other of the worlds for that matter. The residents of each one usually had revoltingly sweet scents from being associated with the light. It was nauseating. Then again, the smell of Heartless was not much better, more like the smell of rotting garbage. Could there not be a medium of scent between dark and light? After all, the world wasn't black and white; there had to be some gray areas. Zexion continued to ponder this as he exited the portal just in front of Xemnas' office door. His partner soon joined him seconds later.

The younger member sighed. "Sometimes, I wonder why we need to report at all. It's absurd."

"Nothing changes," Lexaeus acknowledged. "If anything, the Heartless continue to multiply."

And that was what Zexion dutifully informed the Superior like he did every day. The only thing that changed about Organization life was the world they would get assigned to. It was as if he lived out his non-existence in constant déjà vu day after day after day. Not even a scientist, cool and collected, could stand this. Vexen, for instance, could only obsessively work in his lab all the time to kill the boredom for him. On the other hand, Zexion never considered Vexen much of a scientist. He failed to control his temper sometimes. An ingenious scientist would work with constant patience and display admirable diligence. But, now that he contemplated this further, Zexion didn't do scientific experiments like he had.

That fateful lab accident on that horrific day...No wonder he hadn't been near science since.

Quietly, he entered the cafeteria without being aware of any member's presence, for he would not trouble himself to say anything to them. If ignoring his fellow Nobodies was considered arrogance, then he was certainly pompous. But, his ultimate goal was to get his heart back. No one would stand in the way of achieving his inner craving. For now, he would have to be content with making a sandwich, quick and easy. He sliced a portion from an entire loaf of French bread before adding lettuce, tomato, and turkey. There, done in five minutes. Zexion never prided himself on being a great chef.

"Hey, Zexion, what's up, man?" a nervous yet annoyingly eager voice greeted him.

If he had proper human circulation, a vein would have throbbed in his temple. However, darkness acted as a sort of gross blood substitute for the Nobodies. They suffered a cruel, unjust afterlife if anybody could call this an afterlife.

In mid bite, Zexion turned around to give the intruder a frosty glare. "Find someone else to vex, Number Nine. You are pathetic."

He had the sense he had just kicked a puppy, judging by the somewhat wounded expression on Demyx's face that he managed to garner. If he had an ounce of caring, he might have felt bad.

Of course, like all exasperating pests, Demyx instantly bounced back for another try.

"Sandwich, huh? It's weird how no one actually cooks around here."

Zexion resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Food is only mere sustenance that gives us energy. How it's prepared—"

Shaking his head in disbelief, that infernal weakling dared to chuckle at Zexion's incoming lecture. "Wow, you can't even talk about food without making it all scientific."

Affronted, he shot back, "As far as the universe is concerned, everything has a scientific explanation. It's most likely too complicated and difficult for your weak mind to understand."

"Oh, so you're calling me dumb?" Demyx still sounded amused.

Losing patience, Zexion took a ferocious bite out of his sandwich. "Imbecile."

He stalked off before it became too clear how irritated he was, because he refused to let Demyx gain that satisfaction. That Nobody had no tact yet he was a total coward at fighting. At least he didn't dread his missions like that inferior being.

Honestly, if not for Demyx accidentally crossing his path on his first week here, Zexion would have never met him. He took care to avoid the Nobodies who hadn't been one of the original six, because most of them were as idiotic and vexing as Number Nine. If he had made a portal shortcut to the library that day...Of course, though, it had been Demyx's fault that he insisted on showing up where he wasn't wanted. Surely, Zexion made it quite clear that having a far too human, pathetic, stupid musician follow him around was not appreciated or welcome. And the music Demyx played was annoying as well, a sort of electric, loud sound.

What he carried around as a so-called weapon wasn't even a genuine weapon at all, but a sitar, a musician's plaything. That was where the music came from as well as some giant bubbles and clones. Maybe that was another reason Zexion valued his power above Demyx's. He considered illusions far superior and more intricate compared to clones that could simply disappear with one hit to them. How could anyone use water to fight anyway? You could shapeshift it to make it look solid (or Demyx could) only the molecules were nowhere near tightly situated like within a solid. So, when a solid clashed with a liquid, guess which would win. It was science—physics, actually, at its most basic.

Obviously, Zexion thought with a smug smirk, that dolt Demyx hadn't the brain capacity to even comprehend this. Too bad, for if his IQ had magically gone up, he could connect molecule structure with his abilities and maybe fight better physically instead of heavy reliance on his vulnerable clones. However, he would have to gain that knowledge on his own, because Zexion would never tell.

Gradually finishing off his sandwich as he stalked the corridors apathetically, he resolved to go to the library. He went there every other day if not every day to get away from any reminder of a mission or Demyx. Seriously, that imbecile needed to find another outlet for being a pest. How about Axel or Roxas? Those two underlings would be the perfect company for him. Their combined intelligence couldn't even fill a thimble...if intelligence could be tangibly measured. No matter, no time like the present to distract himself with a book. Only he very seldom read any run-of-the-mill fiction novel. No, his personal preference was research. Remembering what trying to figure this out resulted in last time, Zexion stayed away from studies of the heart as a precaution. He would not be reminded of the one thing that destroyed him.

The library was relatively simple in terms of how it was originally built. Despite the white marble walls, the whiteness wasn't as striking as with every other room apart from the members' private rooms. Fairly dimly lit, there were only lamps in holders that contained a single flame. Flooring consisted of a deep crimson velvet carpet, and the bookshelves themselves had long since gathered dust and cobwebs. Sometimes, if he couldn't think of anything to look at, Zexion would dust them—the lower shelves, unfortunately. He always despised his lack of tall height. Demyx often teased him about it.

Tables with chairs were spread out throughout the entire large library, though they were rarely used. Only he spent this much time here. Occasionally, Larxene would drop in, but he made sure he stayed hidden at one of the back tables, unnoticed and overlooked. Just the way he liked it. He was used to being alone with his reasonable thoughts. Talking was never something he was used to. As a Somebody, he struggled with the definition of friendship, which seemed relatively useless anyway. So, he picked out an old leather-bound book discussing the other worlds in detail. Today it wasn't so much research but merely something to pass the time with until dinner. Page by page, Zexion leafed through it disinterestedly before he stumbled across some information he hadn't discovered in this book before. These particular two pages had been stuck together. So what did this world have that he didn't know about? Probably nothing.

Still, this world appeared rather interesting, judging by the picture of an extraordinary castle long before it had fallen into disrepair. Zexion knew this place. It was...Radiant Garden before it demoted to Hollow Bastion. The description of the world was vastly different than it had been recently. It talked of botanical gardens that no longer existed, trade routes wiped out by Heartless raids surely, and a king and queen who were no longer alive. If memory from his past served, Zexion was certain that toward the end of Radiant Garden's rich prosperity, the king and queen had been only figureheads. Ansem the Wise, his mentor, the one who had taught him so much, acted as mayor over a once beautiful place.

Zexion nearly spat upon the book as he muttered, "That old fool shouldn't have taken me on. Idiot."

He slammed the book closed much harder than necessary, but something inside him couldn't stop this vague frustration from pulsating. It was that collection of memories from that time, he knew it was.

He had always blamed Ansem the Wise for what happened, for what he had become. As a teenager more intelligent beyond his years, though, he knew part of the blame rested on Xemnas' Other. Still, if Ansem had been so reputedly wise, why did he decide to attempt to study something as complex as the heart? And why had he needed apprentices? To be his guinea pigs?

If he possessed less control over this random anger, Zexion would have punched something.

His far more powerful calm, calculating side wouldn't allow such a thing to happen, since it took into consideration he was a Nobody. Nobodies could only experience remnants of emotions rather than truly feel them. Still, if Ansem the Wise hadn't managed to come up with the idea in the first place, they, his former apprentices, wouldn't have had to suffer the consequences of an old man's mistake. To live with the end results of that mistake every day until he faded to darkness (such a cruel fate wouldn't befall an ordinary human) was something Zexion despised if he could. And remembering all this seemed to make the library lose its appeal for the day.

He simply placed the book back in its proper place and walked out as quickly as possible, failing to notice a certain observer hiding behind one of the shelves. Fruitlessly looking out the window (it was dark all the time at headquarters), he wondered as an afterthought what time it was. Surely, not time for dinner.

Maybe he was foolish enough to let that sudden surge of false emotion overcome him, when usually he needn't care about an occurrence like that. It was just a world his Other used to live in, but it was in ruins now. The place was near uninhabitable now. He knew this; he'd only been assigned reconnaissance duty last week. Heartless swarmed the Great Maw and other surrounding areas of the village. People were most likely dying there every day. Yes, Zexion loosened the reins on his thoughts a little too recklessly. He would ensure not to do something so idiotic ever again. He had departed from his cold yet reticent self.

"Hey, Bookworm, what's up?"

What? Had he been followed? Zexion froze mid-step, not taking too kindly to this interruption.

Sure enough, as he turned around, he saw that simpleton Axel grinning like a hyena just behind him. Who else would call him bookworm? Not even Demyx had sunk that low yet.

In what he considered to be an icy tone, he replied, "It is none of your concern, Number Eight."

Axel waved a dismissive hand. "Of course it isn't. I almost forgot how reclusive all you higher-ups are, always in your own business. Weird that Xigbar's not like that, though."

"That's because Number Two is a buffoon, not unlike you."

"Ouch." The redhead winced as he clutched his chest. "You break my heart, Zexion. Why?"

Zexion responded with a derisive snort as he started walking away.

Unfortunately, since Number Eight was never one to take subtle hints (or he just ignored them, one of the two), he spoke sarcastically, "Yeah, like I don't know what you were doing."

That made him stop yet again. "Pray tell, what do you mean by that?"

"I was there in your lair—I mean, the library, so sorry—and noticed your little temper tantrum. Well, it would be for you anyway. Seriously, you hang out at that library too much. Must be getting to you. Come on, I can't believe how boring you are."

Zexion thought his eye twitched, the one usually concealed by his purplish-gray bangs. For some reason, that irked him more than anything else that day and that included Demyx.

His voice barely above a deadly whisper, he hissed, "I would suggest not to go around spying, Axel."

Axel smirked. "It's what I do best. And I think—and this is only an assumption—that you don't like being called boring. For shame! Accept what you are."

Sensing another random surge of rage, Zexion clenched and unclenched his fists. Perhaps if he challenged this idiot to a duel, he would prove how exciting he was. But, taking into consideration their height difference, he couldn't. Why did he have to be so accursedly short?

"Please," he said condescendingly. "I am not as dull as you say I am. You simply don't have intelligence to—"

Axel held back his head, laughing. "Is that your answer to everything? Everyone is dumber than you? That's rich! Come on, dude, even Mr. Monotone Superior thinks you're lame. Let me know when you start getting interesting, Bookworm. Ciao!"

He teleported to somewhere else, still laughing, while Zexion was once again alone with his thoughts.

Boring? How could he possibly be boring? He merely kept to himself just like the other members of the Organization. Besides, if the opposite of boring meant being as obnoxious as Axel, he could easily take a pass on that offer. True, he displayed very little of what one would call personality, but could that be the definition? No one ever called Lexaeus, his mission partner, boring, and he was hard pressed to say anything. Maybe that was because everyone except Zexion didn't know the man existed. He was as overlooked as the rocks he controlled. Hm...Was it because Zexion just happened to be a teenager with a fully functioning brain and sharp instincts? Axel was an idiot not to acknowledge these traits.

But, that also could be tracked back to what the fire wielder asked just now. It was also true that Zexion did consider himself smarter than the other members.

"But, that's because I am," he reasoned out loud. "I'm the tactician for Kingdom Hearts' sakes. Everyone here can simply misunderstand my genius."

Great, now he was speaking like that arrogant old man Vexen, who went out of his way to go around claiming he was a good scientist. Not really much of a rocket scientist, though, pun intended. Still...he had to know the science behind why such a third-rate insult would...

Science. He thought about science and the meanings to everything in the endless universe too much. That had to be it. Perhaps...perhaps he didn't want to be called boring, like Axel said. Ugh, it was a good thing his inferior couldn't read minds, or he'd be wearing that stupid smirk.

If anything, he thought too much about everything and anything that came up within his mind. He was bound to be silently thinking and less likely to talk at all. Zexion sighed, wondering why he cared. Nobodies couldn't care. He was thinking illogically, especially with this...plan he was currently mulling over. Reluctantly, he made a portal to the cafeteria to eat an early dinner in the hopes (hopes used in the tentative definition of the word) to talk to this member. Once he was there, he actually saw the member he wished to speak with, eating a slice of pizza. He decided to take a frozen TV dinner of lasagna from the freezer.

"Hey, Zexion," Demyx greeted with a friendly wave, even grinning. "I thought you usually didn't eat til late."

Hm, was he already appearing suspicious? Zexion checked the cafeteria for any member who might be dining. He found none, especially not Axel. It was safe.

"Habits can change," he replied stonily, taking an uneasy seat across from his constant pest. "I...I have a question I wish to pose."

Demyx looked somewhat confused. "Really? And you want to ask me of all people? No offense, Zexion, but I thought you'd figure this out for yourself."
His pride wounded, he retaliated sharply, "I would. I just want to make sure I'm right, that's all."

He was thankful his face couldn't burn with shame, calling out his bluff.

Smiling slightly, apparently not intimidated by the harshness of his normally monotone voice, Demyx told him, "I'm not questioning your intelligence or anything. Who would? So, ask away."

It was rather odd how he appeared so inviting, what with the way he opened his arms toward him. With practically any other member, Demyx was borderline cowardly and hardly said as much as three words to them. Oh, if Zexion was taller...

Right now, though, this matter was important. "Am I...boring?"

Surprisingly (in fact, he thought he wasn't listening), Demyx didn't laugh. Not one guffaw. No, if anything, his face looked completely solemn while his sparkling teal eyes lost their playfulness. It was a side of him Zexion had never witnessed before. It felt strange. He thought that Number Nine was immature before, but perhaps he needed to change that opinion.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of silence, Demyx answered this not very thought provoking question. "Well, you're not a barrel of monkeys, I'll say that. I mean, you can be interesting if you'd just lay off the logic. It's a little much."

"You most definitely did not sugarcoat anything," Zexion replied tonelessly apart from the hint of biting sarcasm. Even his stalker thought he was a dull person to be around. All right, maybe Demyx wasn't his stalker, but to hear his reply nonetheless bothered him.

The musician himself shrugged. "I figured you wanted the truth."

"I did. That's what I thought you would say. So, what should I do?"

"I really don't know. I think you might have to come up with that one on your own."

Of all times for Demyx to possibly become more infuriating, this had to be the time in which Zexion had to rely on someone else for an answer. This incredibly demoted his self-worth to nothing. Not only that, but since when did this musician give out advice?

He pushed in his chair with slightly more force. "I should have known too that this was the best a weakling like you could do in terms of so-called advice. I haven't the slightest idea what came over me in the first place. Clearly, turning to you was a mistake."

Removing the plastic cover from the lasagna, Zexion couldn't help but observe the flash of hurt that came across Demyx's face. Imbecile should have realized this sooner.

What was this then that came over him in return? Regret? Please. Honestly, guilt and regret were one and the same: a pathetic human emotion.

"Is that what you really think of me, Zexion?"

Pretending that he didn't hear him, Zexion placed the plastic TV food tray into the microwave. As he punched in the time that was mentioned on the box, he responded.

"If you think I'm boring," he muttered in a tone he couldn't identify before telling Demyx more audibly, "Just leave."

The musician didn't say a word, pushing in his chair before he teleported out. Meanwhile, Zexion stared blankly at the cooking food as though fascinated with the microwaving process.

He thought he glanced upon another shadow identical to his, but it was gone as soon as it had come.

A/N: Hm...kind of a cliffy, eh? With the shadow? Hm? XD Too many disjointed questions, but you get the idea. I'm sorry if this dragged, but it's the only chapter I wrote out of this that dragged for me. I swear.

Hopefully, you guys like this sort of thing. And there will be a pairing. But, it's obvious already, since I put the pairing status on the summary. Please review if this story's OK so far! XD