Chapter Text
The sounds of typing and whirring filled the usually quiet basement as Zexion, alongside Vexen and occasionally Lexaeus, worked to set up the rest of the equipment to actually monitor the thick darkness like they had been ordered originally. Of course, that's still what they're here to do, as well as now to help look for the same something the others were, just down here. Though, he was more focused on the creature currently watching him.
It had been sitting with its head and shoulders out of the stain for a while now, just observing him with narrowed red eyes. Well, its eyes are always narrowed so it’s hard to tell what emotion it's displaying. When it noticed he was staring back at it, it hissed and its strange antenna ears twitched rapidly, though it surprisingly didn’t melt back into its liquid form. Zexion tilted his head in response and met its eyes directly.
They stayed like that for a few more seconds before the creature growled and made a jerky movement towards him, as if trying to lunge at him. But it had attempted things like this before multiple times so Zexion gave it no reaction, which seemed to frustrate it even more and its ears flattened against its head. Then, with an annoyed grumbling noise, it sunk back into the ground and the moment was over. He hummed quietly at that and tapped a few buttons on the panel.
All the information that they had gathered on the creature specifically was stored in the panel and lines of text popped up on the screen. It had only taken a few days for them to discover the majority of the darkness that permeated the basement originated from this small creature, which fascinated him. How could something so small and weak create this much darkness to the point of choking? Though he supposed it was wrong to call it weak now, the strength of its dark aura had increased and the shield he theorized it used due to frailty had completely disappeared. Vexen and Lexaeus had spoken about how they remember these particular creatures being the weakest of the monsters from back then, even he had vague memories of them being weak, but when looking at this one, he had difficulty believing this one was the same.
Even though it had only managed to bring its arms out of the stain once, it had still been gradually coming more and more out of the ground. It was a curious thought to think about if it would be strong enough to break out of its containment. It would be a shame, as they’d have to kill such an interesting creature to study. Zexion finished typing what he needed and gave the motionless stain one last look before turning to head to a different room.
Entering the room he knew Vexen was in, he paused at the doorway and furrowed his brow at the large tube filled with glowing green liquid. Vexen was messing with something off to the side and didn’t notice he was there until, “You were serious?” he questioned and the older Nobody stood immediately. Zexion walked up to the tube and peered inside to see a featureless body connected to countless wires floating inside.
“Of course I was.” he could hear the rolled eyes in the man’s tone.
He looked over to the panel showing the shifting data on the unchanged replica, “It’s the faulty one.” he murmured, then looked up as Vexen stood next to him, “Why? You yourself said it’s a failure compared to No. i. At least use a new one.” and the blonde chuckled at his confusion.
“Both bodies were created as siphons, as you well know,” Zexion nodded silently, “So why not siphon mass amounts of darkness into this unused one? Considering it is the darkness of a sentient creature, who knows, perhaps it will become something.” Vexen grinned and he felt like shrinking away from that expression.
“A replica of the creature?” he asked, mystified.
Vexen huffed, “Oh goodness no. Why would I want to waste a replica body on something like that .” but the man gave no further elaboration and Zexion was left confused as to what he meant. It wasn’t like Vexen hated the creature, he knew that, but the blonde had always been more interested in his replicas. He had no reason to complain, but he definitely saw the flaws in the idea to siphon darkness into a replica. It would probably end up even more brainless than their newest members. Ah, that was mean, and unfair considering their origins.
So Zexion left Vexen alone with his obsession.
///
For once, Vanitas was alone. No sign of the weirdos always watching him. No sign of the stretchy creatures they leave to guard the room when they left. A perfect chance.
He’d been recovering his strength the entire time he’d been trapped in this horrible place, it’s time to escape his tube shaped prison. He’d only managed to get his arms out of the liquid he was stuck in once, and all he could do was scrabble helplessly at the ground. But now, with enough focus, he could get his arms out and not have his attention clouded with the excitement of escape. Definitely one of his lows. Though to be fair this entire situation is a low.
So making second sure there was no one around, he began forcing his arms out and out and out and- finally . But he still felt disgustingly weak. He’ll work on that later, escape was his main focus. So lifting his arm to summon his Keyblade, the expected strange, comforting warmth never came. Instead he saw a hand that was not his.
Small black claws fading into a purple arm as his gaze trailed up. Vanitas clenched his fist and instead the claws responded as if it was natural. But this is not natural what the fuck. This is all wrong.
He’s a Flood. He’s a fucking Flood. He, the powerful Vanitas, sitting weak and half submerged in the ground and a fucking Flood.
Ventus did this to him. He snarled, “VENTUS WHAT THE FUCK?!” the screech practically echoed through the room. He thrashed violently, leaving slashes in the smooth marble floor in his rage. Who the fuck cares?
///
Zexion had heard the loud noise from a nearby room and was immediately on alert at the possibility of an intruder. But when he entered the room of the creature they had been studying, there was no one. No one but the enraged creature thrashing its way out of the ground, something had clearly angered it immensely. It clearly hadn’t noticed him when it spoke, “Y̸̮͊o̷̠͊ụ̵̆ ̵̣̇l̶̠͐į̸͝t̴̞͒t̷̻̑l̵̖̕e̴͉͒ ̸̼̅s̷̘̍h̵̦̆i̵͕͆t̶̘̀,̶̩͋ ̴̮͠I̷̖̔'̶̟͊l̴̼̂l̶͙̏ ̷̦͆ḵ̷͑i̶̢͗l̸̬̾l̴͓̑ ̷̡̀ỹ̶̫ò̸̟ù̴̪!̷̮͌” was screeched in its garbled language, but was much clearer than any previous times he’d heard it before. It wanted to kill someone.
“I knew it… It can speak…” Zexion breathed, only realizing he spoke out loud when it whipped its head towards him, glaring dangerously.
“W̶h̸o̵'̶s̶ ̸t̴h̴e̶r̵e̵?̵” it hissed immediately, eyes widening at the sight of not being alone anymore and growled, as if annoyed. Zexion watched curiously as it looked between him and its free arms, as if it was only this far because no one was around. It seemed frustrated about that.
“Were you trying to escape without anyone seeing you?” he ventured and he saw its hands? claws? curl in. So that’s a yes. He hummed, “Well, you’re not allowed out of the capsule, but you don’t have to keep yourself submerged, you know.” Zexion told it and it huffed.
It gave no reply, instead just watching him suspiciously. Or at least that's what he assumed with how it was acting. It's actually pretty difficult to tell what the creature is thinking. It would be helpful if the thing actually talked to him, now that he knew it could.
Zexion sighed, “There's no point in hiding it, I already heard you speak.” he watched as it flinched.
“W̶h̶y̸ ̸s̶h̵o̴u̴l̴d̵ ̷I̴ ̸b̵o̶t̵h̷e̸r̸ ̸t̶a̶l̵k̷i̵n̶g̶ ̴t̸o̸ ̷y̵o̵u̶?̸ ̶Y̵o̴u̷ ̸w̵e̴i̴r̴d̸o̸s̸ ̸t̴r̵a̷p̴p̵e̷d̵ ̵m̶e̸ ̸i̵n̵ ̷t̴h̷i̴s̵ ̴t̷u̵b̸e̴.̴” it hissed, very obviously upset at being contained.
“It's necessary to study the unique darkness you emit.” he informed, because it would be cruel to not let it know why it was being contained now that he was certain of its sentience, “You are not allowed out, or else we’ll have to kill you.” it scoffed at the last part. Zexion walked closer towards the capsule to get a better look at how far the creature had gotten out of the stain. From what he could remember, all that was left was its legs as he observed its long arms, claws digging lightly into the ground. He startled back as the creature took the opportunity to lunge at him again, but with most of its body out in the open, that seemed to be the final straw for it to crash head first into the glass with momentum. The glass stood strong while it fell to the ground, dizzy from the impact.
It growled angrily at its failed escape attempt and stood on pointed legs after recovering. Only to stumble and fall forward onto its stomach, “W̸h̵a̴t̴ ̴t̸h̷e̸ ̴f̸u̷c̸k̵!̴” it screeched. Zexion stood back and watched silently as the creature struggled to walk or even stand. Was it a stain on the ground for so long its body isn't responding properly? Having given up on walking for the moment, it stayed sitting and stared at its claws, “T̵h̴i̶s̵ ̴b̶o̶d̵y̸ ̶i̵s̵ ̸b̴u̶l̴l̷s̸h̵i̶t̷!̷” it then started scratching harshly at its arms and legs.
“Hey! What are you doing!?” Zexion couldn't exactly do anything to stop it from damaging itself with the glass capsule in the way. Though he definitely didn't miss how the creature referred to its body as if it wasn't its own. He’ll have to question it about that later.
Luckily, it stopped and observed its claws, now stained with a blackish blood, “T̶h̶i̴s̸ ̵i̷s̶ ̶a̷l̴l̷ ̶h̴i̵s̵ ̶f̷a̶u̶l̷t̵.̶” it grumbled as the blood dripped off and landed on the ground, only to be absorbed into its shadow.
“Who’s?” Zexion noted how the creature definitely wasn’t talking about any of them.
It scoffed, “W̶h̷y̴ ̸s̷h̵o̶u̷l̷d̵ ̷I̴ ̶t̷e̷l̴l̸ ̷y̷o̸u̴?̷"̸ and then completely ignored him with any more questions he had, which were a lot. Where did it come from if they all had disappeared years ago? Was it the last maybe? But why did it seem so unfamiliar with its own body, even speaking as if it wasn’t its body. Hell, speaking was impressive considering how he assumed its body wasn’t meant for that with how gruff and scratchy it sounded. That and a lack of a visible mouth.
///
Fuck, this guy is annoying, asking so many questions.
Vanitas really wanted to shut him up. Violently. But there was a problem with that idea. The fucking tube. That and his inability to walk. That’s a problem too.
So ignoring him was the next best thing he could do, so he could focus on figuring out how to use this body he was now stuck in. Vanitas’d always considered the Unversed worthless, only to be used to terrorize others and cause him pain. But trying to function in the body of one? He’s forced to admit that walking on legs like these takes some skill. Though to be fair, Floods were created like this, not transformed into this horrible body.
Vanitas watched as blood oozed from the wounds he'd clawed into himself; the dark, murky red, almost black color being a familiar sight to him. He briefly wondered if he could faint from blood loss in this body, but from how it seemed to just reabsorb back into him, it seemed that wouldn't be the case. Even the deepest gashes were slowly closing, along with the blood on his claws seeping into his skin.
So he can just naturally heal like this? How convenient compared to a human body. Vanitas growled at the thought.
The person behind him outside of the tube had gone silent again, just watching him with a curious expression when he turned his head to see why, “What do you want?” he hissed, startling the person out of his thoughts.
“Oh? Willing to talk to me now?” he tilted his head and Vanitas honestly couldn't tell if he was being sarcastic or not with how empty his voice was.
He growled, shifting to face the other and used the glass wall to stay standing, “Don't try me.” but his threat was met with narrowed eyes. This person isn't afraid of him. It's all because of this stupid body!
Vanitas glared back, but the person just hummed, “Will you answer my questions now?” he asked. Is that all he does?! Ask questions?!
With an annoyed huff, “I’ve got my own.” he hissed back and the other just chuckled a flat laugh.
“How about this,” he started, walking closer to the tube, “I ask one, then you ask one. Therefore we both get answers.” he offered and Vanitas paused. Is it worth giving up information on himself to know what the hell is going on? It feels like he's been in the dark on the situation for too long, so maybe it's worth it.
After a bit of consideration, “Fine…” he replied and his imprisoner seemed satisfied.
“Firstly, what are you?” the way he said it sounded like he'd been wondering about it for a while.
Of course the first question is one with a complicated answer. What was he supposed to say? Something that shouldn't even exist, torn into two people by a madman? A being of darkness with the ability to control monsters of his emotions? A weapon to summon an uncertainty?
“Dunno. I’m just… here.” against my will , he decided to exclude the last part. The question put existential thoughts in Vanitas’ head that he wasn't too fond of. “So then, what are you? ” he bounced the question back, earning a confused look.
“Clarify.”
“You and the other weirdos. You look like humans, but you're too… empty. ” Vanitas explained, watching him carefully for a reaction.
The person blinked in surprise, “Ah, you can tell? You have impressive senses.” he nodded, “Yes, you're correct. We are empty. We are Nobodies, those without hearts.” he explained, a surprising revelation giving Vanitas pause. They don't have hearts? Not even just a chunk of one like him? People living a more miserable existence than him.
But the per- Nobody seemed unaffected at casually mentioning his state of being and continued on, “Secondly, no one’s seen something like you in years, but suddenly we find you alone down here. Are you the last of your kind?” he asked yet another existential question.
He honestly didn't know how to answer that. The Nobody probably just thought he was a simple Flood, not the one that creates them. No harm in lying when there's no answer that wouldn't put him at a disadvantage, “Yeah,” Vanitas shrugged, and he isn't entirely lying, “Though I don't know where this is.” but then something the Nobody had said clicked. Years?
“This is the basement of Castle Oblivion.” the answer was short, to the point, and sounding like there was more to it. But… years? How long has he been dead? Vanitas held at his head, stepping away from the glass and not even realizing he was standing on his own.
He was about to ask before the ridiculously muscular man walked in, giving the Nobody he was being forced to talk to a curious look. He growled at the idea of having to talk to all three, alerting both and getting a confused look from the grey haired one. Narrowing his eyes at him, he seemed to realize… something, but whatever it was Vanitas didn’t really care.
“Zexion, were you talking to someone?” the ginger asked and Zexion, he’d heard them before but Vanitas wasn’t too interested in remembering his captors’ names, paused before letting out a forced huff of a laugh.
He shook his head, “Who would I be talking to?” he said it as if it was obvious, sounding almost as if he was belittling the much stronger one. Whose gaze flickered towards Vanitas, resulting in a sharp glare, then back to the grey haired Nobody. “Why would I be talking to the creature? It’s simply our test subject.” he said dismissively as he walked past the muscled Nobody and out of the room.
Why did he lie about talking to me?
He grumbled and flopped onto his side, only now registering he had been standing properly. The muscular Nobody only hesitated for the briefest moment before studying him again, amazed he wasn’t a puddle anymore or something like that. He didn’t care. He’s exhausted.