Thirteenth Flush [Open to Org. Members]

[Nothingness]

Tee Time?

"So glad that Lady Luck lead you all here. It would be a terrible inconvenience if we lost one of you here." Luxord jumped off of the tree branch, followed by a very large sneeze from something behind him as well as a snuffly voice saying, "That tickled." The Gambler patted the tree's trunk, apologizing for the acrobatics. Turning to the others he clapped his hands together and looked at each of them. "So, shall we continue? I'm assuming you're finally realizing the rules of this world."

"The first rule is that there are no rules, and the second rule is that the ruler's ruler is the rule of the land! I'd remember the second rule if you want to keep rule over your heads!" The voice, seemingly having come from nowhere when it started talking, soon showed itself to everyone. The severed head of a pink cat wearing a perpetual grin rolled right in the middle of the Organization's congregation. "Or you may end up like me. Or middle up like me--whichever you prefer." The body of the cat appeared, balancing on its head with one foot. Jumping off, it picked its head and put it on upside down. "What are you all doing on the ceiling here? You should be on the ceiling over there!" It didn't point out any particular location or give directions as to where was. "You are looking for something? So why don't you tee off for tea? A little conversation can do wonders for your drive." Walking over to Vexen he picked up a stick off the ground, rolled his inverted head off his shoulders, and smacked his head with the stick, sending it careening deeper into the forest. With a formal bow, he disappeared, and the stick fell to the ground.

[Fate]

Following the Madness

Nyxar and Vexen appeared shortly after he came into this forest of sorts, the former entering first after being separated from the Schemer for a matter of minutes. Zexion chose not to say a word to him, or Vexen when he emerged, and instead wait for Luxord's lingering scent to show itself. There was also another scent in the midst, though he could not pinpoint exactly what it was or where it was. This world was throwing his sensing ability for a loop; any scent he could detect did not have a distinct location. Fortunately, he did not think he would be needing this ability tremendously.

Luxord appeared, as expected, and the other scent showed itself quite suddenly. Zexion instinctively took a step back at the sight, not particularly used to seeing what seemed to be a cat's head appear out of nowhere. It was speaking nonsense, at least as the Schemer interpreted it. A little tea in the middle of all of this? While he was not opposed to the idea of tea, now was not the time; they were on a mission and could not afford to waste time dilly-dallying. He watched as the head of the creature rolled away deeper into the forest. Zexion almost guessed that they needed to go in that direction next.

"We should not waste our time any further," he said in a matter-of-fact tone, "We need to focus on the Heartless, not the residents of this world." Out of mild curiosity, he started to lead the way, following where the cat's head had traveled to. He gazed around quickly as he did, stopping in front of another doorway. He was not about to traverse through it first this time, allowing any of the other Organization members to go in front of him. This was indeed madness and he would wash his hands of it when he was out of Wonderland.

[/size]

[Administrator]

Insanity abounds. Grand...

Nyxar watched the cat disappear. "Oh, grand. Insanity seems to be unrelenting in this world." In case any of them gave him one of those 'of course' looks, he continued. "Normally, insanity ebbs and flows, much like an ocean. However, this world seems to be, if anything, just increasing its flow exponentially, rather than seeming to ebb at all."

That was not something he was used to. Not at all. Following Zexion, he saw the door as well. He was not foolish enough to simply walk through it, so he stared at it for a moment before turning to his fellows. "Now, this world seems to be made of insane trickery, agreed?" The Nobody assumed they would all be in agreement on that bit.

"But its trickery seems to be entirely harmless, mere childhood pranks." This, they could likely also agree on easily enough. Nyxar then opened the door and stepped through, welcoming whatever insanity would likely result from his stepping through.

[Nothingness]

A Little Tea and Madness Never Hurt Anyone

Luxord looked at Vexen and smiled. He pulled a card out of his sleeve, and twisted his hand, making it disappear. "Fear not for your scientific mind. Just slip it up your sleeve so you don't lose it here. Now, let the fun continue!" Walking with the others, he left Lotus Forest through a dark opening in the wall and found himself in the Tea-Party Garden where company already resided. A well-dressed man with a rather large top hat as well as a anthropomorphic rabbit wearing a suit were drinking tea together. Well, drinking might not be the proper word for it--it was more like they were sloshing it all over the table than drinking. There was also a small pair of ears sticking out of one of the teapots as well, though who they belonged to was anyone's guess.

"I think it would do us all good to sit down and enjoy a nice cup of tea. After all, you never know whether you received good advice until you try it." He could see the Cheshire Cat sitting on the balcony's wooden railing of the house behind him, flicking his tail left and right, stupidly grinning as he watched.

[Matt]

Unbirthday Party

"Talking animals." Vexen mused dryly, with no small hint of disdain. He had never been much of an animal person, but certainly no less than he was a people person. At least animals were easily controlled and made obedient. They might cause one minor problems, but they could not truly oppose them. Best of all, one never had to listen to an animal ramble on incessantly, as people, and certainly Nobodies, often did. All of this should have been true, though evidently in Wonderland it was not. Evidently, there was nothing out of the ordinary about a floating, decapitated, talking cat in Wonderland.

Glaring at it as it moved closer, he watched as the cat picked up a nearby stick and sent it's disembodied head flying off into the forest. Good riddance. Hopefully that would be the last they would have to see of their feline friend. "Indeed." he agreed with Zexion, following towards the nearby doorway. The last thing they needed was to waste more time with pointless distractions. They were on a mission, and Vexen would see to it that Luxord and Nyxar took it seriously. Both of whom seemed to be under the impression that this was some sort of game. Which it most certainly was not.

Entering the garden, Vexen was somewhat surprised and very displeased to see that there were multiple residents of the world present. Taking up the majority of the area, there was a long table, surrounded by dozens of chairs, each and every one different from the rest. All across the pink tablecloth sat countless teacups and teapots, as well as other things such as sugar and cream. At the far end of the table sat a small grey-haired man with a green hat nearly as big as himself. Next to him set a brown rabbit, wearing a coat and bow-tie similar to his partners. Together they were singing something about an "unbirthday", whatever that was supposed to mean.

"We do not have time for tea." Vexen said sharply at the Gambler's ridiculous comment. At this point he was just trying to make trouble, and if he thought-- "Don't have time for tea?!" the man in the green hat exclaimed suddenly, looking quite appalled by what he had just heard. Startled by this outburst, the Academic spun his head around to face it. So much for not making further contact with the residents. "No." he replied with a frown. "We don't." The hare was the next to speak, clearly also in shock at their guests' behavior. "Well if you don't want any tea, the least you could do is make polite conversation! Just standing there is very rude." The Hatter nodded vigorously. "I'll say it's rude... It's very VERY rude!" From inside a nearby teapot came a quite, slurred voice. "Very, very, rude."

Vexen had a feeling he was not going to enjoy this tea party at all.

[Fate]

Utter Nonsense

It seemed he had no choice in following the other members into a garden of sorts. More residents of the world were sitting and having tea, though they were making a mess with it rather than actually drink it. Of course, Luxord suggested to sit down and have a chat with them, something Zexion was less than inclined to do; they had a mission and it needed to get done. Even Vexen was dragged to the table, albeit unwillingly by the man in the green hat and the hare. Was he the only one that was going to try and get this mission done?

He crossed his arms over his chest and gave all that were at the table a scrutinizing look. "You may stay," he told them, "And have your tea. I will finish the mission." At this rate, he was going to have to fight the Heartless alone; Luxord and Nyxar did not seem like they would leave willingly and Vexen was stuck. He did not care how rude he was to the residents of the world by denying their invitation, but missions came before frivolities; the Schemer never participated in such things anyhow.

He turned around and started to make his way back the way he came; the sooner he got away from these rather loony people, the sooner he could complete the assignment from Superior. The green hatted man and the hare seemed displeased at this. Why, these guest were being downright rude! "But you must stay for tea!" the green hatted man said, "You mustn't be so rude!"

"You can't miss the unbirthday party!" the hare added. None of this was worthwhile to the Schemer, the Nobody keen on making his way out. He was not about to partake in any sort of party or any of this nonsense.

[/size]

[Administrator]

When in Rome...

Nyxar grinned, looking around. He listened to the madness babbled by the two--no, wait, the three at the table, and found that the others had no way to respond. Well, Luxord likely did, but he was keeping that to himself. The Nobody waltzed over to the table with highly over-exaggerated steps, daintily taking a seat. "Well, I myself could do with a nice cup of tea."

Nyxar had a cup poured for him in one of the extraneous cups strewn across the table. It was then he heard of the unbirthday party. "Whose unbirthday is it on this day?" he asked the gathered loons, knowing at least one would give him and improper answer. And, obviously, knowing the crazies assembled, he got precisely what he asked for.

"It's your unbirthday, of course." The matter of fact answer spoken slightly offhandedly was from the Mad Hatter. Nyxar raised an eyebrow at this. "Oh? I had thought it was Vexen's." He pointed to the frosty Nobody, a huge grin on his face. "But I would be more than happy to take a piece of cake in his name." This was going to be delightful.

And his excuse? When in Rome...do as the madmen.

[Nothingness]

Get That Palm Out of Your Face, Schemer

Luxord wrapped his arm around Zexion's shoulders. "Now, now, turn that frown upside down. A little tea won't kill you." He dragged Zexion over and sat him down next to the Mad Hatter, while Luxord himself sat next to the March Hare. "A very unmerry unbirthday to us all!" He lifted his cup of tea and drank it all in one gulp. The three hosts drank what was left in their cups after spilling it all over the table, with the Doormouse piping up, "And to all a goodnight!" before slumping over the side of the teapot, asleep.

Following that, the two began singing "A Very Unmerry Unbirthday to You" at the top of their lungs, before the Hare and Hatter jumped across the table, switching seats with one another. The Hatter leaned over to Luxord, saying in a dramatic voice, "It's been so long since we've had company! The last ones quite disappeared on us. It was very strange." The Hare jumped up in his seat, "Very, very strange!" "They quite certainly rather split! And without their tea!" "How can they both drink from the same cup?" "There won't be enough for both of them!" The Doormouse murmured softly, "Not enough~" "And where might these guests be?" Luxord calmly asked the boisterous pair, delicately sipping his cup of tea. "They hopped hopped hopped away!" "They most certainly up and disappeared, like smoke! One minute they were there at the table, and the next, poof!" "Poof~" "Almost like a candle!" "Just like a candle!" And that was all Luxord needed to hear. "Well, listen chaps, what say we get those guests here? The more the unmerrier, right?" The two cheered and started to shake the teapot containing the Doormouse, apparently believing it to be like some sort of dice or game of Yahtzee. Luxord nodded his head that they should leave, although he made sure to take a small piece of cake and a candle with him before he left.

It didn't take long before the four Nobodies were safely away from the party and standing on the ceiling of the Bizarre Room. Luxord walked up, or down--whichever it was--the chimney and made a small bridge of cards to the two chandeliers, where one of which was unlit. Plucking the candle off the piece of cake he took, he dropped it into the class shield and set it ablaze. He quickly ate the small piece of cake before he felt a rather odd lurch in his body. No, he wasn't about to throw up. The gravity in the room inverted, and they were falling slowly towards the ground...or ceiling, depending on one's perspective.

As they landed on the table with the bottles, the two bottles up and vanished into the table, and the Cheshire Cat appeared where the bottles had been. "Nicely split! But are you sure you can split the splitter before you get split?" Taking his head off, he put it under one arm. "And now I must split! Stay in one pie-eece~"And as the cat disappeared, a lone Crimson Prankster lifted itself from the floor. "And there," Luxord said, pointing to the Heartless just as it began to split into two, "Is our mark."

[Fate]

Be Prepared
Desire For All That Is Lost by Yoko Shimomura.

Luxord of course had to drag him back to the table, not letting him leave easily. He reluctantly sat down and picked up his cup of tea. He took a few sips and that was all, crossing his arms as he stared at the rest of those sitting at the table. Vexen looked less than pleased as well, though that was to be expected. These shenanigans were distracting to their mission, which as going to get finished even if he had to complete it by himself.

As they sat, there was chatter about rather "split" guests. Zexion picked up quickly that they were discussing the Heartless that was able to split itself into two. He caught Luxord's nod as a sign for them to find said Heartless and make their exit. He was the first to stand and leave, following until they reached the room that resembled one of the rooms that they were in before... except upside-down and twisted a bit. He stood and watched as Luxord lit the chandeliers. Shortly after they were lit, gravity was inverted and they landed on the table. It was not a particularly enjoyable fall, but Zexion made sure to land gracefully on the table.

The two bottles that were previously on the table vanished, replaced with the same cat as before. Would the madness never end? It seemed to be, for the cat said a few nonsensical words before disappearing again. The Heartless they were looking for sprouted from the floor, splitting quickly into two. Zexion studied the two for a moment; long range attacks would do best. He summoned his Lexicon, the book appearing as pages fluttered about from it. With four Organization members present, this should not take terribly long.

"Two of us should attack each Heartless," he said, a statement of the obvious in his mind, "Vexen and Nyxar, take that one." He gestured to the one that seemed to have a thing for fire. "Luxord, come take the other with me. Keep your attacks at long range if you can." It was only natural for him to spout off strategy at the beginning of the battle so it could end quickly and efficiently. Without a second to waste, the Lexicon glowed and meteors fell on top of the Heartless, the Nobody staying on the table to be able to see everything from above.

[Zexion used Meteor Mirage, four posts until next use, three uses remaining]

[/size]

[Administrator]

Me and Chilly Freak? Aww, damn.

Nyxar looked over at the Academic. "Looks like it's me and you, then." Turning to the Prankster, Nyxar pointed a finger at it and shot a globe of fire. The ball launched at the Heartless, homing onto it lightly, before splitting into three separate, smaller fireballs, and flying to strike it.

A grin showed itself on the Nobody's face. "And that's a direct hit. Looks like I'm useful after all, right Vexen?" He didn't even care if the other Nobody replied, he just felt like spouting that off. And by that, he meant that he just had a sudden urge to, touchy-feely emotions had nothing to do with it.

Summoning nine ethereal cubes, Nyxar formed a protective wall in front of himself...and Vexen too, but just because if he didn't, the others might pretend to get mad at him. And that was never fun, to get a pretend talking to. "Hey, Zexion, any clue on what these things can do?" The Nobody liked to think ahead a little, figure out what his opponents were capable of and react accordingly.

[Nothingness]

Testing One's Luck

Luxord flung five cards towards the Crimson Prankster he and Zexion were focused on. The five cards floated around the Heartless' head, but it was too busy stumbling between meteors to bother attacking any card. "It's not polite to leave the middle of a game." The card Luxord was in flipped itself and froze above the Heartless' head, followed by Luxord propelling himself out of it with two large cards in each hand. He slammed both cards upon the creature's head and stunned it. As soon as his feet touched the ground he jumped back up, spinning as small cards surrounded him and sliced into the creature's wiry frame. Once he was level with its head he summoned a large card beneath his feet and two in his hands, and spun violently towards it, slicing through its head. A meteor from Zexion's attack struck its head and knocked it down. Apparently, luck was on his side as none of Zexion's meteors even struck him.

"Focus all your attacks on the second! Both must be defeated at the same time!" As much as he enjoyed the strange, maddening charm of the world, he'd rather not press his luck on this fight. Many things could alter their chances of victory and only speed could stop those "things" from happening.

[Luxord used Shuffle, three posts until next use]

[Fate]

No Jazz Hands Here

"The one you are attacking uses fire," Zexion answered, not saying anything else. He watched as Luxord attacked the Heartless that he had shot meteors upon, the Heartless quickly getting knocked down. It was time to shift to the other, which Nyxar seemed to be dealing with. Well, he could aid that effort. The Lexicon glowed again as he created four copies of himself, all of them surrounding the Heartless and creating the large sphere of energy. Fortunately, it seemed distracted by Nyxar already and was not attacking the clones. That meant that this attack could do some decent damage.

He only had to wait about twenty seconds before the sphere got big enough. With that, he ran and jumped off of the table, bringing the Lexicon down to the sphere. Immediately after, a large explosion went off and encased the small area around the split Heartless in light. Zexion landed on his feet as the explosion went off, the clones disappearing into the Lexicon. It caused the Heartless to be rather stunned and seemingly blinded, its attacks unfocused. The Schemer made sure to get himself out of the way, standing a good distance away from both parts.

After flailing around a bit, both parts of the Heartless disappeared, the combined attacks too much for it to handle. With no Keyblade Masters present, there was no release of hearts; just the creature fading into the darkness from whence it came. Zexion watched as it faded, the Lexicon disappearing from his hands. He then looked back to the other three Organization members. "I will write the mission report once we have reached the castle," he told them. He then summoned a Corridor of Darkness, vanishing within seconds. He may have defeated yet another Heartless, but he was not about to even think about performing the victory pose Xigbar had taught him.

[Zexion used Catastrophe, three posts until next use, three uses remaining]

[/size]

[Nothingness]

Time to Go

Luxord watched as Zexion and Nyxar downed the other half of the Crimson Prankster, seeing it evaporate into the darkness upon its death. Luxord dusted his hands off as the Schemer elected himself to write the mission report for them. How nice. "Well, I am thankful for that, my dear Schemer. More time for me." As Number Six left the world, Luxord looked at both Nyxar and Vexen. "Well, perhaps this will teach both of you a lesson. Don't dawdle in your work, lest time overtake you. After all, was it just me or did this mission seem to last quite a long time?" Truth be told, it had only been about two or three hours since they started, but it felt like a month. Shrugging his shoulders he opened his own Corridor of Darkness and left all of this madness behind. Hopefully Nyxar and Vexen wouldn't kill each other when they were left alone.