Restraint [Vexen/Axel]

[Matt]

Reconnaissance

~July 18~

The streets of the Second District of Traverse Town were totally vacant. As always, lights streamed from nearly every building, partially counteracting the constant absence of the sun in the world. Little of this light touched the roof of the Gizmo Shop, however, as it stood just slightly above it's reach. It was a perfect vantage point from which to view the rest of the area.

Vexen had decided to take the time out of his terribly busy research schedule to do a bit of reconnaissance. There was much that had been going on recently that he was curious to learn more about. Partially related to the Champion, but not limited too. And quite frankly, he was not satisfied with the reports that Zexion had been making recently. Naturally, he would be able to find out far more if he looked into the situation himself. So he had come to Traverse Town, the crossroads of the worlds, to see what he could find.

After arriving at the world, the Academic quickly choose the top of the bizarre building as a place to set up a sort of "headquarters" for the mission. Of course he wasn't going to go snooping around for information himself. For that he had summoned several dusks, and given them very clear orders on where to go and what to do. Then he would wait for each to return with what they had discovered, hopefully finding at least something of interest.

Leaning slightly on one of three stone columns that sat on the roof's edge, Vexen peered down at the district. His eyes widened as he spotted a figure on the street. Even from a distance, an Organization cloak and the spiky red hair gave the man away in an instant. Axel. "Hmm." He frowned with distain. What was that filthy traitor up to? Vexen had heard that he was back, but this was the first time he had come across him in person.

The ex-Number Eight looked up towards the clock tower, and he appeared to have spotted the other Nobody. Well, Vexen wasn't about to go down there, but he wasn't going anywhere either. If that fool dared to come up to speak to him, then so be it. But he ought to know that the order from the Superior was to destroy all traitors on sight.

[Axel]

I Smell Turkey

Yet another visit to Traverse Town consisted of the usual aimless wandering through the streets. Axel seemed to be doing quite a bit of that lately on whatever world he visited. On the one hand, it would be nice to have a clear, immediate purpose. But that would mean he'd be getting tangled even further in the Organization's power ladder. It grated on him a little that all of his current plans depended on others taking action. Perhaps he would have to give some thought to ways of changing that.

Traverse Town was the same old night-blanketed affair. Plenty of people that came in all sorts of varieties roamed the streets, so he didn't attract much attention at all. Out of habit, though, he was more furtive than the majority of the population. Sticking to the sides of streets rather than moving boldly down the center, he wound his way through the more crowded First District.

It wasn't long before he made it into the Second District. The air was much more breathable, and the disparity between the number of people here opposed to that in the First District was obvious. Neon lit the path that wound toward the far end. A bell tower dominated the sky there, and as Axel drew closer, he could pick out the form of none other than Vexen up on the rooftop.

Oh? Looks like I might have stumbled upon some unexpected entertainment.

In the space of about two seconds, both of them became aware of each other. But Vexen made no move to come down and confront the Flame. In fact, he didn't make a move to do anything at all. According to Zexion and Saïx, all of the loyal members had been ordered to kill the traitors on sight. So, what was this? Certainly not compassion, no. And probably not respect, either. Perhaps fear? Fear would be satisfying.

The brief eye contact was the only sign Axel gave the Academic that he recognized him. He lowered his gaze back to the street and casually made his way back toward the Hotel. He stepped inside, now completely out of Vexen's view, and allowed himself a smirk. Time to have a little fun.

While no one else was around, the Flame summoned a Corridor and entered it. When he reappeared, he was now standing right in front of the bell tower. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned nonchalantly against the wall next to the tower's metal bars.

"Well, hello there, Vexen. Fancy seeing you here." He lifted one arm slightly from his chest and examined his fingers for a moment, rubbing his thumb against the rest. Then he flicked his eyes back to the Academic with a smirk.

[Matt]

I Smell Traitor

Watching him with scrutiny as he did so, Vexen saw Axel lower his gaze and head into the hotel building. This seemed like a rather odd thing to do, especially considering the fact that he was fairly certain the Flame intended to come up there. What was he trying to do, scare the Academic? It would have made infinitely more sense for him to have just open a portal where he was standing. But, then again, since when was that one ever known for his intelligence?

A voice came from behind Vexen, greeting him sarcastically. Unfortunately for Axel, his brilliant plan of sneaking up had sort of been ruined by the fact that corridors of darkness make a sound as you open and close them. Idiot. He wasn't sure exactly what he wished to accomplish, but knowing him it was probably just to serve as a nuisance to the scientist and his work. Well as it just so happened, he was busy.

"How dare you show your face around here, you filthy traitor." he replied sharply, evidently not feeling the need to return the "hello". Turning around, he gaze the Flurry a look of pure disgust, as if he were staring at some particularly nasty form of heartless. "As I'm sure you can imagine, I have no desire to speak to you." There was no love lost between the two of them. Vexen had been less than fond of him to begin with, but his treacherous actions in Castle Oblivion had certainly not helped to improve that opinion.

[Axel]

Jabs

Good old Vexen. Axel chuckled but chose not to move from his current spot. The Chilly Academic made no secret of his disdain toward the Flame. But then again, Axel didn't know of anyone in the Organization that Vexen actually liked. Or tolerated, rather.

"Still self-absorbed as ever, I see." He was still puzzled as to why Vexen was not at least making an attempt on his life. If Xemnas had given the order, Vexen should be following it, seeing as it came from higher up. Rank was always important to the scientist, after all.

"I would have thought I'd be greeted with a little more violence, though. Aren't traitors supposed to be eliminated?" Goading the Academic would prove entertaining for only so long, but perhaps he could get some information out of this chance meeting.

[Matt]

Fire With Fire

Axel chuckled, evidently amused, or at least-- more realistically-- pretending to be. Vexen did not share in this finding of humor in the situation. Clearly neither time nor destruction had done anything to improve his poor manners, unsurprisingly enough. "Still as insolent as ever, I see." Wonderful...

Now he was asking why Vexen had yet to make any attempt to eliminate him. The way which he did so seemed to be supposed to reference the Academic's own elimination at the hand of the Flame. How unamusing. "Perhaps." he replied loftily. "When they're worth the effort, that is. You can hardly expect one to waste their time trying to squash every insignificant little bug that they come across."

The red-headed Nobody just better watch himself though. If said bug were to become too much of an annoyance, well then naturally Vexen would not hesitate to do away with it. And if he kept it up, that might just be what would have to happen. However for the time present he was content with not starting any violence. Not that he could say the same thing for Axel.

Vexen had managed to suppress any visible signs of aggravation, and now appeared rather calm and collected. "I must wonder what business you have here in Traverse Town though, Axel. Or does this journey have no purpose? Merely wandering around aimlessly, are you? Yes, I would imagine that's most all you've been doing lately. Seeing as your existence has become even more pointless than the rest of ours. He glanced at him with amusement, as if waiting for some sort of objection.

[Axel]

Seen Any Flowers Lately?

Vexen thought him insignificant. That was a riot. And it was also not very surprising. Xemnas was perhaps the only member of the Organization that Vexen found significant. And even then, Vexen still probably thought he was secretly better. Of course, anyone who didn't monologue to walls was automatically better than Xemnas. Vexen, however, didn't fall into that category. He just droned on and on about science. Made for very boring conversations.

He wondered how much of an insect Vexen would find him if the next thing he saw was a blaze of fire in his face.

No fights would be started for the moment, however. Not unless Vexen started one himself. And if he kept running his mouth like that, he could push enough buttons to set Axel off. And that was something Vexen most definitely would not want if he wanted to stay alive.

However, he made no effort to disprove the Academic's statement about his meaningless existence. It was true, after all. He knew that. Did it bother him? Nah. Not really. "Aimless? Hardly. You should know me better than that. I always have a plan." Even if plans currently relied on others, as well. Vexen didn't have to know that, though.

"I don't see you being useful. Just enjoying the view, eh? Taking a breather from all that hard work you-- Oh, wait. I'm thinking of someone else. You just get your replicas to work for you."

Time to direct the conversation in another direction. Perhaps Vexen knew something that would help Axel and Saïx find Flower Boy. "Speaking of traitors... I hear Marluxia's lurking around somewhere."

[Matt]

Hmm... Have I?

Vexen rolled his eyes. How tiresome, speaking to someone who was obviously so clueless. "Replicas? As in plural? It would seem that you have your facts slightly mixed up. I have only created one replica." he informed Axel, holding up his pointer finger to illustrate this. One might not have been extremely high, as far as numbers go, but it was best to keep things simple for such a simple mind. "And as I recall, it was you and your two little cohorts who got most of the work out of it."

Speaking of Marluxia, apparently Axel was interested on the subject of the Flower. Either that or he was just trying to make small talk with the Academic, which clearly wasn't the case. "So I've heard." he replied simply. "Curious of his whereabouts are you?" While in all truth, Vexen had absolutely no idea of where he was, but that did not need to be divulged just yet. "I could tell you what I know..."

He chose to go back to one of the Flame's earlier statement, that he had let slide without commenting. For the time being his curiosities on Marluxia could wait. "How about first you tell me... You said you always have a plan, didn't you? But from what I've seen, I'm not so sure that's the case." His eyes locked onto Axel's, narrowing. "Are you sure it isn't Saïx who always has the plan?" This likely wasn't something he was expecting to hear. Too bad the schemes of Number Seven and Eight had not been nearly as cunning and deceptive as they had undoubtedly thought.

[Axel]

Might Want to Look in a Mirror and See if You Have a Clue

How much Vexen knew or had found out since his resurrection was slowly becoming clear. If the Academic still thought that Axel had genuinely sided with Marluxia and Larxene, then he didn't know as much as he thought he did. Interesting, then, that he would mention Saïx. Unless Vexen had guessed at their plans well before the stint in Castle Oblivion, he had to have seen something in the recent months to make him suspicious of the Diviner. Of course, Xemnas could have told him something, but since when did Xemnas stop talking about hearts and power long enough for anyone to learn anything useful from him?

He tilted his head slightly, arched a curious eyebrow at Vexen, and let a hint of disdain creep into his voice. "The Brick Wall? What does he have to do with anything?" It was much easier to play dumb when the person you were trying to fool already thought you were stupid. "Last I knew, Sora was on his way to kill Saïx. Haven't seen him since and don't care to." Honestly, he could care less if Vexen knew about the alliance between himself and Saïx. But the less that had to be taken into account, the better.

"Besides, planning is an art. Too many threads, and the tapestry can be ruined. Why involve more people than necessary?" As far as Vexen was concerned, Axel worked alone. Any conjecture on alliances between former friends was just that. Pure speculation. There was no proof. Vexen could grab at smoke all he wanted so long as he stayed out of others' business.

"I'm more interested in finding out what, if anything, you know about Marluxia."

[Matt]

I See No Reason

So that was the route going Axel was going to take out of the Academic's inquiry. Playing dumb. Well, dumb the Flame very well might have been, but he was not nearly as unaware of what Vexen was referring to as he was pretending. No, they were both aware of how Saïx and Axel had once been friends, or at least their others had. Just like they also both knew that it was not merely on Marluxia's orders that the Flame had eliminated Vexen, and certainly not what brought him to do the same to Zexion. Of this there was no doubt.

And although there was not quite the same certainty to be had on whether or not Axel was still associating himself with the Diviner, it would stand to reason. If Vexen were a betting man-- which he wasn't; that was a common passtime exclusive to Number Ten-- he would certainly put his money on that being the case. Despite the way he spoke, as if he were such an expert, there was little to suggest that the Flame had hardly any ability to devise much of a plan. "As if a pawn could plan for itself." he mused.

It would seem that Axel was being rather persistent in attempting to learn what Vexen knew of the Graceful Assassin. Vexen brought his fist to his chin, into a position of thought. "Hmm... And why is it-- exactly-- that subject so interests you? Unless you're looking to form a new alliance with him, which I doubt, perhaps you're out for revenge?" He paused for a moment, pretending to consider this. "Of course, it's seems like he would be the one to want that. After all, wasn't it you who foiled his plans?"

[Axel]

Something Tells Me You Know Nothing

Axel smirked a little. Funny that Vexen was calling him a pawn. It was a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black. Actually, at this point, Vexen was probably more of a pawn than Axel was. The Academic's strings were still being pulled by Xemnas. The Flame had burned those strings a long time ago.

"I simply want to know where all the old pieces are. Wouldn't want to accidentally run into the sharp end of scythe, you know." It was partially true, at least. Knowing exactly where Marluxia was and seeking him out to kill him was far better than getting ambushed and being forced to go on the defensive.

"I'm sure he'd want to kill me if he does indeed know I'm back. But since he probably hasn't been poking around the castle lately, I'm not sure if he does know that." He casually waved a hand in the air. "I might have had something to do with wrecking his little plan with Sora. What can I say? I was bored." Then his tone turned mocking. "And after all, I had to defend the honor of the Organization."

[Matt]

No Concern To You, Either Way

Personally, Vexen was not entirely sure what it was that Axel seemed to be finding humorous. Did he honestly believe himself to not be a pawn? Oh please, merely because he had forsaken the official leadership of the Superior, it did not make him any less of a pawn. In fact, Xemnas had hardly been the one pulling his strings in the first place, nor was he pulling anyone else's in particular really.

The fact of the matter was, while he might be the one called "Superior", and his word typically obeyed, he did not even try to exert full control over the members of the Organization. With his mind always so preoccupied with thoughts of Kingdom Hearts, he didn't really care about what each and every one of them were up to. And he didn't need to think of clever ways to manipulate them; it was their desire for the same goal that kept most of the Nobodies in line. Xemans himself held no real control over anyone. If anything it was their desire that served as the true puppet-master.

"Oh really?" he asked, evidently not buying the Flame's excuse. So he simply wanted to know where Marluxia was for the sake of knowing, and to be able to avoid him in the future? Unlikely. Chances were he had an alternative reason for being after the information, though Vexen was not certain what that was. Axel did admit in foiling the Assassin's plans-- not that that was any breaking news-- but he was still pretending that it had nothing to do with Saïx's interests. He had been "bored", apparently.

"Instead of worrying about someone who may become a problem for you in the future, perhaps you should be taking a bit more precaution in more immediate threats..." Vexen himself might have been implied with this, but he was obviously just one on a long list of enemies of the Flurry of the Dancing Flames. "I doubt you have too many allies, and you can hardly trust the ones you may have... You of all people should know about betrayal."

[Axel]

Waste of Time

It wasn't surprising that Vexen found his explanation of why he was looking for Marluxia to be unacceptable. But until Axel verbally admitted anything, Vexen could only wander in circles inside his head, thinking things were true when they might not actually be. Without proof, all of this was guesswork for the Academic.

Ah, an interesting different track. Was Vexen making attempts to get him paranoid? It was true, there were a very select number of people he thought he could trust, but the possibility of betrayal was a constant worry. But of the two Nobodies that he was currently giving the majority of his trust to, Zexion only presented a slightly greater threat of betrayal. And that was still a very slim chance. Zexion knew full well what fury he would unleash if he betrayed the Flame.

Saïx betraying him wasn't even a considered thought. The Diviner knew the importance of having powerful allies. He also knew well the ties that bound them. He would be utterly stupid to throw all that away just for a chance to continue playing lapdog to Xemnas. If Vexen thought he was being clever in trying to discreetly drive a wedge between the two former friends, he needed to re-examine his strategies.

"Oh, yeah. I know the power in the act of betrayal. I know how to betray and how to avoid being betrayed. I'm a big boy, dear Vexen. I think I can handle myself." He grinned. "But it's sweet that you're worried about me. Thanks for the warning."

[Matt]

Cannot Waste What Is Worthless

Vexen smiled wryly back at Axel. "I'm sure you can." he replied simply. Not that the Flame's well-being was any concern of his in any case. Obviously Vexen would be pleased if anything were he to get stabbed in the back by one of his so called "allies". If only that happening was more likely. "Perhaps you are almost as good at avoiding betrayal as you are at betraying others." he admitted thoughtfully. "Where you lack skill is in the ability to not betray others." He nodded slowly.

"As it would seem, you haven't had a single ally that you haven't betrayed." There might have been one or two exceptions to this statement, but for the most part it was completely accurate. Axel's record when it came to loyalty was less than assuring. "I suppose if anyone needs a warning, it would be those foolish enough to trust you. You ought to have them sign a waiver, acknowledging inability to stop yourself from turning on them." Granted, Vexen could guess that some of the Flame's current cohorts had already been some of the ones to experience this first hand. They were the real idiots if they thought they could trust him.

"Starting with me, then Marluxia and Larxene, followed by Zexion... and finally even Saïx and the Organization itself." There were doubtlessly many more that had not been named. "This would be all fine for you of course, were the majority of your betrays even logical... But I'm afraid they aren't." The Academic could see the motive behind his own death, as well as the Schemer's, and all those at Castle Oblivion for that matter. Not quite as much sense did the later betrayals make. They were quite counterproductive actually.

"Clearly you're far too easily distracted for your own good. Totally willing to throw away countless planning at whims' notice for nothing..." Whether this was referring to the obvious objective of Kingdom Hearts, or whatever it was Saïx and Axel had been up to, the word "nothing" was better replaced with "friendship". "Pity that after all you threw away turned out to be in vain, since your plans to get back your little friend fell through." he smirked, showing amusement at the idea the Nobody's friendship. "I can only assume that you must still be after that, pointless as it is."

At this point, Vexen was largely just trying to provoke the Flame. It might not have been the safest idea, but he wasn't very worried about that. Axel wouldn't be able to strike him down as easily this time, as he was neither weakened or in a position to be caught off-guard. And if push came to shove, he could leave before things got too violent.

[Axel]

Not the Buttons. Wrong Buttons.

There was no stopping Vexen once he started making observations. The scientist in him was too prominent, far too outspoken to know when to shut up. This was originally what led to his death in the first place. If Vexen could understand when to stop talking, perhaps more of the Organization wouldn't find him so intolerable.

So, Axel let him ramble on.

Meanwhile, he was sinking slowly into that emptiness that defined a Nobody's existence. Here, he felt nothing, not even imagined flickers of emotion. The Academic's words could not reach him. Nothing of this change showed outwardly. He continued to stare at Vexen, arms crossed over his chest.

Betrayal was nothing new to him, of course. And to be honest, it was true that he had a propensity to betray pretty much anyone who allied themselves with him. From the outside, it probably seemed like betrayal was like a drug for him. He was addicted to constantly pulling the rug out from under people unexpectedly. But really, he was only that way because that was how he knew to survive. He could care less about other people's best interests.

At least, he had been that way before Roxas had come along.

Why he had started being concerned about another Nobody was still a mystery to him and one that he had learned not to question at this point. There was no denying that the addition of Roxas to the Organization had made the Flame's behavior increasingly erratic, culminating in his sacrifice of himself to help Sora.

But there had been nothing left for him at that point. He had just been bored. And it had been growing tiresome living without a heart.

No. There had been Roxas. Even if he had been behind someone else's eyes.

Silence reigned for several long moments. Any people down in the streets below were completely oblivious to the two Nobodies atop the roof. Axel stared at Vexen, expression completely smooth, betraying nothing of his thoughts.

"Are you finished, Vexen?"

Despite his usual fiery demeanor, Axel's voice was bone-chilling right now. Dangerously level. There was no hiding the contempt and malice that bubbled just beneath the surface.

He at last pushed himself off the wall of the tower, arms falling to his sides. "For an academic, you are surprisingly stupid." Vexen wanted to see Axel explode, it seemed. What an idiotic mistake.

Might as well oblige him.

His chakrams burst into existence in a flurry of flames that were more intense than usual. It didn't matter how deep into the hollow abyss he plunged. The Flame could not consciously choose to remain emotionless like Saix could. Vexen had pushed all of the wrong buttons, and now he was going to be made well aware of that fact.

Flames wreathed his weapons, licking hungrily at the metal spikes. No other words needed to be said. If he had chosen to say any, they probably would have just come out as a giant string of curses hurled upon the Academic's head.

Now Eternal Flames sped toward Vexen with a speed that reflected the sheer degree of Axel's displeasure. Both chakrams left his hands, returning to him and immediately being thrown again four consecutive times. Whether or not they were blocked in time by that shield of Vexen's was of no concern to Axel. If anything the initial part of the combo was just the buildup to the large pillars of flame that soon exploded underneath the Chilly Academic.

He cared not about who saw this. Hell, the rest of the Organization could have shown up then, and Axel would not have acknowledged them and fled. His mind held onto a singular thought now: Must. Kill. Vexen. Again.

[Summary:
Axel used Solar Flare.
Posts until next use: 5
Uses remaining: 3]

[Matt]

Perfectly Pressed

While Vexen talked, Axel remained totally silent; not speaking a single word. He made no effort to interrupt the scientist. This wasn't particularly surprising though. The Flame wasn't one to be too easily antagonized. Of course he certainly didn't have the greatest self-restraint either. Vexen knew he was using some very effective material, and it was undoubtedly getting to Axel. If anything would succeed in making him tick, this would.

Finally, he spoke. Although he had still yet to truly loose it, the anger was beginning the make itself visible, detectable both in the voice and face of the Flurry. Vexen could sense the rage building up inside of him. Not that Nobodies could technically feel such an emotion, but the remnant of familiar feeling was taking control none the less. Making a move and pushing himself off of the wall, he declared the Academic to be "surprisingly stupid". This he rose an eyebrow at with amusement. "Am I?" Any moment-- he was certain-- the Flame was going to snap. He was going to explode...

And that was exactly what he did.

The instant that his signature chakrams began to form in Axel's hands, Vexen knew to summon his own shield. It was a good thing he did too, because the Eternal Flames, blazing with fire, were sent flying towards him at extremely high speeds. They clang off the blue metal of Frozen Pride, immediately being summoned back and sent again, and again, and again. This was beginning to cause Number Four's arm to grow sore, however this repetitive series of attack was too straight-forward, even considering who his opponent was.

Vexen leaped backwards, just in time to avoid being totally engulfed in a blazing pillar of fire. The red flames licked his boots and the heat burned his face, as he glided back a few feet. That had been far too close for comfort. Obviously, considering his element, fire was not something the icy Nobody enjoyed. Still... It wouldn't hurt too much for him to stick around for a bit longer. Things were just starting to be enjoyable, after all. He was almost enjoying making Axel suffer. After all, he deserved to.

Letting out a cold laugh, he jeered at the red-head, who's hair seemed to be literally burning much more than usual. "I seem to have struck a sore spot, haven't I? So temperamental for someone without a heart. A fact which you seem to be constantly forgetting. This comment referring largely to the absurd notion that Number Eight had somehow been able to feel some sort of a connection with the Keyblade Bearer. An especially touchy spot, clearly.