New Blood (Org Only)

[Fate]

Perplexing

Zexion waited until both Axas and Xigbar were gone until he decided to speak; the former he minded more than the latter since he was a new recruit, one who would have no idea of what the Schemer was talking about. It would have to be explained to him at a later point, in which Zexion would have no problem doing; he now had a rather extensive idea about this "Champion", a bit more than what he wanted in all honesty. He now not only knew what he looked like and sounded like, but he knew the scent of darkness matched no others in his travels. It would be hard to mistake him.

"I managed to find him in the Deep Jungle, though, it does not seem to be his permanent place of stay," he started to say, "It was not incredibly difficult. His scent was... quite overwhelming. It quite nearly encapsulated the entire world itself." A bit of hesitance showed in his voice, much more than what he wanted to show. The Superior would be able to tell that this "Champion" was indeed a frightening figure and that if Zexion had possessed a heart, he would have been petrified in fear and would have vacated as soon as he gathered his senses again.

"I was also able to extract bits of information from him," he continued, "He is indeed aligned with the darkness, though he refuses to work directly with Maleficent or anyone else; one of her pawns was there to attempt to ally with him as well as King Mickey." The Keyblade Master was indeed an important one to be at that 'meeting' of sorts, considering he was directly aligned with the forces of light and would fight with Sora to defeat the Organization if he had to. However, Zexion was going to prevent that as much as possible.

"His motives remain unclear at this point, though he has given us further insight as to who he is. Though, his words still puzzle me..." With a perplexed look on his face, he summoned the Lexicon and opened to a certain page. The piece of paper had the riddle, word for word, written upon it alongside Zexion's guesses for what it could possibly mean. Instead of handing the Superior the page, he chose to read it aloud in his empty monotone.

" 'I am the one who walks through a sword. I have been a ghost, yet never died. I am the pattern easily copied. The earth changes at my command. I am the 'and' in grave matters. I represent the source of shadows. I have been called tool, slave, servant, and champion; I am zero and all four.' " Zexion paused as he let the words sink in, speaking them fluidly. Even after reciting it to himself many times before, he still was working his head around this concept. "We are to call him Champion by his request. What do you make of this Superior?"

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[Angelus]

Axas got off of his bed the moment Xigbar opened the corridor of darkness. He had a look of surprise on his face, although to be honest, he should've seen it coming when Xigbar was giving him a tour without giving him a tour. And in the blink of an eye, he was gone.

"Hey! Don't leave me here alone! I didn't even get the uniform!"

He crossed his arms and made a harumpff sound. He frowned at the thought of being left alone, and then decided he couldn't take it anymore. So what was he going to do? He was going back to listen in on the meeting between Zexion and Xemnas. What a silly thing to ask. After all, he was the guy who liked to blackmail others. It made things so much easier for him. He held out his hand and opened up his own corridor, and then disappeared into it. He reappeared, just behind the throne that was now his. He was tempted to poke his head out from behind it, but figured that it wasn't the best thing to do. He listened to Zexion speak his words, and was severly confused. Who the heck was he talking about? And where the heck would he show up next and when? Axas sure as heck didn't want to bump into the guy, whoever he was. Sounded like a lot of heartache. Or something like that.

[Administrator]

Xemnas nodded, listening to Zexion hand him the information he had asked for. Thus, the Superior absorbed the information about this so-called Champion. An overpowering scent, which signified that this man was quite powerful. He refused to work with any other of those who followed the side of the Dark, which was not unusual, as those on the side of the Dark tended towards solitude.

But the puzzle interested Xemnas. Being able to walk through a sword suggested being able to be incorporeal, which was an interesting power, to say the least. That also tied into the next line, which likely alluded to that same fact. He was able to become incorporeal without being dead, a ghost. The 'and' in grave matters Xemnas skipped over. That was too vague. The source of shadows likely meant that he was able to generate darkness, already seen.

He was the Tool, Slave, Servant, and Champion of the Darkness. He was zero and all four. He seems to be calling himself none and all at the same time...but how? Interesting... Xemnas nodded slowly. "He has some power that enables him to become incorporeal. That is the meaning of the first two lines, or the one I could define, at the very least." Continuing, Xemnas said, "He obviously seems to enjoy causing uncertainty, which means he is certainly aligned with the Darkness. They tend to use those methods.

"Is there anything more?"

[Fate]

Can I Pique Your Interest?

Zexion let the information sink in after he spoke, even thinking more himself. He had previously focused on the description of being the representative, so to speak, of the source of shadows. His mind had generated an image of Xehanort and Ansem, the former more than the latter. It obviously could not be true that Xehanort had returned... could it? The Schemer was not sure he even wanted to consider that sort of thing; it could translate into many different things for the Organization, but he doubted they could all be good. Instead, he focused on 'I am the pattern easily copied. The earth changes at my command'. What could that possibly mean? How could someone as powerful as that be easily copied? Were there more like him? Zexion had never met any others like him, though if that were the case... the Realms of Light, Darkness and all of them in between had become far more dangerous.

Either way, his thoughts were interrupted. Two eavesdroppers decided to come into the conversation. One of them was, naturally, Xigbar. The Schemer almost figured he would want to do so if Zexion had chosen to meet with the Superior. He would not scold the other for doing so, knowing the man's tendencies; Xigbar was never the type to go spreading around the information he learned through eavesdropping unless it was in another's best interest. The conversation about the different Chambers never left his mind and he still wondered about their existence. However, that was not something to focus on at the moment; for now, he'd leave Xigbar alone and later make sure this information would not spread.

Although, the other Zexion could do without. 'Axas' decided to appear behind Axel's throne, causing the illusionist to look in that direction and narrow his eyes into a glare. "Axas, what are you doing here? Should you not be elsewhere?" He asked these questions as politely as possible, then refocusing on the Superior. There was always more to be said, always.

"Concerning the Champion, not that I am aware of," Zexion continued, "It is unknown where he will show next, though we can only guess that his motive is to rid of the light. Anything else is considered speculation, but I do agree that he indeed prefers to cause uncertainty." He paused for a moment. Should he take this next step toward a different conversation? It was quite the dangerous one and could damage the trust he had built with the Superior. He needed to be careful, as always.

"There is something that has made rather uneasy, Superior," he stated, going into his thinking position, "Number Seven did not return to the meeting that you called for loyal members. Could that possibly mean something?" Well, Zexion took that as a bit of a sign. This was a way to pique the interest of Xemnas. He could work from there.

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[Slash]

Good Timing

If Saix could possibly be happy, he would be right now. Such fantastic timing. He even allowed himself the (rather psychotic looking) smirk that he wore on occasion before dumping it for the same emotionless expression he always had.

He had managed to show up right as Zexion was attempting to manipulate Xemnas. Well, Zexion was called the Schemer for a reason.

Hm. Saix had showed up to collect information about his current status and keep a low profile, but considering the circumstances his plan had to be changed.

He was leaning ever so slightly against the bottom of Zexion's throne, waiting for him to finish. When he did, Saix said,"What an interesting question, Number Six. I do apologize for having made you so uneasy." Whatever plan Zexion had would be eliminated right now.

"Unfortunately, the forces which somehow resurrected us all delayed my return. If it had been possible for me to hear you from the state of non-existence I had been in, I would have shown. As it is, I have come to repair any damage that might have been caused as I floated in oblivion. However, it is comforting to know that you were so...worried about me, Number Six."

He very much doubted that Zexion would bring him up without some ulterior motive.

[Lagunamov]

So, if he went to the jungle, why didn’t he bring back any fruit?

“Hah. He wants to be called Champion. What a diva,” Xigbar couldn’t help but think as Zexion explained the information he had gathered from the man in person. This Champion left his existence explained in riddles, which was particularly annoying. It either meant the true nature of his existence could reveal his weakness, or he was so confident of his power that boasting in such a way came natural to him. His refusal to work with directly with Maleficent, however, put some ease on the situation, if any.

Stroking the scar on his cheek, Xigbar dwelled on the riddle for a moment more. He himself was one to speak in half truths and mask his intentions in a similar manner, but never with such fancy riddles. While most of the sentences in his speech referred almost directly to the extents of his powers, which he could speculate as phasing through objects, great control over darkness, and possibly inhuman strength that could bend the earth itself. Those were of no direct concern. The important part he picked from Zexion’s report – ignoring Xemnas’ conclusion, which was similar to his in the first point - were those relating to ’I have been called tool, slave, servant, and champion; I am zero and all four’.

“Does this mean he is not working alone? Is he answering to someone? Or could he be the last in the line of similar entities such as him?” the thought ran through his head and let loose, trying to find a suitable answer. Of course, his thoughts were interrupted moments later as Zexion pointed out that an eavesdropper other than him was present in the room. Good old Zexion, letting him do as he pleases in terms of information gathering, but trying to deny it for just about everybody else. Of course, it had to be Axas, but at the very least he didn’t directly follow him. On second thought, that was a shame, ‘cause if he had, he’d have plummeted to his death by now.

More important than the new guy sneaking into the room and failing epically, was the return of the walking target. That is, Saïx. Some antagonism could be sensed in his words, despite him being the second closest member in terms of not displaying emotions – the first place was reserved for Xemnas’ I-could-make-you-fall-asleep voice. “Had I known there would be a show, I would have brought popcorn with me.”

[Angelus]

Oh boy, I'm cruisin' for a bruisin'.

He just went from being on the counter, to being in a blazing oven. Or a frying pan. He could never get that saying straight. He'd been found out almost as soon as he'd appeared, and this did not make him happy. He really needed to work on his whole sneaking around thing. It'd make blackmail so much more easier.

"It's not my fault I was abandoned by Xigbar the pirate elf!" Axas said, in a half frightened, half angry, and .1% annoyed voice. He came out of hiding, and laughed nervously.

"I didn't get a uniform, or a number." He said, moments before Number VII came in. When he did enter, Axas spent time looking at Saïx's ears, and then his scar. Dang, elves were quite common within this group weren't they? But despite the fact that his eyes weren't focusing on anything else, his ears heard that Saïx was late, and that for whatever reason, Zexion was bringing it up. Quite interesting to say the least, he'd have to keep tabs on the blue haired elf for the time being. See what was really going on there. Maybe he could get some information he could use against the pointy eared berserker, or maybe even something he could use against the silver haired blood hound.

"This guy, the Champion was it? He doesn't seem to care for speaking like a normal person. Maybe, just maybe by the first line, the I am the one who walks through a sword, is some reference to how he gets around? Maybe he uses the sword to get from place to place. Crazy sounding, but that seems to be the easiest thing to get out of it." He thought about the rest of it for a moment, and then continued.

"Maybe he has the power to change the way the worlds look? And the zero and all four thing could be saying that either he isn't the only one of his kind, whatever he is, or that he has divided forms. Representing the source of all shadows obviously means he's working for the darkness. Although when it comes to the rest, I'm stumped. Never was that good at solving riddles." He'd started slipping out of character with analyzing and suggesting what parts of the riddle meant, so he quickly tried to remedy that.

"Those were things he said right?"

[Administrator]

The Newest fool is more fool than the rest.

Xemnas watched as his meeting was suddenly made into a public domain. It appeared there were none left in the Organization who appreciated privacy. He knew Xigbar was one who often eavesdropped on his conversations, but Xigbar was one of the higher members of the Organization, which them made it slightly better. Axas was not nearly anywhere near that, so him stumbling back into the room he was told to vacate was not earning him any favor points.

Of course, then Saïx appeared. Now, this was an interesting turn of events. He would have to remove, at the very least, Axas. "Very well, though it is unorthodox," if it will placate you, newest member, I shall give you number, "I will give you your number and title. Number Twelve, the Larcenous Amnesiac." He had given the title on second thought, realizing that it had a chance to further placate the newest and most irritating--used in the metaphorical sense, of course. He was a nuisance, but irritation was not felt by those without hearts--member. Turning his head to fix the Nobody with a blank stare, Xemnas said, "Now, go back to your room and your uniform will be in your closet. Make your way around the castle and learn of the many pathways. You will need to know them in the days to come." The way the words were spoken made it clear that he was not giving Axas a choice in the matter.

Waiting until he was certain Axas had absconded, the Superior turned to fix his eyes upon Seven. The Diviner was here, alive and well, as per the particular metaphor, and now it was up to Xemnas to decide what that meant in particular. He was certain that there had not been truly that great of a variation in the resurrection of all of the Organization. "Saïx. I have wondered why it has taken so long for you to make your return." Walking slowly towards the Nobody, Xemnas made a sweeping gesture as he said, "Perhaps you would enlighten us on the reasons behind your late arrival. I am certain we are all intensely interested to hear them. Late resurrection does not sound entirely correct. There must have been something more than that. Do tell."

[Fate]

What Interesting Timing

Naturally, Saïx had perfect timing and chose to show right as Zexion was starting to initiate his plan. The Schemer narrowed his gaze slightly and let him speak, ignoring Axas for the moment; the Superior had ordered him to leave anyhow and gave him Larxene's number, which was somewhat fitting. There was definitely a bit of antagonism hidden in Number Seven's words, though only a small amount. Aside from the Superior, he was the one that stuck closest to his Nobody roots.

He said that the forces that resurrected him were delayed, causing him to not come until now. The illusionist felt compelled to doubt this. The Superior, a Nobody of higher strength and the last one to pass in the Organization, returned before Saïx. Could it have been possible that Saïx's story was true and that his return was delayed because of that? It very well could have been, but Zexion doubted it completely. Thankfully, the Superior had the same skepticism and asked him to explain further. For the moment, he would stay quiet and simply observe what was said.

The situation was a bit suspicious. Why did Saïx decide to return to the Organization now of all times? If his story proved to be false, then why would he even bother to come back at all? Was it simply to try and do as he did before: remain steadily loyal to the Organization while attempting to stage a coup? Was he trying to trick Xemnas again? Zexion couldn't be sure at this moment, which meant he would have to wait this out and see exactly what Saïx was up to. This meant that telling Xemnas that he was a traitor would have to wait. He could stay in the Organization for now until Zexion was absolutely sure his motives were pure or impure.

He wasn't about to let himself get killed again either.

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[Slash]

Concealed Plans

The dance again. How it bothered him. Carefully constructed words and concealed plans were the only way to survive here. One mistake and he would fall.

Xemnas, this is the only way I can regain my heart, so I will play your games once more. Let us begin. But I can assure you, if there is ever an alternative I will do all that is in my power to strike you down.

"Indeed there was," he said calmly. "The resurrection was not only unexpected, it went against everything known. We were meant to fade into oblivion, and yet we returned. Such a perversion was not to be taken lightly. So, I searched for answers. I scoured the known worlds for abnormal activity in darkness or light, anything that could explain the strange phenomenon." He shook his head. "There was little to find, unfortunately. The only anomaly I could find was an overabundance of light in some worlds, but it explained nothing."

This was somewhat true. He had searched for some answers, and had seen the Heartless weakened in a few worlds. But he did not look as much as he said.

"My primary objective was to collect information about anything that could explain my own resurrection. Finding out if any others had returned did not take priority at the time."

Saix found that the best lies were those that mainly consisted of truths.

[Administrator]

Trust and the lack thereof.

Xemnas nodded. "Very well, I believe that is all." He still didn't quite believe the Nobody, but Saïx would not betray him so long as he didn't deviate from the Organization's goal for the time being. "You may all go about your business as normal. It is good that we were able to obtain this information.

"Seven, you are to destroy traitors on sight. If you see the former Eleven and Eight, you are to annihilate them." The monotone didn't shift as the tone behind it became slightly sarcastic. "I do so hope you do not retain any fond memories regarding number Eight. It would be a shame for our ranks to be forced to decrease due to memories of emotions which do not matter now anyhow.

"Six," he turned to Zexion as he continued, "I will continue to expect you to excel at missions given to you, particularly those well-suited to your talents." Turning to Xigbar, he said, "Two..." Xemnas thought a moment. "Continue your normal range of actions." There was not much more left to say. And then, it was over. Xemnas opened a portal and exited.

[Angelus]

Do I sense hostility?

Axas smiled when he was given his number and title. Although he was annoyed at the fact that Xigbar had failed to mention anything about the uniform being in the closet back when they were in his new room. Well, maybe he had and Axas didn't remember. He did have something of a memory issue after all. Axas shook his head, dismissing the thought. More important things were going on in front of him, so he paid attention, and made sure to take notes. Unfortunately Axas got the feeling he wasn't very welcome at this particular meeting, so when the others began to stare, he shrugged.

"Well I guess I better go get changed. And then I suppose it's off to explore the castle." He turned around and opened up a corridor of darkness. Moments later he was back in his room, and now wearing the uniform of the Organization.

"I wonder just how strong this traitor Axel is. His powers might just make me top dog around here. Or at least as close to top dog as I can get without having to deal with Numero Uno. He's too big a fish to fry right now." He opened another corridor, and with that, his exploration began.