Now Or Never [Liana and crew, Saïx, Zexion]

[Fate]

Preliminary Stage
[July 21, 2010]

A day before the coup d'état and a day after the news of King Mickey's death had spread throughout the worlds. Zexion's schedule was tight now with this to work with and one or two things needed to be worked out. As much as he disliked having to do this, Saïx needed to know about what the Champion was doing and that he had already killed a powerful Keyblade Master. If one of them was going to earn that Superior position, both of them needed to know what was going on.

They had gone over plans yesterday briefly before the Schemer traveled everywhere else. However, this news could not be delivered under the watch of Xemnas. The Superior did not need to know that the Champion was on the move and that Mickey was dead. It would only hinder things if he was told at this point. This was Zexion's reasoning for telling Saïx that they both needed to do a reconnaissance mission in this world. The Superior would think nothing of it and Saïx would know better than to think it was that simple.

A Corridor opened on the outskirts of a forest near a patch of flowers. A castle was in the distance and the forest continued onward. This was a safe enough place to discuss what they needed to and not be seen by anyone else. Zexion kept his hood down and waited for Saïx to show, his arms crossed.

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[Aerith]

Castles are so impractical
--------

This was the fifth world in as many days. Was there no way to send up some sort of Nobody beacon so one did not have to be in constant transit between the worlds? The positive side to this was that all this travel gave her considerable practice with the Corridors.

Her latest world entry put her in the courtyard of a castle. It was nothing special. She had begun to notice that many of the worlds contained a castle of some sort, and while, in her past life, she had appreciated the architectural beauty, the sight of so many castles was beginning to get old.

This particular one, however, led out into what looked like a field of flowers. Beyond that stretched a forest. The whole scene was very idyllic and almost reminded her of home. A cloaked figure drew her eye, however, and her non-existent heart leaped for joy she did not feel. At last, she had found one of these cloak-wearing Nobodies.

Not one to hurry into anything, she lingered within the castle's courtyard. She knew nothing about these Nobodies, but perhaps this one talked to himself and would unwittingly give her valuable information.

[Slash]

What Do You Want?

Saïx arrived without fanfare, exiting silently through a Corridor that had appeared in front of Zexion. The Schemer wanted to talk, he was sure. If it was just a simple reconnaissance mission, Zexion would have gone alone.

They had seen each other little since meeting, their respective schedules being completely full. Even if they had been able to meet, Saïx wouldn't have bothered unless he had something important to say. That was just the way he was- he preferred to forgo idle chatter for actual work.

Hopefully, Zexion thought the same way and had a reason for this.

"You have something to tell me?" he asked bluntly.

__________

Lethe and Kyza immediately noticed the presence of the Nobodies. Finally, the mistress's goal to meet them could be realized.

However, now was the time to hide. They could watch from the shadows.

They silently moved out of sight, around a side of the castle.

[Fate]

Oh Isn't That Interesting.

Saïx arrived shortly afterward, thankfully. Wasting no time whatsoever, Zexion said what he needed to. "King Mickey has been killed by the Champion," he told the other Nobody simply, "This is also not the first Keyblade Master he has killed; fifty three dead Keyblades are in the Keyblade Graveyard in the Champion's own section." He paused for a minute, letting that sink in, before continuing briefly. "The Champion will return to the Graveyard on the twenty fifth of this month. After the Superior is disposed of tomorrow, the Organization will eventually need to figure out a course of action."

That was everything he needed to say. Saïx could process that and do what he wanted with that information. Zexion had no need to keep this information from him any longer and, in fact, needed to tell the Diviner sooner or later. Things worked more efficiently when information was shared in this way. The two didn't have to come up with a plan for the Champion right now, but the thinking process would at least be started.

Although, it seemed that Saïx wasn't the only other Nobody here hearing this. Another Nobody was present in this world, in the courtyard of the castle not too far from here. It wasn't any Nobody that he recognized, a new one it seemed. What was one doing in this world though? Zexion never would have pictured a Nobody coming from this sort of place. Then again, he came from what was once a utopia. Either way, might as well find out what it was doing here. "Another Nobody is in this world in the courtyard of the castle, one we don't know. Care to find out why with me?"

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[Aerith]

This is it
--------

The arrival of another Nobody meant the first one did not have to have a propensity for talking to himself. She did not know who this King Mickey was or why it was such important news that he was dead, but she listened closely. The Champion seemed to be the one responsible for this death and many others. So many Keybladers.

The one doing most of the talking mentioned knowing she was here, which prompted her to look around for Lethe and Kyza. They had already hidden themselves, so she decided to make herself known. It wouldn't do to act secretive, not if she had to work on gaining trust.

Moving outside the courtyard, onto the path toward the flowered area, she made her way toward the two without seeming too forward. Acting like she had just discovered their presence, she stopped about halfway between the castle and where they stood.

"Oh. I didn't expect anyone to be here."

[Slash]

Interesting Bit Of Information.

[/size]

Saïx considered Zexion's statements. A killer of Keyblade wielders was a great danger to the Organization and a considerable threat. If he was successful enough to lower the number to the point where the Organization could not find any to manipulate. It would be best to destroy him, but if he could kill that many wielders they might have to find a third party to assist them.

Not that Saïx had any problem with that. They could find a group to be manipulated, then throw them aside after the deed was done.

Hm. There was another Nobody here? It was worth looking into. He followed Zexion into the courtyard of a castle where the supposed Nobody was. She was a brown-haired, somewhat thin woman in a dress. Not incredibly impressive, but looks could be decieving. The other member hadn't seemed impressive at first, either.

Saïx really had no idea how to go about something like this, so he took the best course of action- wait for Zexion to speak up.

[Fate]

Can't Help But Wonder

Their discussion would have to wait, but at least the main points had been given. The two now stood in front of a female Nobody slightly taller than Zexion. She was lithe and in somewhat formal attire, suggesting that she was not from this world originally but another. That was about all he could read from her, which was unfortunate. If he was to, say, recruit her, he'd want a little more information than he could get right now. He did not want yet another traitor or useless member like Nyxar or Axas respectively. At the moment, they needed members that would remain loyal and useful. If this one could prove to be both, then he would be satisfied.

"I can't say I did either," he replied to the Nobody nonchalantly; it looked like Saïx was going to stay quiet for the moment, meaning he would have to talk to this new member and figure out exactly what he wanted to do. "Though, if someone were to come, I would expect them to be of this world. You don't seem to be from here from what I can see." That was all he could see though; what world she was from he couldn't say. Though, from the looks of it, she traveled alone. There were no other presences in the world other than the ordinary citizens and Heartless.

"Tell me, what is another Nobody doing in this world?" This was his curious tone, undertones of suspicion mixed in. Why would another Nobody such as this one travel alone to a world like this? What use would they have for it? Of course, he and Saïx looked suspicious as well showing up here, but he could easily answer that if she asked. He was not going to mention the Organization yet until he had to.

[/size]

[Aerith]

Not Quite an Introduction
--------

The shorter one was more inclined to speak. Her eyes flicked to the other one only briefly before returning to the one who had asked the questions. After all, it was rude not to look at someone when you were speaking to him.

The answer was easy enough. Of course, she needed to make a few modifications in order to avoid drawing attention to Lethe and Kyza. "I have not been this way for very long, perhaps less than a month. I heard about others like me, others who cannot feel but who still appear human."

She indicated their surroundings with a mere shifting of her eyes. "This world is one of many I have visited in search of you. You are correct in assuming I am not native to it."

[Slash]

Suspicions

Saïx would have been content to stand quietly back, but something was strange. The girl knew too much. The Organization did not make their existence public, and few knew that some Nobodies appeared human. They searched for and found new members, but from the sound of it this girl had been searching for them.

It was best to assume the worst. Nyxar was a traitor, and Axas was certainly attempting to become one before his death. To put it lightly, Saïx did not trust any new members in the least.

The fact that he couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching did not help.

"Who told you that there were others like you?"

[Aerith]

I Know This Dance Well
--------

Now, the taller one decided to speak, and she wished he hadn't. These sorts of details struck her as frivolous. What did it matter how she had found out about the others? Then again, she had overheard them talking about killing someone, possibly another Nobody. More intrigue, just like on her homeworld. Perhaps she didn't want to become involved.

The truth was best in this case. She had to avert suspicion. But she didn't have to tell the whole truth. Looking at the tall one, she said, "When I escaped the destruction of my homeworld, I was in a strange place, though now I believe it is called Enchanted Dominion. Two Heartless found me there. They could speak. And they explained to me what I am. They also told me I could find others who would help me get back what I have lost. I have been searching the worlds ever since."

Her gaze remained steady throughout, though not in any defiant way. "Is that answer satisfactory?"

She would rather not have to bring up the continued presence of those two Heartless, nor did she wish to touch on her meeting with the Champion. Not unless circumstances changed drastically.

[Fate]

Still Suspicious, But Trusting For Now

Zexion listened to her answer carefully, his arms crossed. She had been a Nobody for less than a month and yet, somehow, she had heard there were others like her that were human and was seeking them out. Instantly, he wondered how she knew this. That was not commonplace knowledge, which meant someone could have told her such as a traitor to the Organization, one of its enemies, or something else. It could be just like Nyxar all over again, which Zexion wanted to avoid at all costs.

Fortunately, Saïx spoke up and addressed the issue even before he could. Her answer intrigued him, though still left him skeptical. He had met sentient Heartless before and Nobodies were of common knowledge to them; Humor and Ava had known what he was before he had a chance to say. The Heartless that she seemed to meet were more on Humor's side of the scale: not abrasive, helpful even. Her story seemed to make some sense and her eye contact did not waver. If it did, that was typically the sign of a lie. Either she was just as good of a liar as he was, or she was telling the truth.

For now, he would believe it, but watch over her if she managed to get into the Organization. "Her story seems sound," he said to Saïx, his arms still crossed, "Sentient Heartless seem to be becoming more and more common. And all Heartless, whether or not they can speak, are aware of us." The problem was that he could not sense them. He had no idea what their particular scent was, meaning that they were just the same as all other Heartless in this world.

"Your answer is satisfactory," he told her directly, "However, before anything can be done, there are a few other things to go over. First, a test of your strength and ability to do combat." He snapped his fingers and eight dusks appeared, surrounding them. They did not move yet. "Then, a test of mental capacities and ability to make decisions." This was how he chose to gain new members and test them, doing both tests. This was no way to prove if she would be loyal or not, of course, but there were not many ways to prove that other than constant observation.

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[Aerith]

Nothing Like Easy Kills to Boost One's Confidence
--------

The moment the Dusks appeared, Liana knew what was expected of her. Lethe and Kyza had hinted at it. She must be judged strong enough to join the ranks of these greater Nobodies. Most of her combat experience had come against Avarice--which had been quite the helpful encounter. Lethe and Kyza's brethren had been quiet around her, presumably because she lacked a heart to devour. And this was the first time she had encountered Nobodies arrayed against her.

She acknowledged the test with a nod, wasting no time in summoning Hallowed Ruin to her hand without any great flourish. It was time for business, not theatrics.

There were eight of the creatures. Never before had she fought so great a number by herself. She needed to be quick before they could gang up on her. The moment she finished that thought, the knowledge she needed rose in her mind. That kind of speed was already at her fingertips.

Wind swirled around her, lashing at a Dusk that thought itself greater than it truly was. It got too close and was sent flying back a few feet, clearly bewildered. Energy surged through her, and she went to work.

With her increased speed and mobility, two of the Dusks shattered into nothingness before they even knew what hit them. The first one she had knocked back soon joined them in oblivion, her weapon slicing clean through its head. Two more fell to Hallowed Ruin before the group even began to mount any sort of counterattack.

Two of the remaining three tried to circle around her, thinking perhaps that the one left would be enough of a distraction for her. They were wrong. Dusks, it seemed, were not the most intelligent Nobodies. When they tried to attack, they found themselves blown backward by the wind around her, giving her ample time to deal with the Dusk in front of her. She whirled and finished off the last two with two quick strikes to their chests.

Taking some time to recompose herself, she dismissed her weapon and turned back to the greater Nobodies. With a slight dip of her head, she asked, "What other tests are there?"

[Summary:
Liana used Whirlwind Haste.
Remains in effect for her next two posts.]

[Slash]

Stronger than She Looks

Sentient Heartless? Strange, but not outside the realm of possibility. He had seen one himself. Presumably, the ones she was referring to were much less annoying than that one had been.

Saïx watched nonchalantly as the girl effortlessly hacked the Dusks to pieces.

The girl had proven herself in battle. She seemed to possess power over wind, something that the late Number Three had as well. Interesting. Or was there more to it?

Saïx had little knowledge of whatever tests Zexion had in mind, and he had none of his own.

___________________________________

Lethe tensed when the Dusks were summoned, but Kyza was reassuring.

The mistress will survive, Lethe. She is strong.[/color]

And she did. The Heartless were quite proud of the way she accessed new abilities effortlessly.

You are right. I was mistaken to doubt her.[/color]

[Fate]

Decisions, Decisions...

The fight started and ended rather quickly. Almost every new recruit to the Organization had one thing going for them, save for Axas whom he never saw in combat: they were efficient fighters. Nyxar had proven himself when Zexion tested him with the Dusks and Aixfeur had handled the battles he had seen very well. This one was quick in battle and possessed control over the element of wind. She did not look capable of dealing such harsh blows upon first glance, which intrigued the Schemer. Perhaps there was more to this one, but he was not about to test that more with unnecessary fights.

Now it was time for the mental test. He nodded in acknowledgement and pulled out his Lexicon. Just as he did for Nyxar, he caused the world around them to change through the use of illusion. Instead of being the picturesque world of Dwarf Woodlands, it became the mountain region of Land of Dragons. It was mostly quiet, though one thing Zexion decided to add was a group of Heartless and Sora fighting them off behind them. The Schemer looked to Saïx next to him before returning his gaze to the other.

"In the Organization, one is assigned a mission to complete in another world," he explained, "If you are brought into the Organization, your first mission will consist of reconnaissance of a world. This mission consists of obtaining data about Heartless activity, state of the world, and any abnormalities." He paused shortly so she could absorb that and then continued. "You have been asked to do reconnaissance of this world. While on this mission, you happen to run into the Keyblade Master."

At this point, he gestured to Sora behind him. "The Keyblade Master is both a tool to the Organization and a dangerous foe. Keyblades are necessary to complete the Organization's goal of retrieving hearts, yet this particular Keyblade Master demolished almost the entire Organization alone. I want to know what you would do with the knowledge that he is here." After that, he stayed silent. With Nyxar, he had explained different possible decisions on what to do, but he didn't want to this time. He had made it too easy on Nyxar and he was able to say the words that Zexion wanted to hear. He didn't want to give this Nobody that chance.

[/size]

[Aerith]

Are We Finished Yet?
--------

Rather than respond immediately with words, the shorter Nobody pulled out a rather large book. This was not meant for reading, at least not right now, for the scenery around them changed. Instead of standing in the middle of a quaint country scene with a castle for a background, they were now in the middle of snow-covered mountains. She vaguely recognized this place. Though, when she had visited this world, she had only seen these mountains from a distance.

It seemed real enough, but she knew they hadn't moved. It must have been some elaborate form of illusion. Something she would be wary of, certainly.

She quickly processed what the book-bearing Nobody said and then turned her attention to this Keyblade Master.

If she could have expressed genuine shock, she would have done so. This was the Keyblade Master Lethe and Kyza had told her about? The slightest hint of confusion crept into her voice for a moment.

"He is but a child."

This Organization of powerful Nobodies had been destroyed by a child? Of course, she had just proved that looks could be deceiving. But he was nowhere near adulthood and must lack experience. Was he truly so great of a threat to the Nobodies and even the Champion?

She blinked and drew her thoughts back to the task at hand, namely proving she was competent enough to get into the Organization. "Fighting him is out of the question and would be pointless. If he wins, I am dead. If I win... he is dead."

She paused, considering her other options. "If possible, I would obtain as much information on his current activities and his future plans as I could before reporting that information back to... whomever I need to." She was not clear at all on exactly who ran this Organization, and she was not about to make assumptions that might garner disapproval.