Vacuous Encumbrance

[Matt]

Babysitting Duty

The Chilly Academic stepped from the suddenly appearing Corridor of Darkness, onto the cracking, dull grey stone of the Bailey. Radiant Garden appeared to remain fairly unchanged from the last visit he had made, not too long ago. Despite the mental damage that the mysterious "Tool of Darkness" had caused, the physical damage was rather minimal. That was, aside from destruction of much of the Marketplace. But from his understandings, the residents of the world were making steady progress in their efforts rebuild that particular area. Either way, it wasn't the matter of that mysterious figure that had brought him there on this specific mission. It was someone else. Three others, to be exact.

Vexen glanced disdainfully over his shoulder to the second cloaked man that was just emerging through the dark portal. Demyx. Regrettably, Number Three has stuck the scientist with the less-than-competent Melodious Nocturne for the current mission. If Xaldin truly believed that the brainless oaf would be of any use to Vexen in his research, then he must have taken one too many keyblades to the head. On one hand, this did involve forcing Number Nine, who's renown laziness often prevented him from accomplishing anything, to actually leave the Grey Room sofa and work. And he would certainly see to it that Demyx actually worked. But none the less, having him along would likely only impair productivity, not help.

"So," he began crisply. "I assume you still remember the objective?" Although he said this, the tone in which it was said seems to imply that the Academic very well did believe his partner to have already forgotten what it was they had set out to do. This was, of course, to look into the three-silver haired men that were currently allied with the witch, Maleficent, more or less. They were of interest to Vexen, not only for the reasons the rest of the Organization was, but also for certain reasons of his own. From what he already knew, there existence was quite an unusual one. One that could prove extremely insightful for his studies of the human heart.

[Demyx]

Ugh! Why did he have to be paired up with Vexen? Why?! He had avoided doing any work for awhile and now he had to get paired up with Vexen. He sighed as he came out of the corridor, Vexen already there. They were in Radiant Garden, though thankfully they weren't here after information on the figure that had destroyed the marketplace.

However they had different information to find out. And Vexen already was asking Demyx if he remembered what it was. How rude, he was the one who mentioned the the three dudes they were looking for in the first place! "Uh, duh. We're looking for those three silver haired dudes I, like, mentioned at the meeting," he told Vexen. It had been mentioned that they were probably working with the witch Maleficent. So that sounded like the place to start.

"So, like, they're supposed to be working with Maleficent right?" he asked Vexen. "That means, we should go explore the castle, right?" Man, this mission was already starting to stink and it hadn't even started yet. Vexen was gonna make him actually do work. He sighed, he hoped this mission wouldn't be a long one.

[Matt]

Straight to Buisness

Well, at least Demyx appeared to remember what the mission was, even if only vaguely. That much in and of itself was more than could usually be expected from him. Though the overall delivery of his answer could have certainly been more satisfactory. "You 'like' mentioned them, or you mentioned them?" he inquired, evidently annoyed by the other Nobody's manner of speech. He might have also made it a point to express his distaste for the term "dudes", but there were more pressing matters to attend to than his partner's poor grammar. That problem would just have to be dealt with at some other point.

"Yes, that is basically correct..." he continued, not even bothering to wait for a response to his last question. "We are searching for the three-silver haired men known as Kadaj, Yazoo, and Loz. Or rather more, we are searching for additional information regarding them. Whether or not we specifically come to meet them face-to-face is irrelevant." Though to be honest, despite his apparent uncaring, Vexen very much did hope for a personal meeting with the men. Gathering the sufficent data to form a logical hypothesis would be so much easier if he was able to study them up close. And if all went as he expected it to, he would be getting that chance.

"There is more I could tell you, however as I am not entirely certain I have not already given you more information that you can handle, I will not burden you with anymore for the time being." Vexen turned around, facing Number Nine with a wry smile. "Small steps for small minds." Perhaps he was antagonizing his fellow member more than was technically necessary, but what was Demyx of all people going to do about it? The same thing he always did, of course: nothing. Besides, everything the Academic said was truthful, and maybe by some miracle the Nocturne would manage to take this somewhat constructive criticism and use it for his own good.

"'Right?'" Vexen asked incredulously, rolling his eyes as he did so. "Are you asking me or telling me? He stared at Demyx for a moment as if he were something very odd, before turning back around to face the direction where he knew the old castle to be. "Indeed, we will be beginning our investigations at the Castle. Because leaving you alone would doubtlessly result in you doing nothing, we will not be splitting up, do you understand? Good." Without waiting for an actual reply to this question either, he set off, at a slightly quick pace that he fully expected to be kept up with.

[Demyx]

Dude, Like, Chill Out

Demyx sighed, Here we go..... he thought to himself. Vexen was already getting on his nerves and it was only going to get worse from here on out. He questioned his use of the world like and that bothered Demyx. Vexen was at the meeting wasn't he? He knew that he brought them up. Though of course, like Vexen ALWAYS did, he didn't bother waiting for a response and just continued babbling on. He confirmed their mission as trying to get additional information on those silver haired guys, whose names were apparently Kadaj, Loz, and Yazoo.

He did say that whether they met them or not didn't matter, but Demyx knew that Vexen would want to. After all he was the big scientist after all, wanting to experiment. It was more like mad scientist, but whatever. Maybe if he was lucky he wouldn't want Demyx to do anything to risk whatever experiment he head in mind. He frowned at Vexen's insult about small steps for small minds. He didn't have a small mind....he had a lazy mind. He could understand anything more that Vexen knew but, if he didn't want to give it then fine.

And of course Vexen also commented on him trying to confirm where they should start, and would have said as much but Vexen of course went ahead without waiting for an answer like he always did. He confirmed that was were they were going to head there and then went on about how they weren't going to split up, something Demyx already figured. He then started to walk off and Demyx followed after. "Yeah, yeah like I didn't know that already...." he mumbled as he walked behind Vexen. Maybe he would actually try and do some decent amount of work, if only to get the Academic to shut up. After all he controlled ice didn't he? Shouldn't he be the chilled out one?

[Matt]

Better Be Ready

The unimportant mumblings of Demyx went ignored as Vexen continued to make his way through the Bailey and towards the Castle. He was keeping up with the pace, at least, walking only a few strides behind his superior. Which was actually perfectly suitable anyway. It showed quite clearly who was in charge between the two of them. Not that that wouldn't be easily deductible for anyone even the slightest amount of insight. To put it simply: Demyx's appearance was not at all deceptive of his intelligence. He was as dull and useless as he looked...

Reaching the exit of the area, Vexen made his way down the stone stairs that descended to the right. They were now entering the Restoration Site, which was littered with a number of things that were presumably tools of the so called "Radiant Garden Restoration Committee", meant for building purposes. The path wound it's way up towards the Castle like a snake. He glanced over his shoulder, making sure that Number Nine wasn't falling too far behind. "Hurry up." he called passively back behind himself, evidently not satisfied with the speed Demyx was currently using.

"You know Demyx, I should probably warn you..." Vexen began, seemingly contemplating the question of whether or not he should. "If we run into the silver-haired men, things will undoubtedly get quite violent, very quickly." A small smile crept onto the Academic's face, unseen to the melodious man behind him. It was common knowledge to everyone in the Organization that there was nothing Demyx hated more than a fight, and cowardly ran away from any one that he could. Vexen had not decided yet to what extent he would allow him to interact with the targets at all; he didn't want him getting in the way. But he didn't have to tell him that yet. For the time being he could allow Demyx to worry over the prospect of being forced into fighting.

[Demyx]

Demyx was lucky that Vexen seemed to ignore his mumbling, he probably would have gotten another lecture or gotten yelled at or something. At this point he didn't even care, he just wanted the mission to be over. Even though they'd only been here for around five minutes at max. He followed after Mr. Mad Scientist, just glad he had shut up for now. Though after a little bit Vexen suddenly told him to hurry up, but he ignored it. He was keeping up with Vexen at a fine pace in his opinion so he didn't bother moving faster.

Though then the Acadmic found it noteworthy to tell Demyx that the people they were after would get violent and that meant a fight. He sighed, he hated fighting. Though he had come expecting it, it didn't mean he liked being reminded of it. "I like, already was expecting that," he told Vexen, trying his best to keep the fear out of his voice. He didn't need to give him the satisfaction of hearing him freaked out...even if he was slightly. "I saw them fight the restoration committee guys after all," Again he couldn't help but mumble to himself "Tell me something I don't know for once....."

[Angelus]

Having had nothing to do since the meeting with his brothers, that crazy Heartless, and Maleficent, Yazoo was growing rather bored. So his decision to remedy the situation was to go out into town and see if he could stir up some trouble. But of course his brother Loz had happily volunteered to go along. Not that Yazoo minded.

"Just don't be a crybaby."[/color] he had said to his brother as they had begun to leave the castle, teasing the muscular silver haired youth. And of course Loz's response was something along the lines of:

"I'm no crybaby!" Typical Loz, always the simpleton, although this silver haired youth surmised that if too much of their so called father ended up in any one of them, that would make them less of the individuals they were, and would probably cause the other two to hate the other. So Yazoo simply smiled and continued to walk, ignoring the statements of the larger brother. Minutes later when they finally stopped, Yazoo looked around to see he was at the postern, and he was no longer with his brother.

"Patience is a virtue, but I have none for you dear brother."[/color] Needless to say Loz had better hurry up.[/size]

[Matt]

Let The Experiments Begin

Vexen was fairly certain that he could detect a slight hint of fear in Demyx's voice as he responded to the mention of fighting. Evidently, any attempt made to hide such reluctance was not entirely successful. When the time came, his cowardly nature would get the best of him, and he would sent fleeing in fear the same way he always did. There was really no question about that. Needless to say, Demyx was not the most valuable asset in terms of strength. Of course, physical strength was not nearly as important as intelligence, but as it were Number Nine was severely lacking in both fields.

"Something you don't know?" the Academic mused, partially to himself. "That shouldn't be much of a challenge..." However before either of the Nobodies had a change to say anything else, they turned a corner and the Postern came into view. Vexen halted abruptly, raising his hand to signal for Demyx to stop as well. Standing right in the middle of the clearing was a man with silver hair, dressed completely in black. "Now that didn't take too long, did it?" With this, he began to make his way towards the man, paying no attention to whether or not his partner was following him. Chances were: he wouldn't, and he would be subject to a long lecture later. Or perhaps he might... In which case he would still likely be receiving some sort of lecture when the mission was over.

"Well now, what do we have here...?" Vexen asked with fake mild amusement, as he approached the man, stopping about 20 feet away. He studied the man's appearance. He was average in height, rather thin, with delicate-- almost feminine facial features, and silver hair that fell past his shoulders. The only weapons visible on him were an usual pair of guns. From the information he had collected, he inferred this to be Yazoo. However, this knowledge was based largely on meticulously gathered Radiant Garden gossip and secondhand accounts, so it was hard to be certain. All that could be said for sure was that this wasn't Kadaj. Vexen was already familiar with the shorter, double-bladed sword-wielding man, from the Land of the Dragons.

"Has the witch lost one of her little pawns?" A mocking smile twisted onto Vexen's face. This question was clearly aimed to antagonize it's target, as was the the Nobody's smile. Naturally, it served in his best interest to attempt to provoke the man into anger. To begin with, it would allow him to know if he was easily provoked. And if he was, well then manipulating him and extracting the desired answers would certainly be much less complicated. Besides, even if this one didn't have a tight mouth, he would still unquestionably be quick to charge into battle. Which would at least allow for a sufficient test of these men's strength.

[Angelus]

Yazoo frowned as the two Nobodies came into view, and that frown turned into a scowl as Vexen spoke to him. Leaning against the nearest standing object, arms folded, he merely spoke a few words.

"That witch has no control over me. Only my brother does."[/color] He slowly let his arms drop, and he began walking toward the long haired Nobody. He walked up to the Nobody, smiled, and chuckled.

"Hmhmhmhmhm." This Nobody was funny to look at, and his voice made Yazoo want to shoot himself in the foot. Hopefully he wouldn't have to waste too much time listening to this pretentious snob. If one thing was certain, these two Nobodies were...

"Rather unimpressive looking."[/color] As Yazoo said this, one of his guns shot straight up, the tip of the barrel digging into the bottom of Vexen's chin. The other then pointed at Demyx.

"Tell me why you're here."[/size]

[Demyx]

Unluckily enough for Demyx, Vexen had heard the last thing he had mumbled. Great, now he was gonna get talked to about something totally uninteresting that he didn't need to know or want to know. However soon Vexen held up his hand and Demyx stopped. He wondered what was up. Though from what Vexen had said it was pretty easy to tell, they had run into one of the silver haired guys already. He would much rather start to head the opposite way, however, Vexen was already approaching them.

He sighed, following after. He just knew he was gonna get some kind of lecture if he ran, even though he really wanted to. The one they had ran into Demyx vaguely remembered when he was here last, but it didn't matter. Vexen was already provoking him which wasn't good. Man, he didn't want to get into a fight already....

Before he knew a gun barrel was aimed at him and another at Vexen. Great, just perfect. This silver haired dude was asking what theyw ere doing and he wasn't sure if he should answer or let Vexen answer. Maybe he'd be better off answering in case Vexen's answer led to a fight. "Um, chill out, we're just, like, here gather information about what's been happening around here lately," he gave a nervous laugh. "No need to like, resort to violence..."

[Matt]

Battle Strategies

As it appeared, the particular silver-haired man that stood before Vexen was not one to be too easily provoked. In fact, his cold and aloof disposition seemed capable of rivaling that of even the most emotionless of Nobodies. Very much unlike the hotheaded Kadaj. Still, the scientist observed a quick trace of annoyance across his face at the suggestion of the idea that he was a pawn to Maleficent. This statement was quickly denied, though in doing so, the man gave Vexen something worth noting that he likely didn't mean to. So, one of these "brothers" has absolute control over the other two... Interesting. He was willing to bet that Kadaj was the leader of the threesome. His personality seemed fitting enough for the role, and he was the one that seemed to be serving directly under Maleficent in the Land of the Dragons.

"Oh? Then I suppose that makes you but a pawn of a pawn, doesn't it?" The man had begun to make his way towards Vexen, ignoring the question this time. Typically, one would make it a point to not let an armed opponent get too close to them. Particularly if one was not even armed, and said opponent was. However, the only real advantage his opponent's fighting style provided for him was it's long-distance, while the Academic had plenty of close-range tricks up his sleeve. So allowing him to get close was actually a very convenient first step towards defeating him. Not that defeating him was entirely necessary; after all, this was merely meant to be a test. But at this rate, with only one of the targets as an opponent, perhaps straight-out victory would be... unavoidable.

Vexen glanced down casually at the gun that pointed directly at his chin. Not a very logical place to point the gun. Even if he were an average, weak Somebody, being shot there wouldn't be all that fatal. Nothing about his actions suggested he was at all intimidated by the silver-haired gunman. If anything, he appeared to be amused. Having purposefully made no rush to answer the question directed at him too soon, he was beaten to it by Demyx, whose presence he had almost forgotten. With an absentminded wave of his hand, he dismissed the Nocturne's words, evidently finding them to be inconsequential. Hopefully he would manage to take a hint, and let his superior do the talking. Otherwise, he would undoubtably end up giving slipping and giving away more to the enemy than the Organization wanted to.

"I see no need to tell you anything else." he replied taunting, as if daring the man to try to make him do so. "After all-- why trouble you with such useless information in your final hour?" In a flash of white light and ice crystals, Vexen summoned Frozen Pride. The appearance of the blue shield knocked the gun out of the Nobody's face. At almost the exact same moment, a giant icicle, larger than the average person, burst from the ground at a slight angle, aimed to impale the remnant if he did not dodge it. Immediately behind it came another. Then another, and another, and another, and another, and another. Each followed behind the previous one, moving in the path that their target did, and causing the task of dodging them all to be a difficult one.

[Used Ice Needles; 2 posts until next use]
[/blockquote]

[Angelus]

Yazoo knew right away that his coming that close to Vexen was going to pose a problem if the situation turned to violence. Then again, that made things interesting. A fight that starts out with Yazoo up close and personal against someone who had close and long ranged capabilities certainly made things difficult. So when Vexen began to make the comment about his final hour, Yazoo was already pulling his gun back, and jumping into the air.

His jump just happened to occur only seconds before one giant icicle shot out of the ground, and thus Yazoo barely managed to avoid being damaged by it. He got the best footing he could, and rode it up, avoiding the next one. Not being the type of guy to stand still for long at such a range, he then proceeded to use the formed and forming icicles to put distance between the ice user. Just from Vexen's opening move, he knew one thing.

"I won't be bored."[/color] He aimed one of his guns at Vexen, and fired off three shots, while using the blade on the other to cut off the tip of an icicle the came a little too close to hitting him for his comfort. All the while Yazoo had a slight smile on his face.

The shield would make hitting the Chilly Academic hard, but not impossible. And with twenty five feet between the two, things were about to get interesting.[/size]

[Loz]

Grand Entrance

When Yazoo had announced that he was going somewhere and, upon Loz questioning him, informed him that he intended to go stir up more trouble in the town, the other remnant didn't hesitate to declare his participation in such an outing. And although there was no objection to this declaration, there was a quite snide remark given. Loz's cheeks flushed with anger as he quickly objected. He was not a crybaby! Yazoo was just a jerk. Always trying (and typically succeeding) to pick on him, when he hadn't even done anything to him... Jerk. Why-- he ought to just punch him in the face next time he said something mean like that. Maybe he would...

Still steaming, Loz was considering taking a swing at his brother, when it occurred to him that he was no longer walking alongside him at all. His annoyance was replaced with confusion. Looking around, it was clear that Yazoo was nowhere to be seen. Obviously, he must have taken a wrong turn while Loz wasn't paying attention. Or maybe he had been the one to take the wrong turn... Honestly, this big, stupid castle was just one big maze. Well, he had better hurry or else Yazoo wouldn't be too happy with him. Then again, there was no need to hurry that much; he deserved to have to wait some.

Stepping out the castle door into the Postern, Loz was surprised to find that he and his brother were not the only ones there. Standing about twenty-five feet away from the taller of silver-haired men, was some guy in a black cloak with a big blue shield. Yazoo was firing his Velvet Nightmare at the man, but the bullets were blocked easily by the shield. He began walking forward, moving more noticeably into view. "What's the maaattter Yazoo, need my help?" Stopping next to him, he glanced at him with a smile, and then back to the man with the shield. Time for some fun. Without another word, he
went flying towards the unknown enemy with incredible speed; hardly more than a blue blur as his Dual Hound, pulsing with electricity, came at him.

[Matt]

[WARNING: This post contains severe amounts of... Well nothing really. It contains severe amounts of nothing... I BLAME AERITH.]

A Second Subject

[/size]

The target of the icy spikes that the Academic had summoned managed to dodge the attack. Meanwhile, Vexen carefully studied his movements. Speed and agility were proving to be a strong-suit of his; more so than strength at least. That much was shown by his long-range, shooting combat style. Something that wasn't going to be particularly useful for the silver-haired youth in the fight before him. Not even having to make any movement to do so, the Nobody watched as the three incoming bullets bounced harmlessly off the shield he held. Considering the size of the weapon and of the area it defended, it would be virtually impossible for any damage to be done with such a predictable tactic. So unless the enemy had some rather large tricks up their sleeves that had yet to be seen, it was fairly clear who the victor of this conflict was going to be.

Any visible surprise was absent from Vexen's face as he casually turned his gaze to the newcomer whom had just spoken. The second man addressed the first as "Yazoo". In turn, that would have to make this new one: Loz. He had the same abnormally colored silver hair, which one often found as a result of the darkness, that was apparently a trademark of the three brothers. Golden irises were also a common effect of the darkness, however the reoccurring color for them was an unnaturally bright shade of green. Like the other "brothers", he dressed entirely in black leather, although the design of the outfit was noticeably different. Height-wise, he looked to be approximately the same hight as Yazoo; perhaps slightly shorter. He was larger in terms of his build though. The thiner of the two's size paled in comparison next to very muscular Loz.

Vexen hardly had time to react when Loz came heading straight for him with incredible speed. Due to his muscles, and the nature of the device that he carried on his arm, it was quite obvious that brute strength would likely function as the main aspect of his battle strategy. Such unbelievable speed was not something he had been accounting for. In fact, had the attack not been so blatantly head-on he probably wouldn't have been able to block it at all. Both the sheer force behind the blow, along with the electrical power delivered through it, sent a jolt through Vexen's arm as it collided with the shield, pushing him away a bit. His feet left the ground just barely, but instead of crashing back down to the ground, he glided backwards several feet. Unlike with the shooter, it would be best to avoid letting this sort of melee-fighter get to close. His combined strength and speed could prove dangerous, especially at a close range.

"Well, how wonderful of you to join us Loz.". Vexen said casually, finding amusement in the look of surprise that appeared on the remnant's face at the mention of his name. He wouldn't have been expecting his opponent to know his name, and wouldn't like that he did (mostly because he didn't know his opponent's name). This seemingly unimportant difference actually served as a considerable mental advantage for the Nobody. In an unofficial sense, it placed him in charge of the conversation; in charge the situation, for that matter. Which, although might seem to some an inconsequential act, has it's purpose. "I was hoping you would, you know... As was your brother Yazoo here, I'm sure." He was using everything that he did know, to make it appear that he knew everything he did not.

Naturally he was far from omnipotent. Were he all-knowing: well then he wouldn't have been wasting his precious time there with those idiot pawns of Maleficent in the first place. But it was best to create a sort of illusion of omnipotence for the Organization. It made them appear a much more dangerous threat that way. And appearing dangerous is practically as important as actually being dangerous. If not even more important. Fear is the most powerful weapon known to mankind, and the most convenient to have against someone else. True, having the strength to carryout your bidding is vital. But sometimes fear is enough to see that you get what you want, without having to take action for it. Xemnas would certainly be one to know this well. After all, it was how he maintained control of Organization XIII. There was a reason he never had to fight any of the other members for power. He maintained order through fear.

Keeping Frozen Pride in the same defensive position, Vexen waited to see how Yazoo and Loz would respond. For the time being, he was choosing not to make any further attacks. Of course, he still wished to test their physical abilities further, but he had already gotten a considerable understanding of those in the short time that he had been observing them. And there was much more to be seen when it came to evaluating them mentally. The heart was a much more complex thing to try to understand than the rest of the human body. Obviously there was no ignoring the possibility that the silver-haired team would opt for action opposed to words-- they didn't exactly come across as the talking type-- but Vexen would try to get out of them what he could. He was sure he could manage to extract something worth while out of them.

From what he had seen already, if anyone was going to spill much information it would be this Loz. He seemed much more easily provoked and manipulated than his other two brothers. Getting interesting information from him wouldn't certainly be too difficult to say the least. He was so clearly such a simpleton. Why it would seem that he made even Demyx look like a genius, which was saying something for sure. That reminded him of the rather undesirable presence of the dimwitted Melodious Nocturne nearby. Unsurprisingly, he had succeeded in totally dis-involve himself from the situation. Not that Vexen truly minded. Better he be entirely useless than a hindrance to the operation. The longer he managed to not completely mess the Academic's plans up, the better. Unfortunately, that was likely going to happen sooner of later.

[Demyx]

Well, Vexen shot all chances of no violence out the window. After Demyx had said to not resort to violence, Vexen up and summoned up needles of ice and launched them at the silver haired guy. However all that really did was put distance between them. Demyx hung back, letting the two fight, he didn't want to have any part of it. Besides Vexen would probably just complain that he'd be in the way to begin with.

Unfortunately for him however, another one of those silver haired guys approached, the one with the really short silver hair. However, he went ahead and went after Vexen as well, it seemed like the two had forgotten he was here, which was a bit of a lucky break. He made sure there was some distance between him and the fighting, so he could watch. He would have left, but he knew he'd get a worse lecture from Vexen about leaving during a mission, than just not helping him fight. He would have said something, but the longer he stayed out of the way, the longer he didn't have to listen to Vexen order him around and question everything he did.