As Zero surveyed the room, and looked at Roll and Cattelya wearing what looked to be surgical scrubs, he couldn't help but ask,"Okay, again why do I have to be here?"

"Because, I may need an extra set of hands." Roll said sternly as she ensured the sterility of the tools with a cloth that had been liberally doused in a pure alcohol.

"But you have Colbert and Cattelya here. I still don't see a reason that I'm needed here. Isn't Colbert one of those 'new age' thinking people who wants to learn all about this stuff?" Zero asked.

"Cattelya will be busy using her water magic to ensure that our patient stays stable. And no offense Mr. Colbert, while you may be a former soldier and have seen death, many people who have had that type of past can't handle the true workings of the human body." Roll said as she looked apologetically at the older man.

"Ah... No need to apologize... While I'm somewhat eager to see what could be a new door for our world of medicine... The way you're going about it still seems unnatural in some ways..." Colbert replied looking somewhat sheepish.

"So I need you to be here and assist me." Roll said as she looked at Zero.

Zero shrugged as he looked at the broken girl who was laying on her stomach. Roll had put her under with an injection of something or another, Zero didn't really want to ask. He was just here to pass along tools. He watched with something akin to interest as the first incision was made, followed by another. As the injured section of her spinal column came into view it hit Zero. "Roll, wait." He said as he took a step forward, his finger lightly touching the bone." There was a thump from behind him as Colbert had lost consciousness. "I... I can feel it. This area, it is completely devoid of magic. It's almost as if... It's absorbing magic entirely. This could be dangerous if you try and use magic on this point..."

Roll looked at Zero and nodded,"Thank you, Dr. Zero." Roll replied, no sarcasm in her voice."Another reason I wanted you to be here. This confirms that magic can not effect this. but fortunately, with some information that has come to light, I believe we can use some of our own systems and replace the area entirely. From there, I am hoping that with water magic easing the replacement the body will heal 'into' the new parts."

"Ah... But... Is that even possible?" Zero asked bewildered at the giant leap that Roll had made in her logic.

"It is. All thanks to the information I've gotten from your systems, we can do this with little issue." Roll replied as she continued working. She looked at Cattelya who's face was a little off colored. "Are you alright? I need you to hang in there?"

Cattelya nodded as she watched the girl work."I will be fine. Do not concern yourself with that. Just do what you need to do, I will endure."

"Right." Roll replied with a nod as she continued her work, with Zero watching on, handing her tools as she asked, and taking the tools from her when she was done with them. And so began the first surgical procedure of Roll's medical career.

***Break***

Copy X sat in a chair, his eyes lingering on the book he had been reading. As he stared at it he couldn't help but feel a depression. Almost unconsciously he murmured "Zero..."

"What is it?" replied Zero's copy as he sat on some pillows that he had placed under a window.

"Why is there so much war? Why do people have to fight so much when there is no meaning behind it?" Copy X asked, clenching the book tightly in his hand, bending the spine. "Why is it that this library has nothing but a terrible history of death and destruction?"

"Maybe that's the truth of things. It wouldn't surprise me, looking at what we're capable of," Copy Zero replied lazily, having given up on the reading material. He had gotten annoyed at all the stupidity and war, but he'd just set it aside. For some reason, he seemed to accept it on some level, and knew that it would probably always be there.

"That can't be. There has to be more to life than this. There has to be more to the truth of the world than this evil history!" Copy X said fervently.

"Who knows." Zero replied with that same indifference.

"We can put a stop to it right? That's why we were created, right?" Copy X demanded.

"Who knows? We haven't been told why we have been created. For all we know we might just end up being tools to further that type of history." Copy Zero replied somberly.

"I don't believe it. We can change it. If we were created to destroy, wouldn't our father have used us immediately? Would he have given us such freedoms?" Copy X demanded hotly,"Would he have given us the ability to ask such questions?"

"What freedoms? We're given what we need and a library. How is that freedom? It's a freaking cage is all. All we've been given is a cage. How can you call that freedom?" Copy Zero asked irritably.

With a thought, Copy X looked at Copy Zero. "Well... Have we tried leaving?"

Copy Zero's face was blank for a moment before he shook his head. "Hmm. No, I suppose we haven't, have we?"

"Then let's go. We'll see now if father intends to use us, or if we were given freedom when he made us. We'll see if my hope is in vain." Copy X said as he walked to the door. As he opened it and went through, they walked through the corridor that lead to their father's lab where 'Joseph' was working in earnest.

"Ah, my boys. Is there anything that you need?" He asked as he looked up at the pair, his attention attracted by the the sudden noise and movement of the door.

"We're leaving." Copy Zero said while he glared at the man he couldn't bring himself to trust.

"Hmm... Well, growing up so fast. It's alright, have fun, but know you're always welcome to come back to your home. You are my children after all." he replied turning back to his work. "Although..." he said causing Copy Zero and X to pause,"I advise against leaving without seeing Ms Moliere. Just tell her that you need a stipend or some such. I can't leave you to the cold world without some assistance."

"Why?" Zero asked suspiciously.

"Because, as I said my Zero. You're my son. And what type of father would I be to not support you. If you wish to leave and see the world, who am I to stop you from following your dreams? I just wish to give you what help I can." Joseph replied smiling kindly at the copy of Zero.

"See? I told you Zero." Copy X said with a smile.

"That's fine. But we're still going." Copy Zero replied as he left the room. Copy X paused only long enough to give his 'father' a smile and a wave before he followed after him.

Once the two were gone, 'Joseph' whispered to himself,"That's right. See the world for what it is my 'children'. When you do, you will beg to help me rule these people. With this world's blood stained history and hatred, you will be the key to unlocking everlasting peace under my rule!" His laughter continued as he envisioned a world that was his alone to command.

***Break***

Charity flew around the campus, often stopping to interact with people using simple hand signs or to cause mischief when she could. In Tiffania's class she was floating behind Mrs. Chevreuse mimicking her actions, and when the class laughed causing the teacher to look behind her, she would stay out of sight of the teacher. This went on for about a quarter of an hour until she decided to sit on the teacher's shoulder causing her quite a shock. When the woman had squawked out like a startled bird Charity shot out the window giggling as she flew.

"You know, that's not very dignified." Leviathan said as the cyber elf settled on her shoulder. The smaller being made a dismissive gesture then grinned impishly. "Well, at least I know where I got my playful side, if you're any indication. Right father? Or is it mother?" When the girl said that Charity flew into a flurry of activity making multiple hush motions and panicking as she looked around. "You don't have to worry. Zero's working with Roll today. Some new medical 'breakthrough' Roll was calling it. He'll probably be there all day." Charity pouted at that and placed her chin in her hands. "Hey, don't look at me like that. It wasn't my idea. You could always go down there, but I doubt you'd be any help in that form. Besides, isn't it so much nicer out here?" Leviathan asked as she stared at the clear water in the fountain she had chosen to sit near. When Charity nodded, Leviathan smiled.

***Break***
Zero assisted Cattelya up the stairs. It had taken hours, but somehow it was done. With the use of the water magic, and the resequencing of the artificial DNA that was inside the unfinished reploid parts, they had been able to repair Mathilda's spine. While she was still under sedation, neither Zero nor Cattelya had been able to feel anything wrong within that section of her. Cattelya nearly missed a step up as her body sluggishly moved to obey her commands.

"Can you believe it?" Cattelya asked, leaning on Zero. "We just... We just did the impossible!"

"It's not really impossible if we did it." Was Zero's reply. "The word impossible tends to lose it's meaning after a while. You just realize you haven't figured out how to do it yet."

"Ah. I see, but still. A wound that magic couldn't heal! Can you believe that we managed to use magic and the techniques that Roll came up with like that? It's amazing, it's a new start to the world of medicine!" Cattelya said excitedly, sounding much younger than she normally did.

"I think we're getting ahead of ourselves here." Zero replied cautiously. "We only have so many supplies here, and while alchemy can be used to replace non complex materials, I'd not want to trust something as... unscientific... for such important and delicate operations."

"True, true, but not everything has to be like that. We can start with what we can do. I mean, with this, we've proven that these 'surgical' methods are workable! More than that even!" Cattelya said enthusiastically, her voice at odds with how slumped her body was. Her feet dragged as she nearly missed another step.

"Maybe. But who knows how it will turn out." Zero said as he sighed at the slow pace, kneeled down brought an arm behind Cattelya's leg and picked her up bridal style. "What I do know, is that you need to get some rest. Maybe we should have looked for more than one water mage for that type of thing." Zero commented as he took the steps at a quick but not uncomfortable pace for his passenger. Perhaps because of the low light, he missed the blush blossoming on her cheeks.

***Break***

Louise was sitting in Kirche's room, drinking some tea. "What is it that you wished to talk to me about?"

"Oh, nothing much. I just realized, that though we are supposedly friends and allies... I have yet to ask you over for tea. While you are not the eldest daughter of your family, I can't help but think that this can serve two purposes." Kirche said seriously as she looked at the smaller girl.

"Oh?" Louise asked curiously, her eyebrows raised in suspicion.

"Well, you see, if we create a rapport with each other then we can prevent further conflict between our families, and perhaps move from there." Kirche said seriously, taking a sip of her tea.

"I see..." Louise replied as she looked at the girl in a new light. "And what was the second purpose we could accomplish?"

"Why, to capture Zero's heart! We shall use your adorable petite cuteness and my robust and healthy beauty to ensnare him. No matter his preference we shall work together as an unbreakable team that shall snare our fair Zero's heart!" Kirche replied passionately.

Louise stared at her for a moment and realized she was serious. "That's the secondary goal?"

"Well, as I understand it." Kirche replied seriously,"Zero is going to live forever..."

"And?" Louise prompted.

"Well... We can be with him for a while, but we'll need to be careful." Kirche replied sagely.

"What do you mean careful?" Louise asked , unable to help herself. She couldn't see where this conversation was headed, but for some reason it worried her.

"What do you suppose will happen when we get older? Perhaps when we die?"

"I don't know..." Louise replied, unsure where this was going. Why would the girl be thinking like this?

"We need to ensure that there are those who come after us." Kirche replied seriously.

"What?" Louise asked, her face blank. "I don't get it."

"Lovers. People to share his bed and his life. We won't be the first... And I intend that we not be the last."

"What? How can you talk like that? I thought you wanted him as well!"

"I do Louise... but still, wouldn't it be tragic when we're gone... For him to close himself off again? As his wives we can ensure that he will have love even after we're gone. And should he inherit your estate and my families estate..." Kirche let the implied union hang in the air.

"Are you saying you would broker peace with Zero holding land in both country?" Louise asked incredulously.

"Ah. I don't think it would be broker, but I do know that my King would not do anything so stupid as provoke our beloved. Nor do I think your Queen would either. As his life will far exceed our own... He could become a fixture. A light for this world...And it's hero." Kirche stated as she took a sip of her tea. Her gaze never wandering off the nervous looking Louise.

***Break***

Having tucked Cattelya in to bed, and ensuring that she was comfortable, Zero walked down to the courtyard and was surprised to see Guiche and a few of his own cadets working on what appeared to be a building in the late afternoon. "What are you doing?" Zero called out to them.

Turning to look at his commander Guiche smiled and half saluted with his wand."We're building our headquarters." He said simply as he spoke a few more words of power and the earth shifted again.

"It looks awfully large don't you think?" Zero replied with some annoyance at the presumption his second in command had.

"Well, myself and Reynold got to talking." Guiche replied as he turned to face Zero. "While this is a base for us, we've decided that it would extend underground. With wards to prevent scrying and with the assistance of the headmaster, we'll have a large hardened room that can be used as a shelter in case of an attack on the academy. While the last attack wasn't overt, there is no saying that the next one won't be a more direct attack. This way we have someplace safe that would be harder to attack. Adding to that that..." Guiche paused for a moment before he blushed,"Perhaps because of our overwhelming pride, most nobles prefer to have their studies and meeting at the top of towers, you have to admit that putting our important things and holding our meetings below ground goes against all that our enemy would expect."

"I see." Zero replied with a nod. It all made a certain amount of sense. "I see you and Reynold have been doing some soul searching when it comes to being nobles."

"I suppose you could call it that." Guiche said with a smile. "As a noble I have a job to do, and pride to uphold. But I've come to realize it's not my pride that needs to be upheld. It is the pride in my job, the protection of my people and country that I must uphold. My pride in holding to my values and what I believe to be right."

"Sounds like we've got a little Zero on our hands." Leviathan said from behind Guiche, Charity firmly seated on her shoulder. "I was wondering why such a place was being built. I must say, that I do not like the whole earth thing you got going though, it's just not my style..."

With a grin Guiche replied,"Oh I think you'll change your tune. Although it's not magically heated as the bath is, there is a small pool of water that Montmorency was kind enough to create by forking a small underground stream through the lower area. While the water flows through it slowly, it's more than fast enough to keep the water from becoming stagnant."

Leviathan raised an eyebrow at the kid and asked,"You did all that for little ole me?" as she leaned forward over Zero's shoulder. At this time Charity took the chance to seat herself firmly on Zero's shoulder.

"Not likely." Zero replied with a smile, to which Leviathan scowled.

"Well... For such a beautiful lady I would like to say I did, but having a ready access to fresh water during short siege like one might expect... would be helpful don't you think?" Guiche replied blushing a little at the practicality of his 'gift' to her being discovered so soon.

"Sound tactics..." Leviathan replied while keeping her scowl, then grinned as she looked at Zero. "So, how did it go today?"

"Oh, it went well. It was much more involved than we had hoped it would be, but it should be fine now." Zero replied sounding relieved, if tired.

"What should be fine?" Guiche asked curiously.

"Ah ah ah, you'll have to wait like everyone else." Leviathan replied with a smile,"Especially after trying to offer up a gift like that when it wasn't even meant for me. That's just unforgivable, especially since Zero's the only person I'd allow to play with me like that."

Zero choked as he realized the innuendo that was used. "Leviathan..."

"Yes, commander?" she asked sweetly.

"You should watch what you say... It could be taken out of context." he said trying to control his voice, and the rising blush on his face.

"Oh, I doubt that." Leviathan replied,"I didn't say anything I didn't mean."

"People don't just take words literally." Zero replied tartly.

"I know. I still stand by my statement." Leviathan replied slyly as she leaned against Zero causing him to back away while she laughed at him.

"My commander, were it not for my beloved Montmorency I would ask that you teach me what art it is that you use to attract so many fair and beautiful women, but alas that door is shut to me." Guiche said theatrically as he pulled his rose wand from his shirt. "But there are others in our command who could use your guidance, those who do not yet have a love to call their own that you should give your guidance to."

"Guiche. You're about three seconds from a sparring match." Zero grumbled angrily as Leviathan laughed at him, while Charity also showed her own mirth at Zero's predicament.

***Author's notes***

Holy crap. two people fixed in two chapters? Roll is certainly on a roll when it comes to fixing people up! Shields himself from the rotten fruit that is thrown in response to his terrible, terrible pun..

So, Copy X and Copy Zero are going out to see the world. One wonders what they'll find? The biggest thing is, they don't appear to know they're copies either.

Honestly haven't played any of the KH games after the first one. I intended to but lost interest. Tends to happen to me. Although it's a classic trend in history. Heroes are made in the memories of those they touch, not in the intentions of the heroes themselves. So a hero could be someone who wants to be a hero and does their best to be a hero... Or it can be someone who just can't stand the way things are and does what they need to to fix it. IF they die, or have to pay for it, that's fine. They did what they believed is right, and have saved those that they could. It's often those heroes I respect the most.

The Zero virus is a computer virus. it only effects mechanical and biomechanical things. A humanoid might be effected by it, depending on how they're set up, as would a reploid but a pure human would not.