Organization XIII's revenge

OoC://I don't know what to say yet Dx

BiC://

Xioimara felt the room seem to tense up. She looked around quickly at everyone coming back to Earth. Xigbar was looking up towards the superior. Xioimara followed his gaze to meet Xemnas' eyes. She immediately knew that was the leader. It was just...apparent you could see it in his eyes. She heard him speak and felt her own stupidity that she always used when she met someone sink in like teeth and hard, "What's up?" She said aloud and the regret she felt was apparent before she could even conclude her greeting, she cussed out the S word pretty loudly and almost cursed herself again knowing she had, yet again, messed up. Xioimara bit her knuckle to stop herself from cussing or making remarks such as that again. She could feel her face reddening from embarrassment, she looked at Xigbar next to her, he was looking at her, knowing she didn't mean what she had down. For a moment there Xioimara had thought about using Xigbar to hide behind, but that wouldn't be a good way to present herself to the boss.

Xioimara shortly after the incident felt it would be best to lower her cover a little more and diverted eye contact from Xemnas, looking at the ground, still biting onto her knuckle. It was starting to hurt but she refused to let go. Now, it was more of a safety blanket if you will. She felt ashamed and it hit her almost like déjà vu, a memory of some sort, she felt like this had all ready happened somewhere. But where? 'Classroom, perhaps?' She questioned to her mind and dared herself to look back up at the superior but she only glanced as he spoke, and then back at the floor. She felt like she was about to get the hiccups but it was just her stomach pitting itself against her. Why she didn't know. 'Gentlemen.' Xioimara heard and remembered that she had started to grow out for the exact reason, people always mistook her for being male, it made her furious so she had quit with the nonsense and simply decided to grow out her hair. She hoped she had just been looked through and simply not referred to.

Xigbar seemed to shrink back a tiny bit as soon as Xioimara had spoken. By the way she looked he knew it was just a habit of hers she would need some time to break. He looked back at the superior with anticipation that he would simply dismiss it as a mistake. But the odds were mostly likely against the two. Xigbar got the feeling she might need a hand to help her if the superior happened to take this on a bad note. Xigbar turned his attention back to the leader, he took note that Xioimara was trying to make herself look as small as possible and was biting her hand to keep herself from speaking aloud. 'For the best.' Xigbar thought and nodded to the superior once he was done greeting them, "Don't say another word, kid..." Xigbar said through the side of his mouth to Xioimara as quietly as possible, he kept his eyes on Xemnas however aware that he noticed pretty much everything.

He shut his mouth as fast as possible, he himself got nervous whenever he spoke to try and defend someone or lend them help if they made a mistake like Xioimara just had, it gave him the thought that it would probably be against Xemnas' liking. The leader seemed to be in a pleasant mood so he probably wouldn't chew up Xioimara and spit her out alive, 'Poor kid.' Xigbar felt remorse towards Xioimara but at the same time it was just her problem. Maybe Xemnas' in a way.

 

Leon pondered over Cloud's question as he placed his hand over his head rubbing his temples. " I say we have them come to us because if we go over to them we could get trapped or killed. They are spirits and do take hearts so we have to be careful." He ran his hand through his brunette hair and pushed it to the side waiting for Cloud to respond. "Cloud, we have to approach this carefully for the worlds depend on us." His walked over to the side of the wall and leaned against it, his back resting against it as many thoughts passed through his mind. "What are we going to do about the organization? I can't believe they are back, but how did they come bacK? Why is Cloud so facinated by them anyway? Sometimes I wish I could read his mind and then I could help him make better decisions for once."


Axel sighed with relief glad that the boss had finally come. He wondered what the plans were and which members or all of the members were going to be involved. What had taken Xemnas so long anyway? Where were the rest of the members and how come they weren't present? There were so many questions racing through his mind, but he disregarded those and focused on the other members in the room. Bowing his head with respect, he strolled over to Xemnas and waited to see what he was going to say. "So most of us are here and it has been awhile hasn't it? I have so many questions, but I'll let you answer them at your leisure." His stance was closed off since he crossed both of his arms and didn't trust any of the members in the room except for his underling whom was worried earlier about his mistakes in the past and recently was in a foul mood for the boss not showing up.

 

Cloud groaned through his teeth. He felt that Leon was insulting him. Of course he knew what Organization XIII did and did not appreciate being talked down to like that of a child. "Hey, I know more about them than you think. Did you think I would go to the World That Never Was and attack them all head on? I would be comitting an act of suicide if I did that" his long stride put some distance between the brunette and him as he thought of what to do. "No, we will wait for one of them to come to us. In the meantime, Leon you should be more concerned about the town rather than myself. We'll have a huge battle on our hands if they decide to show up and we're not ready."

Demyx put the tips of his fingers of his gloved hand to his mouth when he saw that Xemnas had returned. He was very nervous if his boss would put him down in front of the members that were present on account of his failures in the past.Thinking carefully of what to say he looked at Xioimara and remembered her suggestion earlier of asking Xemnas if he could be the healer and not have to fight as much or be accopanied by some other members? "Well here goes nothing. Boss, if you don't mind I would like to ask you something before we begin. Well as you know I'm not the best of fighters and my talants are better for defense so could I simply heal instead?" He shrugged his shoulders and hoped Xemnas wouldn't get mad for trying to get out of missions. "Yikes depending on what he says I may have to get out of here for my own safety," he thought.

 

OOC: I'm guessing Naminé to be part of the Organization, with the same role she had? Held in the Castle That Never Was, or Castle Oblivion again?

Xemnas had slightly shifted his eyes to the cloaked member who had greeted him back rather disrespectfully, but he didn't do anything more than that glance as he concentrated on the rest that had been part of this Organization before. He did not say or moved anything when Axel had spoken, seeing that it will all be done in due time, but he did raise a sort of interested expression when Demyx had questioned him about being a Healer. It was there, that he focused on the water wielder, responding in his usual, flat, though sinister tone, "And, what pray tell, are you able to do in terms of healing?" Despite this, he covered them all in his sight. "But, these questions will be answered soon. First, let us return to Where Nothing Gathers, where is most comfortable for us all. It's been redesigned with a few chairs added, for everyone present. Or rather, some present..."

He was talking of those missing members, yet, he supposed they will be taken care of once everyone was settled, and before they began.


Larxene toiled and walked to the bitter ends, yet, it was apparent to her soon that she was not to make it to a good and nice place to sleep unless she got money off some way, considering they didn't take the munny she had. She knew that no matter in which world, she was to have the same problem in a certain way, except perhaps, Radient Garden, or Twilight Town. But, that was basically revealing herself, so that was few of the places where she couldn't go. She had since long taken another turn, retracing her steps back, and was now heading on the path where the "Notre Dame" stood in all its glory, and maybe she could take refuge for the while in there until she had a good grip on what exactly to do. Didn't they do that, religious people or priests? Provide for the poor and needy? She wasn't needy, but she was surely poor. It was when she got nearer that she saw a huge crowd gathering in a town square overhead, surrounding a small stage, while colorful streamers and decorations twirled around. She was about to dismiss it and go sit down somewhere where she could think, before a sound of a far off poof flickered her ears, only to then hear the roar and claps, yelps, whoops, and screams of the audience, now raising to the skies above, and she glanced to see...

The freak!

Or that jester. Whichever the case, or even if he was a putrid alien, she wasn't fond of him. She drew closer, nonetheless, as he was announcing the theme, and did a sort of song and dance to begin the show. She found it quite pointless, however, he worked as a magician as she found out. He popped from place to place, sat high and low on pillars, and did amazing feats to impress the admirers watching. And liked it they did, if her eardrums rattling were any indication. As she stayed at a fair distance from the onlookers, eyeing the event, for a second, she could swear that jester had stared at her, but the moment had gone before she had time to process if she wasn't imagining things. It didn't matter. What was he going to do to her? Hah. Nevertheless, she did had to keep cover, and using powers was not a option. She could still fight with her acquired martial art skills anyway.

As the "jester", who was hereby to be called until further notice, vanished inside a twirling bed sheet, a performer took his place right after, and everyone went nuts again. Larxene didn't know why, as it wasn't a big deal. Oooh, the guest came. It was bland. In fact, she was just really hungry, or needed to rest, which was in her utmost priority...and the necessity of money to get it. Yet, as she was about to go, something, and it was something very great and good, caught her sight. She saw the man, the entertainer, do some fire tricks, including walking on molten lava, "create" flames from his hands, and a series of acts that had her brain spinning, and the viewers too as they threw and placed money in a handbag...much money. She hated him, and fully despised the man to perhaps the very core of her being after Castle Oblivion, even the name made her nauseous, but it did unfortunately remind her of Axel, which then made her recall who he was, a scumbag, but also a Nobody, which then related to her, and things just got put together to garner a sly and devious smirk on her face.

Oh yes.

It had appeared she found her job.

Now, as she needed a bunch of those tinkering coins, she was to have to pull a test, and garner a reaction before making it permanent, though she was 100% positive she will ultimately succeed. To start it, she will have to find her spot on this show somehow...

 

(OOC: Namine is to have the same role and will be in World That Never Was Castle since that is where the others members are.)

Cloud jumped high into the air watching some heartless scatter about and disappear since they did not want to die at the hands of the two heros. "Oh come on what cowards," he placed his weapon back on his motorcycle and looked through the area. "I see they are all gone. They must of left to either get reinforcements or the both of us were to much of a match for them to handle," he smirked and continued to search the area. Keeping his guard up, his blue eyes peered through the hidden shadows that crept around parts of the area.

Before disappearing, his azure eyes shifted to gaze into the ominous glow of the orange orbs of Xemnas. "Heh... heh... You know I knew you would say something like that," he grinned his childish nature coming out. "Let's just say I have my ways. My water can do mysterious things boss," he boasted before portaling to his assigned throne. Once seated, his legs hung in the air and he scooted back against the backing, slouching and resting his arms on the armrests. He reached into one of his pockets from his cloak and pulled out an ipod filled with numerous amounts of soundtracks ranging from rock and roll, heavy metal, to dance, and techno. Once he chose a song from scrolling through ten others he turned it up just enough so he could hear the music as well as Xemnas speak in the meeting. "Huh? Looks like I'm the only one here right now. Sweet!" he relaxed as his eyes wondered at the empty thrones all around him. "I wonder what he is going to talk to us about this time? Maybe afterwards I can go to the outside worlds and actually do something fun for a change Perhaps Hollow Bastion would be the perfect spot," he leaned his forehead on the palm of his hand, before removing it and began to bob his head to a certain dance hit and swung his feet back and forth singing softly to himself. "I'll be back on my feet again. Do what I would need to do. Wondering how you'll understand. Life is not all about you..." his voice was light and held such beauty and grace as if a muse had granted him the gift of song.

 

Castle Oblivion had been empty for a while now, but finally the castles lord had returned. Marluxia with his hood up was in the castle collecting anything he found useful, or didn’t want the others to find. Xemnas would most likely have a member that had been more loyal take over being the lord of Castle Oblivion. Even though he would miss the authority he had, the memories of his time in the castle (mainly his death) made Marluxia glad that he was leaving it soon never to return.

Vexen appeared on his seat at Where Nothing Gathers; to his dismay he saw that his seat was still the lowest. The nobody sighed then decided to work on some calculations in his head. Vexen didn’t seem to notice or care that Demyx was in the room as well.

“There it’s finished.†said Sora as he placed his letter to Riku and Kairi in a spot he new they would find it. The letter said that Sora had decided to use the gummi ship that King Mickey had given then to use in case of emergency, and this was an emergency, Sora also stated that he didn’t want to leave them he just felt like he had to go. Sora was all ready to go on another adventure he had everything he needed. Since the first six members of Organization 13 came from Radiant Garden that must be the first world they would make an appearance at, it was also the first world Sora had seen them the first time they had fought. They gummi ship then left Destiny Islands and headed to Radiant Garden.

(OOC: Hope you like this post for I’m going a trip tomorrow and I won’t be back for a few days.)

 

Leon had just fallen on his butt from a fat bandit that appreared mysteriously out of no where. He did a front flip to get back on his feet and slashed the heartless across the chest with his gunblade. "Take that!" he was satisfied that he vanished with one mighty blow. "Cloud! Be on the lookout for anymore unwanted guests. I swear they plague our town like there is no tomorrow," Leon huffed and puffed trying to get some relief from the the countless heartless that kept appearing. "Where are all these things coming from? I wonder who is sending them?" Leon killed more as the hearts floated off beyond the horizon. The warrior met up with his best friend and rested next to him. The heartless were zapping his strength and that sudden hit from the fat bandit did a small number on his body. He rubbed off the dirt from his pants and adjusted his leather jacket to his liking. Looking around, he kept his guard up if anymore intruders were going to invade their town.

Axel shook his head knowing what to expect from Xemnas. Things would never cease to change. They always held their meetings Where Nothing Gathers and he couldn't understand why that was the way? Maybe the Superior wanted to look down upon all to remind who was in charge? Xemnas had his way of getting his way all the time and why wouldn't he? He was the boss and no nobody would dare try to stand up against him without knowing what dire consequences would be the end result. Disappearing into a black abyss, he appeared on his throne, his arms crossed as he looked down at Vexen whom was seated the lowest. His attention was caught off guard by the melodious nocturne whom was bobbing his head as if in anotrher world. "Oh no. Not again," he thought placing a hand to his forehead. "Hey Demyx! If you can hear me I know what you're doing. You better take those earphones off or you'll be busted again."

 

OOC: iPods exists? o.O

I'll give a chance for Demyx to hide it by posting as Xemnas in the next reply [and is better for me that way and some people who are taking vacations].

A young girl with pale blonde hair sat on her seat, the vacant room empty of all other souls, but her, as she drew and colored in a sketch pad, with a magical pencil scratching over the page. It was silent, as always, and it would always be this way. She had come to terms with being isolated again when she, for some reason, got pulled out from Kairi and woke up in the very familiar room and situation. It upset her, and she fought it, not wanting for history to repeat itself, but it was useless. She was here; entrapped, locked, and a prisoner once more. She had tried to portal, the ability being learned throughout her own adventures, but it appeared that she was blocked from doing so by a sort of force or shield, and it was with this, and the realization, that she spilled tears that were swelling in her eyes.

It had been long after she had cried, and she had sought comfort in doing what she did best as she waited for her fate; draw. Inside, hopefully, she had faith that her role won't be to be used again, not anymore. She won't do it. She won't stand for it this time. She didn't want to harm or hurt anyone else ever again if she could, even with her life. Her powers were quite useless now after the plan had first failed, and Sora won't fall for it twice, and neither would Riku, who was there. So what was her purpose? Why was she here? For studies again?

Whichever the case...

She didn't think of the worst.




Larxene, after a while of plotting, and by the second performer, had quickly decided that she'll enter the stage her way. And, by this, the rest of the lined acts waiting will have to hold on for the few more minutes. She had slipped close into the back of the stage, going over the masses of people going overboard nuts on just the simplest tricks, and was standing there in a hidden spot until the person finished. It wasn't long, and as he took the exit while she stepped out of her shadowed corner, he sent her a polite smile as he wiped his forehead. From what she inspected, most of the performers were on the other side in preparation to "magically" appear, and without having to waste time, she slithered forward to get to the stage, only to have someone block her way immediately. Frowning at the familiar outfit, and letting out a irritated breath, she glanced up to find the stupid face of that annoying-

"I knew you were to be kept a eye on," he stated, for the first time, his expression stern, and his tone much more darker, and almost threatening as he glowered at the blonde girl before him. He narrowed his own eyes. "What are you up to?" He moved closer.

She smiled calmly as she shrugged, her lips showing through her hooded features, not being intimidated. "I was about to perform. Whatever do you think I would do?" Suddenly, she pretended to pull out something as she pushed him roughly unexpectedly, making him crash to a wooden wall, letting her "invisible smoke bomb" fall to the floor as she made sure to portal with more haze and puffs of purple and black to make it believable, her figure to be hidden within its depth to lessen suspicion as she made her escape with a twirl of her battered and brown cloak that was over her more slick black one. Was it a risk? Of course. But she needed that money, and besides, she could handle anything this jester threw at her. A army, even.

In the same manner she disappeared in front of that clown, she materialized on top of the stage the same way, halting the person who was going next from moving to his turn. However, she made it more of a show by adding a explosion of lightning for further excitement, and it worked as loud yells and the roar of the crowd pounded in her ears all over the surroundings. Larxene had to admit that she liked the attention [when did she not?], and she might get used to this, after all. Giving a graceful, lady-like bow and a curtsy done perfectly when she pulled her hood off to show her face, she waved a hand up for emphasis on her entrance, and it riled up the people once more. My God, this was too easy. She almost couldn't think when she felt her nerves acting, in excitement and...nervousness, though she knew it was from memories. She always did forget that she didn't have a Heart, and it was a habit she was willing to end after everything that happened. Despite what some tend to portray her as, she wasn't exactly the best when it came to a...gathering either, and being in the spotlight. Still, she had to do a introduction now, right? She had to come up with something fast, as she had never done this before, so she followed on what she herself had witness. With a fake, but very convincing energetic and happy voice, as if she was glad and honored to be here, she greeted them after checking out for that jester, "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! Are you ready to see a real show?!"

While she inwardly puked, the mob bought her words with love as they cheered and whooped to their heart's content. If only she could do the same. "Well, you got yourself one!" In a instant, not at all knowing what she was going to present, but winging it anyway, she used her abilities again to slowly hover and hover up in the air as she pretended to be casually walking a hill, floating, and took in the admiration as she saw everyone watch in awe. She gave them a giddy little wave down as she lingered above them, rushed whispers and other mutters spreading, though the smiles and grins were unmistakable. When she finally got back to the stand, it was there that they decided to holler so loud, that she swore she felt the very stage shake, and one even went to demand how she had done it. Larxene, playing the role of actor well, instead of flicking the finger to the rude pest, she simply gave a sly wink, and placed a finger to her lips in a hush movement...resembling what she had done to a certain redhead once in a castle of forgotten memories, making her feel disgusted. "A magician never reveals her tricks."

This got a couple of howls and wolf whistles from the men, and she frowned mentally along with a roll of her eyes as she kept going.

Right after her sentence, she pulled out the kunai between her fingers, making the rest yelp in anticipation. In a bag that was meant for the other rejected performer, she already had a full brim of money inside from the masses to compensate enough to get herself a good place to rest, buy clothes, and many more, as coins and bills were scattered around the platform just by that trick alone, to be collected later by her, of course. How generous were people here. Hmm. With her weapons out, having made certain it was almost to appear as it had come from her sleeves, she held one up to show-off to the horde. "Now, I will swallow one of these knives, one by one. Everyone get closer to see this feat and see that this is no sure illusion." Her words were followed as they all flocked nearer to the stage, craning their sights everywhere to see the experience, and she teasingly tilted her neck back for her head to tip backwards, opening her mouth as she held one of her kunai above. This got mumbles of people in shock, screams and utter amazement as she saw some females hold each other in anxiousness, and it wouldn't be done with some pumped up claps from them as her ears tickled with the dropping of coins, coins, and coins.

In a instant, she slipped the kunai down deep into the caverns of her mouth, letting it sink and make it appear as if she was gulping it, while in reality, she was disappearing bit and bit of the metal once it reached close to her throat. When she was finished "swallowing", she straightened up, and bowed again, and people, in complete astonishment, applauded in what was a earthquake, stomps made, and shouts of more being hollered at her. She obeyed, and went back to the previous position after she cried, "Watch as I eat even more!" Holding up the kunai in a overly dramatic fashion, she started with the tip in her lips, and slowly repeated the procedure. She didn't stop as she drowned all the eight kunai, to the point where everyone was in a energized uproar. When she stood up right the second time, she gave another curtsy, "Thank you! Thank you! You're all wonderful!"

Yeah right, she thought with much chagrin.

She, not knowing what else to do without giving herself away to the point where she would be labeled a witch, rather than a magician, took her goodbyes as she waved for the last time, which made her audience quite upset. Now they began whining, and booing, and didn't want her to leave as they begged for more tricks, even throwing even MORE extra coins for her to stay. She apologized with a shrug as she hurriedly went over to gather together all her winnings, and place them in the heavy sack, making sure she got all the pieces and not miss a single one. This, however, took a while, and she had to endure on calming the swarm of people, which was getting her into a very angry mood because of the pressure. She breathed in relief once she had everything, and closed the bag, lifting it up, only to almost fall forward at the weight. Regaining her balance as she carried the thing with both her arms, struggling, yet her Nobody strength kept it up, with a flurry, and a last grin, she vanished in the exact action she entered, only it was more difficult to pull off due to the baggage. So she made up for it with having her power over electricity fizzle out and perform a light show of fireworks and other sparkles, raining upon them, breathing haggardly as she walked off, only halfway using the portal, as to not let her be questioned by the others who were behind the stage.

The moment she reached ground, exhausted, she groaned when she felt a hand being placed on her shoulder.

Fantastic.

 

(OOC: I don't know if they did or not. One can only assume right.)

Sighing with malcontent, Demyx overheard Axel's loud voice and answered in a sarcastic manner. "What? Is my music to loud for you all a sudden?" he placed the musical device back in his pocket. Songs were still in his head as he hummed them to himself tapping his feet to the lyrics that echoed in his mind. He knew he was calling attention to himself and thus he would stop for the time being. "All right now that I placed my entertainment away I will sit here and be bored as usual," his eyes told the others that he wanted to leave. Pulling his drawstrings he fidgeted with them until that too got boring. Why did everything that the organization do have to be so mundance and usual? All it was was to go on missions to get more hearts to someday in the future become whole. What about in the meantime though? Why couldn't the boss ever throw a party once in awhile and what was the purpose of becoming whole in society that would treat people like recluses? Xemnas must of known there was more to the organization then do his bidding unless that was his whole purpose. Demyx didn't want to believe that was the reason he was brought back and by who he didn't know. The superior of the organization would hopefully explain and solve the mysteries of the hidden truth. Now the nocturne had to do was be once again be bored out of his mind, listen to the information and contain bits and pieces of it while most of it would fly in one ear and out the other. He wished he was on a beach in a peaceful atmosphere and away from all the pressures that were forced upon him by the higher members, but instead the reality and truth was he was a deciever and complete denial if he thought he could have a normal life.

 

Xemnas had taken his place at the helm of his throne as the darkness vanished, feeling much more better at the fact that they had more of a open space for discussion, and not huddled up in one specific corner. His rooms were not one to hold meetings, and he would prefer it that way. Glancing over silently at the rest who had followed orders, so he is to expect that old habits did die hard, and this could be much easier than he anticipated, laid still. As he calmly rested, he waited until the area was quieted, and even then, he did not speak. For a moment, the dead air was stagnant, as he eyed each and everyone one of them, including the new addition that had spoken up with a less than respectful response. It was there he had affirmed, "Now that we are present, questions can be asked before I thoroughly explain the reason of why you are all here, once more."

With a swift shift of his eyes, he focused on the vacant seats, his lower Nobodies already making work of informing the missing members of the matters and that they are to report to Where Nothing Gathers, not that they had a choice otherwise. He had them trapped in places made by him where he could transport them by his very own power, as well as Roxas, who was in high imprisonment due to his ability, and he was still deciding whether or not to bring him out. He was particularly concentrating on the twelfth throne, where a female figure should be there in her place. It did not escape him of what she was trying to do, as even Marluxia himself, he could somehow sense, was nearby and in familiar territory, Castle Oblivion. He will be taken care of if he did not show up, personally by him. Vexen, of course, he knew he would report. But she? "It seems one is rather fond of escaping amongst her past betrayal. I predict this would be quite difficult, and so, I will need a member to bring her back, as simple warnings won't affect her. Of course, is someone who is willing to confront her, and have as much willpower and stubbornness as she possesses. Due to Marluxia's lack of presence, and in how I doubt he would be as forceful to get her because of certain partnership, any volunteers? Or will I have to choose?"

There was a pause. "And healers don't count as they don't typically do field work." He gave Demyx a sort of look as if this was a consequence to his suggestion.



"You know, popping up unexpectedly is given me the chill to the point that next time you do it, I might rip out your organs, and play jump rope with your intestines. Capiche?" Larxene pleasantly remarked with a small smile as she turned to face the jester once more, her hea vy baggage still given her quite the difficulty, yet, she exuded complete indifference. Surprisingly, the guy just grinned, and did a little ditty dance, not taking in the crucial fact that she was actually serious.

"Oooh, you do have some strong personality, don't you? Too bad my intestines are not that enjoyable, unfortunately. I would've given it all for free as long as I have my visceral fluids intact!"

She raised a eyebrow.

And she left it at that.

"But, she looks like she can kill you with the murderous look on her face, oh dear! We can't have that! No, no , no!"

That was the sudden and out of nowhere appearance of his mini-me hand puppet that he took out from seemingly the air, and was exposing his ventriloquist skills with a high pitched voice for it, by the way. Larxene simply sniffed at the presentation, only glaring when he quickly, again with those irritating fast movements, rested his elbow on one of her shoulders, while in her other, was the mini puppet jester of himself, peering at her closely with those tiny, freaky biddy black eyes all in her face. If it was one thing she hated, was the invasion of her personal space.

Unless she did it to someone else. She didn't care if that was hypocritical. It was damn fun to do. To other people. Not her. It pissed her off, and she committed bodily harm to those who dare do so.

She resisted from cutting off the guy's hand, however. She already concluded he was insane. And you couldn't blame a person for being mentally unstable.

"Oh, but she's such a elegant and pretty thing, isn't she? Does good work of a performance, indeed..." he said to the little guy, putting his hand on his chin as in mock wonder, and then went to ruffle her head, in which he dodged the lethal punch that was aimed at him in turn by mere seconds, wasps of wind the only thing he felt. He merely settled himself on her shoulder where the puppet once was, the puppet itself now in front of her, clapping. "Nice move, wasn't it?"

"Nice, nice move! She's like one of those vixen people, right?" the "puppet" asked innocently, tilting his head very annoyingly ot the side. "She is beautiful! Maybe she could use this to her acts!"

Larxene glowered, patience nearly flying off, and if it was not for the heavy pack of money in her arms, or the fact that she was trying to disguise her abilities, that punch would've landed, and the jester would've been incinerated by this point in time. Oh, he better be grateful for his good luck. Not even compliments of her aesthetics will stop her from murder.

"You mean, vixen? A attractive woman that takes advantage of men? Perhaps," he chose to state, thinking once more on entertaining the idea when he fell silent.

Larxene growled enough to make the guy widen his eyes. "Men are worthless, scumbags, waste of space and time, and should be eradicated of their race. If they took the time to notice that we're the ones that gave them life, then they should expect that we can take it away, those damn, disgusting vile-"

The puppet put a hand over his half opened mouth. "Oooooooh, potty mouth, girl has."

The jester tsked. "That's very unattractive now."

"Yeah, well, try living with twelve of them for God's sakes, and then you'll tell me whether you come up to be sane after it. With men, there aren't good ones, so you have to lower your standards, and I, for one, do not seek them actively, so watch when you call me a vixen, or I'll give you quite the shock," she warned threateningly, not mentioning the fact, that yeah, she used her feminine lure and qualities to deceit men and all, here and there a few times, but it was for the greater good, and this jester didn't need to know anyway. All of them were b@stards - Axel included. But that was obvious, and have no need for a explanation.

Calling her bitter would be a understatement.

She really detested the topic of men.

Her nostrils flaring, she pushed him off for the second time, and started to walk off, tired of his presence, and of his overall aggravation.

"Whoa Whoa! Hold it there. No need to get all your undies all in a twist, now!"

She watched him bored, the puppet gone, at least, thankfully, as he intercepted her pathway of leaving, which placed her in one of her worst moods as of yet. Stopping, she gave him the nasty look of doom, and for once, it made him smile sheepishly and somewhat squirm.

Hmph.

Good.

This time, he turned back to the stern countenance he had before, thinking that the female wasn't fond of jokes, and he needed to get to the point before she did decide to fully ignore him. "Really, who are you? You're quite the interesting newcomer. I dare say, you put up quite the show. Amazing, I couldn't even spot the tricks you've managed. I would warrant that you're a foreign gypsy, but then I do not want to jump to conclusions. Hmm."

Larxene blinked. Gypsy? Her eyebrows crunched together, and she stared at him for a moment, having a vague idea who those were. She wasn't uneducated. What she didn't know was that doing a performance just for the sake of getting easy money would get her that title. The jester had a habit of speaking to himself, she noticed, and he never met anyone quite eccentric as him. Except maybe Xigbar. Yet, this seemed to be working out in her favor, and if garnering her role as a gypsy, which she could guess were the ones putting up the acts for the audience, this could be a actual positive twist, as it could be the job she had toyed with in her thoughts. She might not be a gypsy now, but she could be in time. Make her way up. With that, she pretended to let it appear as if he had hit a jackpot, and tried to ignore him as she made a move to leave, only to be blocked. Smirking inwardly, but her expression furious outwardly, she snarled, "Is none of your business."

"If you say so," he replied, back to his jovial and cheery demeanor, but he took out a card, and placed it on her busy hand, and he glanced amused as she attempted to get a good hold of it with her pack of winnings getting in the way, obviously curious. With a raised index finger, he got close to her face once more, making her give him a unappreciative fierce scowl, but a sly glint was in his eyes as his voice lowered, "If you happened to change your mind, this is where you'll find me."

Larxene narrowed her eyes suspiciously, yet kept pursuing to check out the card given, and as she somehow managed to look over the top of her bag, she spotted the name Clopin Trouillefou in black, bold print, and a kind of small map under it from what she could tell. Looking back up at him, she wasn't surprised when she found he was gone, and just continued on her way once no one was going to halt her steps this time unfazed.

She might think about it, it wasn't like she had anything to lose, really. How she accomplished from not slashing him to death throughout the whole thing, nevertheless, was a feat she was quite proud of.

 

Axel looked around the room at the other members and sighed that no one showed any interest and who could blame them. Larxene was cruel and selfish to the core and was also one of the biggest traitors next to Marluxia. It was her that revealed to him about their plot to overthrow the organization by using Namine to control Sora and plant fake memories into him. That act could not be forgiven for it was the reason why the organization had began to break away. Roxas was next to follow in his wake for he just wanted to know who he was and why he had the keyblade. Axel couldn't blame the poor kid. It wasn't a violent act like Marluxia's or Larxene's plan, the key of light just wanted to know the truth about himself and that was all. Axel was the same for he wanted to know what his existance was and these fake emotions he felt. It was all to real and he could even relate to Demyx and how he kept saying that they did have hearts. He didn't know if the nocturne actually meant physically or emotionally they had hearts, but he would discover the truth in the near future. Raising his hand slightly, Axel let his presence be known by all. "Superior since no know else is volunteering I will bring Larxene back, but I feel it's best that I have someone come with me and it has to be someone I can easily tolerate and trust. Demyx is the only one that fits that choice. He shall accompany me. His skills will come in great use if I need them especially this talk about him being able to heal. I would like to have him prove it to me," he gazed at the azure orbs of Demyx's whom seemed interested that Axel would vouch for him.

 

Xemnas set his lips in a thin line, not very fond of the idea of Axel volunteering, for many reasons. He doubted that the relationship between him and Larxene was stable after the events of Castle Oblivion, or as he preferred, the Castle Of Forgotten Memories, for this to go well at any given point. Yes, he needed someone who was strong enough in willpower to get her, and yet, he also couldn't get someone to come like Demyx, who he believed she wouldn't listen to. Pair them together to search for her, and it will be disastrous. Marluxia was the one qualified more for this than the rest, but he had trust issues with him. However, it was the same with Axel, so it was a stalemate. It was just that, with the Graceful Assassin, he had his doubts he will attempt to leer Larxene toward coming back, and respect her decision instead. In actuality, not many members will successfully be able to get Larxene without being severely hurt or injured on both sides, so it wasn't like he had much options. Despite this fact, though, Axel appeared to have misunderstood him. He stared at the man with wary orange eyes, as sharp as they were. "I think you may have taken the notion of what I said too literally, Axel. You are to enforce and convince Larxene to come back, and I require someone with much fervor and hardheadedness enough not to give up, and meet her head on, but without the use of violence. You see, you fit the description I stated too well in fired willpower, and with certain issues unsolved between you and her, I suspect it won't be ending well. So extra help, as well as any healing, will not be needed in this situation. Is a hard task to complete without reverting to a battle, which is why I don't think you are capable of doing the job, Axel, which shows in you suggesting Demyx's help. I need someone more better, and someone who I think is formidable enough to be able to handle it mentally. The point of getting her back is by means of words, rather than hits. With Larxene, you need a in-depth understanding, and a way to get through her mind, to steer her in the right path. If you resort to violence, then she will resort to violence, and nothing will get accomplished, as it would only drive her away. Unless you meet these qualifications, then I assure, it will be pointless to send you. If I go myself, I could destroy her in the long run, considering that I am aware that I'm her least favorite person, and she won't go without a fight no matter what I say, I presume. On top of this, the world she's in doesn't bode well in calling attention to yourselves in terms of magic."

He was perhaps a bit too truthful in his words, yet, as it stands, he could not beat around the bush with this, and while he was blunt in telling the redheaded man that he was not cut out for it, it was to be said. Axel was one of the few, along with Marluxia and Larxene, even Roxas, to prove themselves. And he could not help, but remain cautious. In fact, Roxas, while not really interacting with Larxene much in the way of Demyx, could be rightly fitting. The boy just had this magic on attracting people to him, he had witnessed himself. It was unfortunate that there were also problems buried that prevented it from happening. Perhaps Xigbar...he had been mighty friendly with the rest back then, and had no troubles with anyone.

OOC: My goodness, I might as well have placed Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman? by Bryan Adams the way Xemnas was going.

 

Cloud had to find the source of where all of these heartless were coming from. He had a lot on his mind with the discovery of the organization being back and his doubts of all the people who shunned him in the town. Things were getting worse and they were far from coming up with a plan. He remembered Leon talking to Sora over the comlink and then yelling back at Sora over the same comlink. "Leon, he asked placing his sword in a different area, "Sora said he was going to meet us here right? In the meantime what are we going to do? We got rid of all the heartless that I see?" Cloud swiped his hair with his right hand and turned his back on the towns people who were giving him odd looks. "I wonder why they are looking at me like that? I haven't done anything wrong unless they are thinking of the past and when Sephiroth did all of those unforgiven acts," he shook his head to get rid of those images.

Looking in the fire wielder's direction, the melodious nocturne wanted to scream out for Xemnas's stubborness and negative thinking. Clearing his throat to himself, he sighed and spoke as loud as he could so everyone in the organization would hear him loud and clear. "Axel and I are not qualified to go get Larxene? Geez boss. I didn't think you hated us that much. Axel wasn't a traitor that I saw, but of course I fell at the hands of that brat Sora before the rest of the members who wern't in Castle Oblivion were defeated. What harm could it do for Axel and I to get her? You simply don't trust us enough to get the job done? I thought you forgot all of that and would of moved on by now. If you recall you were also defeated so we all screwed up, but now we're back and we all should get second chances right? It's not fair that you make these decisions based on what happened in the past," Demyx crossed his arms and pouted in his seat. "It's all about new beginnings for all of us and you should understand that." Never had he been so fed up with the decisions that were decided. He did not want any repeats of the past mistakes to happen this time. He knew he would have to be more involved either directly or most likely indirectly by keeping an eye on the other members, and being away from them when the time was right for him. Secretly he didn't any more toruble and yet he also hated to do his job of taking hearts. No, there had to be more to life then that. He would show them that he was worthy and could get the job done just enough for their standards and then he would go off and enjoy what life had to offer outside of the World That Never Was. He had to explore and seek out what was beyond the horizon or he would forever have that regret of not knowing and that would be a fatal mistake. Now the whole problem was how would he be able to take care of his obligations and have fun at the same time?

 

"Demyx, first, do not speak up to me in that matter unless you understand what you are talking about. Second, we do not hate. Is just mere common sense of why I chose not to depend on either of you to retrieve Larxene, of all members, and you have obviously missed the point of everything I stated. Be silent," he formulated with utmost calm, almost as if he was speaking of the weather, instead of raging with impatience. However, it did have a sort of ice that would typically be taken that he won't stand for any other outburst. Yes, there were certainly other important factors that are tied for his decision on not sending them for the task, yet, the main was of who they were going to deal with, and they did not meet the expections. Larxene will not listen to Demyx, and she will surely not bother with Axel not even a second without it turning into a full fleged out battle as a result of his actions back then. Second chances or not, it did not escape him of how the conclusion will end up to be when they have not changed, especially as it would not be thrown kindly to the sharp tongue Larxene possessed. It was the reason why he needed someone with patience, yet with a strong determination, someone she knew and had spoken to for the most part, and had a twist with words for this mission. None of who volunteered met those qualifications. Axel did in a few, minus the "patience"; perhaps the most crucial. "I suggest you not question me or my reasons again, and I will stand by what I said. You should not have spoken as you were not the one I was specifically directing this to as well. We do not need two members to accomplish this, and so, only one will go. As for the matter on betrayal, we have been suspicious of Axel ever since he came back from Castle Oblivion alone, which is questionable in itself, something that you did not bother to note at the time. But, that's the least of the issues at hand. I can easily send a past traitor if I found him fitting enough to convince Larxene without physical enforcement."

 

Leon watched Cloud drift into his own world full of hurt and anger and he knew he had to pull him out of it before it took a hold on him once more. Walking over to his best friend, he placed his left hand on Cloud's shoulder to wake him from his daze. "Let's not think about that Cloud. I know I wasn't there, but we have to forget about what has happened in the past and try to move on and by doing that we'll be able to take on anything that happens. In the meantime while we wait for Sora, we can search the town for any heartless, we can get something to eat or we can sit here and talk about the good times," Leon suggested tapping him on the shoulder once more letting him know he was there for him.

Axel had listened to this conversation time and time again. He was sick of Xemnas explaining to Demyx that they could not feel emotions and therefore could not hate and yet the ninth member still questioned the superior and spoke as if he did have a heart. This was like a never ending circle that needed to be broken, but maybe his underling didn't fully realize what he asked and spoke of was simply deillusions or if Demyx was actually feeling these emotions which would explain why his reasoning was so just and full of wonder and anger behind the words. Axel could understand that they didn't have hearts, but there was nothing wrong with pretending to have one because it was better than going through life being empty inside like a robot. "Why are you undermining us and did you have to be so harsh to Demyx? He just doesn't understand. You can't blame the poor guy," he decied to change the subject so not to anger Xemnas. "You do have a problem because she might be in a forbidden place for all we know. Besides why did you even allow six members in Castle Oblivion to take on Sora and Riku? It wasn't my fault that all the members in Castle Oblivion turned out to be traitors? I annhilated Vexen because Marluxia told me to when he was Lord of the castle. The other members chose their own fate and I had nothing to do with it. She can easily be taken back or we can just leave her and she'll come crawling back when she realizes she can't fit into society. The choice is yours to make. Just let me know who you decide to send that's all that I ask," he looked up at Xemnas slighty before gazing at the other members in the room.

 

Xemnas shut his eyes, a smile of what would be called amusement for those less informed slipping on his lips, before opening it again as he gazed down at the redheaded man. "The members were not there to take out Sora and Riku, for the lack of your knowledge. Certain events happened to reach that vital point, and they just happened to be there. It was the cause of Marluxia, no doubt, that had lured Sora in, and in turn, his 'best friend'. The real reasons of why I sent you, along with Marluxia and Larxene, to Castle Oblivion does not need to be discussed, and will remain disclosed. As for the Lower Floor members, that is simple, and I would think, as a man of your stature, and that you were with them, that you would know they were performing the experiments needed on memories, to understand more about ourselves, as well as Naminé. I know the things that occurred there. I am aware that Zexion, Lexeaus, and Vexen were rebelling against Marluxia and Larxene themselves, who were the real culprits of the operation, and attempted to lead them astray on their plans. They weren't traitors, and you annihilated them without much reason, lessening our members in the process. Do not dismiss it as if you did not have a hand on this and it was not entirely your fault. But of course, I do not owe you any explanations. The rest know what you did, you've been suspected ever since you came back as the only surviving member out of six. And I suggest this is the end of the topic, and we shall move on. After all, isn't this...a second chance?"

His tone would've sounded mocking if it wasn't for the fact that he was sternly locking Axel with his eyes, only to then shift his sight elsewhere. In this, he had eyed the assigned Basement members, studying their faces, and it was quite simple how to figure out what had happened as he himself had stepped into those castle walls, memories dormant that had yet to awaken. Slightly in thought for a moment, it wasn't long before he continued after being reminded of what he was doing, "I am turning a new leave in where I will not harm or hurt you as in the past, and there is no 'fear' of turning into a Dusk, for certain situations. However, I will remain firm, and will allow a type of punishment to be given, otherwise, there would not be a sense control and order. You've been brought back by me, and hence, you have a task to complete, which will be revealed soon. As for you, Axel, can you truthfully and honestly, tell me that you will stay calm and not resort to violence when dealing with Larxene? That you will enforce and convince her, but not by the use of hands? Am I to believe you are capable of accomplishing this feat to send and entrust you with it?"

He eyed the man, waiting patiently for his answer. If there was such a vocal protest about underestimating his members, he would like to know what Axel would do in the situation enough for him to believe if he did have it in him.

 

Axel understood what Xemnas was saying and he was relieved to find out that Xemnas had changed a little bit for the best of the organization. Now he didn't have to fear of losing his life or being turned into a dusk and either did the others. The fire wielder knew he could put his violent tendencies aside if he were to take on this mission to bring her back. "Yes, I can take on this task knowing what orders to follow. I won't harm her and can be trusted to bring her back without any trouble. I've never let you down when you assigned me to Castle Oblivion and I prevented a complete takeover which was for the best of the organization. I don't know how the outcome would of been if Marluxia and Larxene had succeded, but now we won't have to worry about that. I won't let you down." Axel waited for Xemnas to reply as he kept his eyes on the other members in the room. In his mind though he was thinking about what reaction Xemnas would say if he were to try to include Demyx to retrieve Larxene. He wanted to include the nocturne for he felt that the youth had some serious concerns on his mind that needed to be addressed, but Xemnas wanted no part in the matter. He was afraid if rejected once more, Demyx might shut down and not have any self esteem in himself therefore lose any interest of what the organization did.

 

He did not want to continue forth with Castle Oblivion, so he did not comment on that, but he studied the redhead before him cryptically and intently. Xemnas did not think Axel had gotten that he worked in ironic ways, yes...he thwarted Marluxia and Larxene, but at the cost of the Basement crew when there was no liable reason for him to have done so. It presented a lot that Zexion's group were against the conspiracy, and yet, he did not bother to work with them, and took his own road. Whether it was worth it, he knew there could've been a more smoother path. He was weighting the pros and cons of sending him carefully, as the negative reasons were very well founded, and it was hard to see that Axel will prevail in keeping his composure. Then again, the man might also be wanting to be taken seriously, and will keep the word that he would act accordingly when confronting the woman. In actuality, this could be a fine test to see where Axel himself stood, and the results will give him the information needed to see if there were changes, or not. Making certain this was the right decision, he then straightened up more regally, looking down, "Very well, I will allow you to go. As I explained, I do not see the reason to send two, we might make her think is more of hunting her down. However, if there is a time where you haven't come back, or if I do sense anything amiss, I will dispatch Demyx." And they might need a healer then, after all. "Otherwise, we'll see your progress. Be sure to list her the positive changes that the Organization now has, make it up if need be. And of course, explain your actions, not only in the present, but on the past...whether you mean it or not, just keep in mind that she's not easily fooled, now less by you more than ever. There's no trust, and without that, you have to depend on your wits."

The more he said, the more it really did look bleak, and almost pointless. This was going to be a very complicated job for him, he was aware. But, he did have his back-up, if anything is to go astray. "I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt."

Larxene slumped down on a abandoned alleyway again, letting out a breath as she sat on a stable, wooden crate to rest. She didn't want to be out there with her humongous pack of money, and she had discovered a bigger bag on the road, and placed all the coins and bills there, making it much better to carry for her. She had been attempting to find a hotel to stay in, yet...not too sound picky, but what she had seen so far were trashy. And poor. She was positive there was one where it was at least in tip-top shape, and she still had the remainder of the afternoon to kill for that. Her mind went forward to the card that jester...no, Clopin, gave her, still not sure if she will have a reason for it, but keeping it anyway. If she settled here, in this world, being a gypsy was perhaps the best she could do.

Sighing, she went to get back up again, picking her bag from the ground, and preparing to head off, as she had a lot to do. Dusting herself, she stepped out of the alleyway, wondering where to search for next.

 

Cloud gave Leon a weird look when he had given out suggestions for this was not a time to be just chatting away, but what could they do until Sora arrived? Was Sora still coming or was he going to become a no show? The blonde swordsman had his doubts about the keyblade wielder, but kept them to himself for if he were to mention them to Leon then he would probaly get a lecture from him. "Leon I guess we can get something to eat if you like while we wait for Sora if he shows up, but I would like to like to know more about Organization XIII and their where abouts. Could we run a file on your labtop on them to find more info about them?" Cloud was interested in the organization that took hearts in order to get their own and he bound and determined to have Leon give him the information he needed to make a decison that would change his life.

The musician had been listening to the whole converation that took place between Axel and Xemnas and he was shocked to discover that the superior would send him if Axel did not come back with her in a certain amount of time.This was the chance he had been waiting for a long time. He would be killing two birds with one stone. His chance to be free from the World That Never Was was within his grasp and now arose a new opportunity to prove to Xemnas that he could succeed and not fail at every mission he was given. Maybe just maybe he would be able to earn the respect from the highest member and prove to himself once and for all there was a reason why he was number nine in Organization XIII. "Never again will I be given this opportunity so I better not blow it like I have in the past. Besides why should Axel have all the fun? What about me? I have a purpose too and I would like to explore the worlds out there. It's my one chance and I will make the best of it," his thoughts raced in his mind as he continued to sit calmly in his seat for not to draw forth any attention from a far. "So you're actually listening to my advice? I never thought that was possible." Xemnas had indeed changed and for the better, but how was this possible? For someone who didn't have a heart why would he be so considerate and fair with them? His speculating starrted to make his head hurt and he quickly shook his head so not to think so deeply again. For now he would just enjoy the moment and plan what he would do in the meantime while Axel was gone.

 

"As I said, it is not just advice, it is common sense," Xemnas corrected to the water wielder, remaining quiet all the same as he awaited Axel's departure. His mind was yet to be quelled on a few doubts, yet he had allowed the green light, and he just had to see how Axel performed. If it results in failure, than Demyx will go in, and again, they might need a healer.