Title: No Leaf Clover
Rating: T
Warnings: A bit of language, Spoilers if you've not played through Kingdom Hearts 2 in its entirety, or don't know everything there is to know about Organization XIII. I don't really know at present what or even if I'll be doing in the way of pairings, but this chapter is fairly tame in that regard at least, in spite of several comments to after-hours activities.
Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts is the Intellectual Property of Disney and SquareEnix.
Summary: In the beginning, there were six…and not a single one could have suspected that attempting to complete their education would cost them so much. How did these reasonably normal science students become the foundation for a force that nearly destroyed a dozen worlds?
Chapter One
Fall in the Radiant Garden always brought with it slightly cooler weather, a change in the scenery and a great deal of life to the Bastion, whose base began to come alive with students beginning on or returning to the road of pursuing their future career.
Among the sea of chattering young people stood a man in his mid twenties, with long messy black hair and attire that suggested he'd recently been on the losing end of a nasty fight with a clothes hamper. A shred of equally wrinkled white lab coat hung out the front of his open bag, and he had a pair of safety goggles instead of sunglasses perched atop his head. One foot (flip-flops) kept a steady rhythm against the pavement, while students on either side of him bustled in and out of the nearby cafeteria. His name was Braig, and despite his age and rather neglected appearance, he was in fact a member of the small and rather distinguished group of research assistants that would be completing their PhD in Science this year.
The class itself consisted of only five members, and was referred to as such mostly as a technicality. In truth, each was independently working his thesis statement in their respective branch of natural science, but grouped together under one of the most brilliant men in their Kingdom. Braig himself was working on a dual degree in biology and chemistry, Xehanort and Even were a rivalrous pair of biology majors, Eleaus was often out in the Crystal Fissures for geology, and Dilan was in the process of supplementing his degree in business with graduate studies in physics. It was on account of Dilan that Braig was waiting here today; he'd stepped into his dorm room with bags still packed, only to find that a message was already on his answering machine line.
As if on cue, a hand clamped down on Braig's shoulder, and he spun in surprise.
"Hey! Good to see you!" Recovering himself, he exchanged a friendly half-hug with Dilan, who pulled back and smirked at him in return.
"You too. Nice look for you. Love the flipflops."
"Nice dreads." Braig retorted teasingly, referring to the short mess that hung around Dilan's eyes and ears. "I decided this year, why bother. We're going to get so busy that we'll just end up looking like this anyway. I'm not going to prolong the issue. So. What's this all about?"
"You said it, actually. I just figured I'd try to see everyone before we start getting up to our eyeballs."
"Ah. So that begs the question, is 'everyone' going to be here?"
"Not sure. Even might be, and I told Xehanort, but you know how he is about keeping commitments that aren't lab report deadlines."
"Ahhh. Probably locked up in his room practicing his marriage proposal to Dr. A, right?" Braig cackled, and Dilan couldn't help but smirk. Xehanort's opinion of their mentor was definitely bordering on hero-worship.
"Left a note for Elaeus, but I'm not too sure where he's got to."
"I think he's TA-ing the undergrads this year or something." Braig said, wrinkling his nose. "I don't envy him in the slightest. Little beer-swilling, class-skipping, ungrateful snots, the lot of them! Shall we?"
Dilan laughed as he followed him inside, knowing full well that his friend was joking. On top of the fact that Braig himself still spent a lot of quality time with the beer, he'd also just described (with the possible exception of Xehanort), their own Undergrad education.
As it turned out, Even was already there, seated with a tray at a table. They caught his eye and waved, Dilan looking disdainfully around at what passed for food, then deciding in the end to grab only milk. Braig was far less discriminating, deciding to brave whatever questionable item the chef had to offer.
No sooner had they sat down and said their hellos, than Eleaus arrived. He sat down next to Dilan, followed closely by someone else whom he hadn't noticed when they walked up; Eleaus' huge bulk had completely hidden him from view. The sudden flash of white hair made him wonder if Xehanhort hadn't decided to join them after all, but this kid was far too short. Probably a first year who'd gotten lost.
The big man sighed, rooting around in his bag and finally tossing a packet sandwich onto the table. "First day back, and already I don't even have time to buy a proper lunch. Not that I constitute any of this a proper lunch." He gestured around him.
"Mpfgle." Braig pointed out around a mouthful of dining hall pizza.
Dilan looked at it distastefully. "I think I'm going to switch to Chem' and dissect that for my dissertation. I believe I may find some form of new bacteria."
"I think it's made entirely of congealed grease." Even pointed out from the other end of the table, poking a fork hopelessly into his slightly wilted-looking salad.
Braig ignored both of them, swallowing, then clamping a hand melodramatically to his forehead. "I dunno what I'm going to do yet."
"Dissertation?" The kid who'd been sitting with his butt hanging half off the bench at the end of the table looked up a tad tremulously, shaking shaggy white hair out of his eyes.
"Um, aren't you a little young to be here?" Braig raised an eyebrow. "There's a bunch of first years at a table over there shorty. You might do better with kids your own age."
"Ienzo's got permission to do an advanced undergrad study." Eleaus spoke up by way of introduction, then turned towards the younger student. "And yes, your Dissertation. Don't tell me you've forgotten already. We discussed it during my office hours when you came in."
Ienzo looked abashed. "I'm on it, I'm on it! Uh, hey, what can you tell me about this 'Prof. Ansem' guy? I've never heard anyone from last year talk about him."
"He's not easy." Eleaus shook his head. "Please tell me you'll get some early studying in."
"He likes when you talk to him in his office." Even muttered, even though it looked as though it pained him to give out extra information to rival students.
Braig set the crust of the pizza down on his plate and caught Dilan's eye, smirking. "You forgot the best part."
Dilan nodded. "Yep. You get two free marks on EVERY test he gives you. One's for knowing your name, and one for knowing the bonus question."
Ienzo looked excited. "Bonus question?"
Even Even chimed in for the group effort. "What's his favorite flavour of ice cream?"
Braig smirked. "It's sea salt. Believe me, you'll know it in the first twenty seconds of your first class with him."
"But woe betide you if you don't know anything else..." warned Dilan.
"Which you will, if you go to lectures!" Eleaus sounded almost pleading, and Ienzo's face took on that guilty look again.
"Seriously though, you'll learn stuff." Dilan promised. "He sounds like a total flake at first, but he really knows what he's talking about."
"When it comes to Science." Braig added. "I don't think he'd know what day of the week it was if the Ice cream place didn't close on Sundays."
Ienzo mulled this over for a second, then looked up curiously. "Wait. When you say 'Ansem', you don't mean that 'Ansem the Wise' we all grew up listening to...well I grew up listening to my parents rattle about, do you?"
Braig pulled an expression of deepest shock. "Do you hear that? This one listens to his parents! There's hope for him yet!"
Dilan rolled his eyes and turned back to the younger student, while his friend continued his theatrics. "Right in one. You're too young to remember it, but he definitely helped King Cormier improve the quality of life here, and is highly popular for that reason."
Ienzo nodded, looking almost serious for the first time since he'd sat down. That changed rapidly and he was suddenly smiling again, picking up his half-eaten pizza and looking around for a bus tray. "Cool. Thanks, but I gotta go. I'm meeting some friends to go drinking in town tonight."
Elaeus looked ready to admit defeat, but Braig and Dilan grinned and nodded.
Even shrugged, apparently unconcerned with what the new guy did so long as he posed no threat to his own academic standing. They all stood to follow Ienzo out, shrugging off the fact that Xehanort had not put in an appearance. It was difficult to tell with him when he might feel sociable, so it was pointless to feel offended.
Braig finished the remainder of Ienzo's pizza to the consternation of Even before he took the trays away. Eleaus crumpled up the sandwich wrapper and lobbed it over the heads of a couple, deeply immersed in having a good snog. The two didn't so much as look up as the projectile landed in the bin behind them. "Speaking of King Cormier, here's a question." he began seriously. "Who are you going to vote for?"
The other three looked deeply confused.
"You know, the election coming up. It's in the paper!"
Braig looked at him blankly. "Paper?" he asked intelligently.
Heaving a long-suffering sigh, Eleaus shook his head. "The newspaper, Braig. It's what people who don't contain their lives to the bubble that is academia and the bar scene read."
Dilan wrinkled his nose. "I've never cared about that crap. Honestly, I didn't even know that the King was stepping down."
Although Radiant Garden used the title of 'King' to refer to its ruler, it had in place a somewhat democratic system of government. Their current King had been in state several years, and was reasonably popular, but mostly due to the services of those in his employment.
"You should." Even said, surprising them all; usually he was just as out of the social loop as Braig and Dilan, if not more so. "The two new guys are definitely looking into making cuts in the school program. Which means us."
"Shit." muttered Dilan, obviously miffed that Even was right and he would have to pay attention.
"The good part is that most people aren't happy about it, considering that it's us academics who helped to make this place decent in the first place. However, I think the circumstances are weirder than just simple early retirement."
"How so?" Braig was interested despite himself.
In response, Eleaus paused to pull the article out of his bag, and read it aloud. "Citizens of Radiant Garden were shocked to hear rumours that King Cormier would be ending his reign early...um...replacement candidates are preparing campaign...oh here: A spokesperson for the King told reporters in an exclusive interview that the King would be resigning for health reasons. Professor Ansem from the Bastion Collegiate is rumoured to have knowledge of both the treatment and cause of this health-related issue. Professor Ansem was not available for comment."
"Hmmm. So Dr. A's involved in this too?"
"I guess." Eleaus said, watching as Braig snatched the paper from his hand, Dilan and Even peering over one of his shoulders each. "Personally, I think..."
Braig waved his hand, cutting the bigger man short and causing Even to elbow him when he moved the paper before he'd finished reading. "Whatever man, I'm not that into a political discussion. Plus, I gotta get out of here and start on that friggin' text book." He turned to Dilan next. "Shouldn't take me that long so let's grab a couple of drinks for a last hurrah around ten or so. Sound okay?"
"Yep."
It wasn't until Braig returned to his room that he realized he was still clutching the paper. He tossed it on his desk, next to his still unpacked bag.
Dilan arrived promptly at ten, knocked, waited for an answer then eventually opened the door. Braig was sitting on his bed, a half-eaten slice of pizza in his hand and staring with a rather glazed expression at his open text book. He didn't look up.
It wasn't until a foreign hand reached out and grabbed a slice of what remained of the dinner that Braig recognized the presence of an intruder.
"Ten already?" he asked in relief.
"Time to blow this joint" Dilan grinned around his mouthful, knowing better than to point out that his friend had eaten the same food for lunch as well. Braig was a notoriously poor cook in spite of his chemistry background, and it still offended Dilan's understanding of physics as to how he'd managed to once cook fish-sticks that were burnt on the outside and frozen on the inside. He watched as Braig tossed his book at the desk, grabbing some more leftovers and together they headed out of the building toward the bailey and the town.
They'd just reached their favorite bar and had settled down with a few drinks while Dilan proceeded to start telling Braig about the finer points of his summer job. Suddenly, Braig who had been quiet up until that point put a finger to his lips, and the other fell silent.
"What...?"
"Shh!" Braig turned around in his seat, and Dilan followed his line of sight. It was Ienzo, sitting with a couple of girls and a guy who all looked to be around his own age. They'd also been drinking, causing their louder voices to be easily overheard by the two PhD students from their booth.
"So." one of the girls began, leaning towards Ienzo in what she evidently hoped was a flirtatious manner. "What's it like being a grad student?"
"Were we ever that pathetic?" Dilan whispered, and Braig laughed, remaining silent so that the eavesdropping could continue.
Ienzo leaned in just as flirtatiously, apparently neglecting to mention that he'd not actually started any classes as of yet. "Pretty okay. The rest of them are kinda weird though. That Eleaus guy whose my advisor keeps telling me to study hard. I wouldn't BE here if I wasn't good!"
The girlfriend nodded enthusiastically, evidently determined to agree and Dilan nodded at Braig's knowing smirk. Almost everyone learned the hard way.
"The one guy with the ponytail and that other guy with the dreads seemed like they were pretty cool though." The second-year mused, daring to put an arm around the girl's shoulders.
Knowing of course that the young student would be mortified to be caught by his older classmates while drunk and in the midst of a clumsy courtship attempt, Braig stood, fighting to keep his laughter under control. "Hear that Dilan?" his voice carried easily to the other table. "We're apparently cool! Our lives have new meaning."
Ienzo went a bit red, and the girl straightened from where she'd been leaning into his shoulder, staring in a mix of embarrassment and curiosity at the two men she didn't recognize. The other two at the table seemed thankful for the interruption. Neither seemed to want to watch their friends hit on each other, and had been determinedly looking anywhere but at the couple.
"Hey, I know you!" the second girl pointed at Braig. "You were the one who blew up the Crystal Fissure last year, right? That really was cool!"
Braig thought he might have recalled her face vaguely from the class he'd presided over last year. He hadn't been lying when he said he hated to lecture (that was Xehanort's specialty), and had spent most of his time trying to think up innovative ways of trying to get across what he'd wanted to without the annoyance of having to stand in front of a class and drone. The incident in question had landed him in a load of shit with Professor Ansem, or as much shit as Professor Ansem was capable of dealing out to anyone, but more annoyingly, Eleaus hadn't spoken to him for a week; he'd apparently managed to destroy some rather important geological structures in the name of his own branch of science.
Nevertheless, it had been a pretty cool display of a chemical reaction and gravity magic; even Ansem had had to admit that not a single student from Braig's section had missed the question on the final.
Braig chatted fairly amicably with Ienzo's friends for a bit, and Dilan took the new addition to their ranks home in the end, having paid the bartender to cut him off early. He was still pretty drunk, but Elaeus didn't really have the strength of will necessary to take the kid to task if he showed up completely hung-over (or not at all) to their first class of the semester. That class alone should be enough to convince Ienzo that going out every night was about to become a luxury.
Thankfully, Dilan and Braig had not misjudged their new little buddy too much, as he appeared in class the next morning with a cup of coffee and only a mild grimace. Elaeus noted Ienzo's presence with relief, and the kid mouthed 'thank you' as soon as his back was turned.
Predictably, Xehanort had already arrived, nothing less than front and center, scribbling the date and a heading into a fresh notebook. Professor Ansem was behind the lectern. Ienzo came and sat next to Dilan, whom he'd seemed to have taken a liking to, raising an eyebrow at the professor. "Ice cream for breakfast?"
"Oh yeah." he nodded, Braig laughing on his other side. "I would have said something last night, but I don't think you were in a position to remember. Basically it's less of a lecture and more the crew here sitting around and spitting theories at one another, though sometimes he thinks we all need to hear something important. Next time, bring some lunch. Or go get some in the middle."
Ienzo looked as though he wasn't sure whether to think that this was the coolest idea ever or to be nervous about possibly not having any good theory to contribute. Even finally arrived, holding a cup of coffee and looking seriously harassed. "I hate lines." he spit by way of a good morning, but there was no time to tease him, as at that point the discussion started.
They finally broke up around three. Ienzo was looking thoughtful and mildly worried as they all stood and stretched from sitting so long. "You did fine kid, you're just gonna have to get used to this whole idea."
He nodded, realizing that if the others had managed to adapt, he might be able to as well. Just as a trace of the old confidence leaked back onto his features however, they overheard Xehanort behind them ask Ansem if he had a moment to discuss getting started on the specifics for his dissertation project.
"Geez, already?" Braig muttered. "The man's a machine!"
Even looked predictably mutinous, and Ienzo's features were once again awash with horror.
"Now THAT, you don't have to worry about." Eleaus patted his advisee's shoulder, having come up behind him. "Xehanort's a total keener, even by our standards."
Dilan nodded, a touch of Ienzo's worry beginning to infect him as well, even though he could predict perfectly well how the whole thing would turn out. Xehanort wasn't unlikable in the slightest really, he had a knack for organization and worked hard, but his determination to put Ansem on a pedestal made him fairly entertaining to abuse. Of course, Even would take the whole thing personally and likely wouldn't so much as sleep or eat until he'd found a project of his own. Privately, Dilan suspected that Braig might have been the best scientist of all of them, though it was hard to tell across disciplines. He tended to be the most innovative of the group, but lacked Xehanort or Even's drive and would likely wait until the very last second, complain to Dilan about the work then finally have a fit of brilliance that would end up being executed with the most minimal effort involved. In turn, Ansem would lament the waste of a good idea. As for himself, Elaeus and now Ienzo, he wasn't terribly sure, but he was ready to put forward the effort nonetheless.
"I said, dude, I'm going to the library for a bit." Braig's voice jolted him back to reality.
"Yeah, that was my plan too."
"Me too." added Ienzo and they could practically see Elaeus' internal dance of joy.
Ienzo might still be on the third floor, but Dilan had left to get the two of them some dinner. Braig was flipping through textbooks and previous thesis statements with rapid speed. Although he didn't like to admit it, Xehanort's head start had set him on edge too.
A tap on his shoulder startled him from his concentration and he brushed the hand away irritably. "I already gave you money, Dilan. Go get the damn food."
The voice that replied was definitely not his friend. "Sorry, Braig. I ran into Dilan downstairs, he told me I'd find you here. I need to talk to you about something."
"Dude, I don't think I really need to hear about it."
"Pardon?"
"Sex. With Professor Ansem. I'm sure it was great, but I'm just not into those older men, y'know." A bit lame, he knew, but the man practically demanded the jibe by existing.
"Hilarious." Xehnaort said dryly, depositing himself into Dilan's vacated chair. "Listen, I need some help with my dissertation. I have no chemistry background, but you have a biology one, so you'll know what I need. I was wondering if you wanted to work with me. We'll do the project together, but write separate reports. I spoke to Dr. Ansem this morning and he believes it should be fine."
Braig was too shocked to even question what the project was. "Hell yeah! Solves my problem, doesn't it!"
Xehanort actually looked fairly happy, jumping right into an overview of the plan. "Thanks, I owe you one. We can get started tomorrow night. I need you to meet me down the basement of the Bastion. Wear jeans or something heavy, I think, and possibly bring protective wear. Sometime around..." he trailed off and thought for a moment. "Eight or Nine."
Braig raised an eyebrow, but scribbled the information down on a corner of his notebook. "Can you tell me what this project is?"
Xehanort looked rather perplexed and unusually confused. "I could, but the thing is, it's just a lot easier if you see it for yourself first. Then I can answer the rest of your questions a bit more competently."
Braig bit his tongue to stop himself from making a crack about his co-worker's usual interest in explaining everything in utmost detail, lest he decide that the Chemistry major's involvement with his project was unnecessary and he ended up losing the free ride. "Got it. Well then, I guess I'll see you tomorrow night."
Xehanort nodded and got up, giving a nod to Dilan as he stepped off the elevator with a bag of sandwiches in hand.
"So, what did Wonderboy want with you?" he asked, once the elevator door had closed behind Xehanort.
"You're not even going to believe it dude."
Author's Notes: All I know is that I've wanted to start this fanfiction project for sometime now.