An Act of Diplomacy [Viola, Zexion]

[Nothingness]

July 27th

Viola stormed into her office, violently throwing her jacket onto a steel coat-rack in the corner of the room. She kept moving, ignoring the fact that the rack was dangerously close to tipping over, and eventually stopped at the far wall of the room, glaring at a series of portraits. There was one in particular of a man--clean shaven, rather handsome, with chilling blue eyes--that caught her attention. According to the gangbanger they had gotten a statement from a few days ago, this was the man who started a riot by provoking their boss.

"Pretty boy bitch." She snarled, quickly turning on her heel before sitting down in her leather armchair. Viola had spent the last two days filling out accident and injury reports since, apparently, some of the thugs tried to break free and had hurt some of her men, as well as a few civilians. Nothing serious, but still had to be reported. She was staring at the small pile of papers that still needed to be done, leaning her elbow on the table and pressing the palm of her hand to her forehead, grumbling, "God, I hate doing this shit."

She looked around the room focusing on the innumerable knick-knacks that adorned her late father's--now her's--office. The book covered shelves that lined one wall with large, oval mirror in the center, the massive rug with the Shield insignia on it, the weapons' racks that held everything from spears to antique swords to her inherited sword, Doppleganger. And the wall behind the desk of their Most Wanted criminals. It was a very warm, homey room, and one she both enjoyed being in, but also wasn't too fond of. The silence the room provided was great, but she felt that it was too nice, even though the rest of the Shield HQ was pretty comfortable.

However, just staring at everything in the room she'd been occupying for years wasn't helping her focus on the task. She was really hoping for a better distraction, even if it was entirely unpleasant. However, there was one think she was really hoping for to interrupt her. Slamming her fist on the papers, she shouted, "Where the hell is Sarmon!?"

[Fate]

Is Larxene here? Nope? Good.
--

Two days after the Graveyard battle, if one could call it such-- Zexion documented things like this in relation to that date now. What was he doing now? Nothing, unfortunately. No new orders had been given, none that he knew of at least, which left him stuck to go about his business. This time, instead of going back to Radiant Garden to entertain his paranoia, he chose Traverse Town to see if it would do. Just because Xehanort had come to them in Radiant Garden before didn't mean he would do so again. It made far too much sense for him to do that. Besides, why wouldn't he linger in a world like this?

Maybe Xigbar was actually right in the fact that he was close to going crazy. He didn't like to think that way, but with his continuous pursuit of this idea that Xehanort could somehow get his heart back without Kingdom Hearts and spontaneously show up in a world to once again cause chaos was almost absurd. Almost. Yet somehow, he was close to believing it. It was the only useful thing he could do at the moment. If Xehanort was found with a heart, then the Organization's methods needed to switch entirely-- not sure how, but Kingdom Hearts would be false.

Yes, this definitely proved Xigbar's theory. Maybe if he just walked around in the Third District for a while, it would clear his head and give him something to do. Odd characters always lurked around here anyhow; maybe he could stop and have a friendly chat with them.

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[Nothingness]

May As Well Do Something

There--shit finished. Viola eagerly snatched up the filled-out forms, tore her coat off of the coat-rack (almost making it fall over again), and picked up her sword before walking out of her office and slamming the door behind her. Dropping the papers off at the front counter of their lobby, she bantered back and forth between the person that had desk-duty for a bit, and left. She needed to relieve some stress, and killing Heartless was just what she had in mind.

And, just as her luck would have it, the moment she walked out the door she bumped into some weak-ass twig of a kid. "Hey, watch where the hell you're going, shorty! Could've chopped your damn head off." She mumbled a few other things, mostly about the kid's lack of intelligence and more about his short stature. As she turned to walk away, the large Shield insignia patched onto the back of her jacket seemed highlighted when in contrast with the dark shades of the alley.

[Fate]

Okay, Traverse Town is off the list.
--

And it looked like he was going to start the day off by bumping into a woman he had never met. He was just setting all sorts of records when he came here. Maybe he should consider a different world; this one didn't exactly scream solitude. Either that, he should consider a haircut-- wait, too much work.

The only benefit he got from bumping into her was that he wasn't recognized for being in the Organization. Other than that, he couldn't say he particularly cared and wasn't about to apologize. Why would he want to apologize to someone who insulted him straight off anyhow? Or someone that could have chopped his head off? That would be dragging out the conversation too much than was necessary and take up time that could be better spent. Obviously, if she had her sword in hand, she wasn't simply going to the market or something.

Though, she did spark his interest when she turned around and the insignia was highlighted briefly. It was familiar, which was odd since he knew for a fact that he never met this woman before in his life. But the symbol, a three-pointed star, he had seen somewhere else before. It wasn't something common, not something he would have seen in other worlds outside of this one-- that was how it seemed anyway. That limited it down to him either seeing it here or someone else wearing the symbol. What did it even mean exactly?

And there he went thinking too much when the answer was so simple. It hadn't even been a week since they last saw each other, not willingly of course: Raen. That same symbol was on his jacket, which he recognized from each time the two met after the initial meeting. And he did mention something about being from Traverse Town... Oh yes. This must have been the group known as The Shield that fought off Heartless. Interesting.

Well, there was a conversation starter he supposed. Feigning some politeness, he asked her: "My apologies. You're from The Shield, am I right? I recognize the symbol; someone I... knew wears it as well." Why mention names at the get-go? That would just be boring.

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[Nothingness]

Great, I'm a Babysitter

God. Dammit. Looked like the twerp was going to be bugging her. Whatever--she did want a distraction. Just not such an annoying one. "Yes, I'm a member of the Shield." Turning around, she scowled at him. "Not only am I from the Shield, I'm their captain. And you're not special for seeing someone wearing this, dipshit. We've got about ninety people in our ranks, so stop thinking you're so goddamn special for knowing someone in it."

She turned around to leave, but she was feeling 'generous.' Figuring that she may as well indulge the brat while she could, she turned back around and asked in a not-so pleasant tone. "You know what, humor me--which of our pricks did you see? Handred smoking a joint on the job? White playing her dumb-blond card? Trust me kid, that bitch isn't anything but trouble." Well, that's what happens when you've got a whore working for you and assign her market-shift.

[Fate]

I really need to stop looking like I'm sixteen years old.
--

Ninety people in their ranks and she was their captain. Raen had made it sound like this group was much smaller, or at least that was what he had inferred when he met him that first time. He actually didn't expect this much information, but he supposed it was somewhat interesting to note. And now he was expected to humor her by telling her who he saw? Well, at least they both had the same interest level in this conversation; she was just snarkier compared to his deadpan attitude.

"None of those," he answered to start, then followed that up with a blunt, monosyllabic sentence. "Raen. I last saw him in the Keyblade Graveyard two days ago." And that was all she needed to know. She didn't need to know that he had saved his life, then nearly ended it, and now held a somewhat bitter and brief alliance. That wasn't really important, was it? Didn't think so.

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[Nothingness]

You're Joking, Right?

This twerp had to be joking. "Really? You met that shit stain two days ago? Really!?" She laughed a little, though it didn't take a genius to see that the wasn't the slightest hint of joy in it. Taking her sword in one arm, she ran it through the wall of the building next to them, driving half the blade through the center of a brick. "That fucker has the gall to completely miss his first report when he was on goddamn site, and after a month he's still dicking around in other worlds!?"

He knuckles were white on the handle of her sword as she tore it out of the building. She just had a wonderful idea. Grabbing Zexion by the forearm (though "crushing" would be more accurate), she began to drag him inside their HQ, snarling at him. "Would you be a month late for a report, twerp? No, I don't fucking think so. Little bastard wants to keep us hanging, huh? Well, fuck it." She kept muttering curses and threats all the way to her office. Of course, all the people she passed in the lobby, lounges, and halls had playful jeers at the sight. Mostly at Zexion's expense.

Once they were both inside her office, she slammed the door behind them, let go of Zexion in front of her desk, and sat down in her chair. She took her sword and drove it through the rug and into the cement floor--which appeared to happen a lot, given all the tears and slits in the rug at that point. "I'm gonna tell you right now, twerp, that if you think I'm some dumbass bitch, you've got one hell of an awakening coming. You said you last met Sarmon two days ago. You'd better tell me when you first met him, and don't expect to get away with some limp-dick lies. I've been doing this shit a lot longer than you think."

[Fate]

Why do almost all women I meet have to abuse me in some way, shape or form?
--

And he walked straight into this one. Why did he have to start this conversation again? Oh, right. He was bored. Looking for Xehanort when he obviously wasn't here forced him to find entertainment and talk to this woman. He didn't even have to comment about this to her when she was obviously hostile even just coming out of the building. He could have just saved that for Raen when he saw him again. Then he could have dealt with her and let Zexion not be forcefully dragged around. It took every ounce of willpower he had to not jerk his arm back and attempt to get out of this situation-- he was stuck now whether he liked it or not, and it hurt. A lot.

Finally, she let go of him by the time they got into her office. Great, what was she going to do to him now? Curse at him some more about Raen and destroy the rug on the floor? It had already suffered enough it seemed. He nursed his forearm a bit as she got situated, stopping once she started talking to him again. Now he was supposed to report to her where he had first met Raen? He wasn't her lackey and someone she could just push around, though it was plain to see that she could drag him anywhere she wanted. Fine. He'd be polite and answer.

"Of course," he said, feigning politeness once again as he took out the Lexicon and flipped through it. It was back in early June when he met Raen, quite a long time ago it seemed. Oh what fun that was. He spoke everything in a matter-of-fact tone. "June first of this year, I found him in Twilight Town. His ship had crashed and he lost two of his friends to the Heartless." He flipped another few pages-- might as well give her all of the information he had. "June twenty sixth in Neverland. He gained two traveling companions and fought against me. I won, they lost."

He paused a second, looking at the words on the page. "Another note of interest was that the darkness was starting to control him and that he made the choice to fight for darkness instead of the light." Any bit of information could be important, hence why he was telling her this. He flipped another several pages, getting to where they met just before the Keyblade Graveyard battle. "July twenty third, Radiant Garden. He gained control of the darkness after meeting the Champion, whom you most likely have heard of, and fought with it against me. He and his friends won. I lost."

He closed his Lexicon, continuing to hold it just in case. "That is all of the information I have of him." Could he go now? Did he have to wait to be "dismissed"? It was only polite to do so, but it wasn't exactly how he wanted things to go. At least he could report back to the Organization and say that he was not recognized as a Nobody. No, just a kid... lovely.

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[Nothingness]

You're Dismissed When I Say You're Dismissed

Viola listened intently to Zexion's accounts of Raen's exploits, propping her elbows on the desk and resting her chin on the back of her hands. However, none of what Zexion caught her attention more so than what he was holding. A large book with three Nobody symbols on it. "Great, a goddamn Nobody." She thought bitterly. "But why the hell is some weak-ass kid from the Organization here? Whatever, at least they ditched those fucking awful as shit cloaks."

Throughout Zexion's report, she made sure to interject some little comments. After explaining how he and Raen first met, she simply mumbled, "Already knew they got axed. Damn shame, too." She was actually quite glad to hear that he'd gotten some new companions, though when Zexion said how they lost to him, she couldn't help but comment, "Last I checked, Raen wasn't such a wuss, though his new partners sound like shit."

Oh? Raen was using the darkness now? She smacked her hand on the table, a smirk on her face. "Well, little Raen grew a pair. About damn time." When Zexion mentioned how Raen gained control over the darkness through the Champion, she wasn't particularly fazed. She'd heard the stories and rumors, but she didn't really care. That guy could dick around in any world but theirs, and she wouldn't give a damn. He tried any shit here and he'd be dead before he could lift a finger.

When Zexion finished, Viola stood up and plucked the sword from the ground, walking over and replacing it on the sword rack. "Thanks for the info, twerp. 'Though, trying to mindfuck me with politeness didn't work." She turned around and walked back over to her desk, sitting on the corner of it this time, crossing her arms as she did. "For someone in Organization XIII, you're doing a shit job of hiding it. Pulling a big book out of your ass with you guys' symbol? And I thought you morons were supposed to be covert? Ha!"

She stayed seated, running her eyes over Zexion, analyzing him. "But last I checked, you guys got your asses handed to you by the Keyblade Master. So you care to tell me why the hell you're back? And why you guys' blond bitch was here the other day?"

[Fate]

You think I would have noticed that.
--

Hmm, perhaps he should invest in making the Lexicon a weapon that was not obviously from the Organization. She recognized that instantaneously and of course pointed it out to him in a blunt and rude manner. Admittedly, her company was better than Larxene's-- a crocodile would be better company than her. Though, not much better. He was finding that he was being forced to wait until she dismissed him, which he might just do himself in due time. He hadn't even gotten her name yet, though was it really important at this point? Neither of them were going to introduce each other anytime soon.

And good, he didn't need to pretend to be polite anymore. He let the Lexicon disappear now, crossing his arms. ""I suppose I should do a better job then," he said sarcastically, "And to answer your first question, no I can't tell you why or how we returned, only theories. As for Larxene, she's a traitor of the Organization and is most likely avoiding headquarters because of that. Hopefully she did not leave too quickly; no one would mind if she was taken care of."

He paused now, reverting to his thinking position with his hand on his chin and his elbow resting on his other arm. "Any particular reason you didn't decide to kill me upon knowing what I was other than information? Or is the Shield limited to Heartless?" He had sort of gotten used to the 'Oh, you're a Nobody so I need to kill you mentality'. Why would it have stopped with this woman of all people?

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[Nothingness]

We're Not Barbarians

Oh, well that was nice. Looks like the blond Nobody bitch had a large target on her back. And luckily, the Shield isn't too picky as long as there's good reason. Treachery is one damn fine reason as far as Viola was concerned. "Well, if that bitch shows up here again we'll take care of her for you. No payment necessary."

Viola laughed at Zexion's question. Honestly, that wasn't the first time she'd heard it, though usually phrased differently. She pushed herself off of the desk and patted Zexion on the back before taking his shoulder. "Follow me, twerp." She lead Zexion out into the hall, essentially giving him the grand tour of the place. "Most people think that's what we do--kill Heartless because it's 'our calling' or some shit. Those people rarely make it in." She stopped at a window that overlooked a large, well-lit vacant lot of sorts that had various Shield members sparring. Spells flying, weapons clashing, winners helping the losers up, and healers fixing up whoever needed it. Mock battles that meant nothing, but everything in the grand scheme. "Our job is to protect Traverse Town from all threats. Human, Heartless, Nobody--shit's the same. They want to cause trouble, we spit in their fucking faces. You don't cause us trouble, then we don't care. That's why most gangs and what-not keep to themselves. They know that if they put a toe out of line, we'll fuck them up the ass."

Leading him away from the window, she took him just outside one of the lounges--comfortably furnished with sofas, pool table, piano, tables, chairs, and various other amenities. Everything needed to unwind. "See that guy over there?" She pointed to a young man with slicked-back black hair playing a light, spirited tune on the piano. "He's a Nobody, and one of the best healers we've got. Him?" She pointed to an amber-eyed guy sitting on the couch chatting and laughing with his friends. "He can control Emblem Heartless like puppets--he's working on controlling Purebloods, too. We don't discriminate. Yeah, some members aren't too fond of those guys and others, but we all trust each other enough that it doesn't matter. When shit hits the fan, we trust our backs to each other without hesitation."

Viola continued guiding Zexion down to the lobby. There were a few civilians talking with the various clerks, mostly Heartless sightings. "People need our help, and we give them that. Simple, yet noble. Cheesy shit, huh?" Viola was briefly reminded of her hard-ass of a dad who, despite being strict, couldn't help but say sappy things. She took him back to her office, slamming the door shut behind them.

Walking over to her desk, she sat in her chair and looked at Zexion. "That answer your questions?" She nodded her head upwards, realizing that she'd forgotten something. "Oh yeah, may as well say it now. Name's Viola Hart. And like I said, I'm the captain of Shield."

[Fate]

I'm canon. I don't get a last name.
--

Oh now he was getting a tour? He didn't appreciate her nickname for him, which meant that he would have to introduce himself before the end of this discussion before he was permanently labeled as such. But, he chose to follow and glance around to see what the inside of this headquarters was truly like. It was a tad more organized than the Organization, not a surprise, and more focused. He glanced over the fighting briefly, watching how they would help each other up and heal if necessary. No one of the Organization ever did such things-- if they trained, they left the loser alone to heal and didn't like extending a helpful hand. Those in light did tend to work differently, though.

He listened to the woman talk, not interrupting and taking it all in. They fought everyone who posed a threat; simple enough. Next, in the lounge, she showed him a Nobody and one who could control Heartless; it was easy enough to sense the former especially. The Shield didn't discriminate against who joined and trusted the other members of the group. Of course. Leave it to those of light to use words like trust and have that as one of their foundations. It worked well as a building block, something necessary in all groups, but... yeah, the Organization didn't exactly have that. It never did.

Well, at least she knew what she was doing was "noble and cheesy". He nodded his head to this, the look on his face not impressed-- it never was by nobility of this nature. They reached the office again with another slam of the door and a name. "Yes, quite well actually. Truly, quite noble." That left a sort of bitter taste in his mouth, but he continued. "Good to be acquainted with you. Zexion, a member of the Organization as you already know. Thank you for answering my questions. Do you have anymore for me before I leave?" He could be polite when he wanted to be and not have to force it. It just wasn't most of the time.

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[Nothingness]

Just One Query

Viola tapped her chin thoughtfully. After a moment, she had her question. "What do you think the odds of us working together are?" Despite her 'stick-up-her-ass' attitude she wasn't against teamwork. Besides, having a group like the Organization on their side certainly wasn't all that negative. Worse came to worse they could just ignore them.

[Fate]

Things need to get done and I'm stuck doing them. I don't like how the Organization works now.
--

Interesting question, but not an easy one to answer. He went back to thinking for a second, then spoke. "At this moment in time, low. The members of the Organization, including myself, look out for their best interests, which at the moment is causing the group to be defunct." It was unfortunate that these words were true, but they were. "The only way I can see it possible is if the Organization's goal coincides with the goal of the Shield in some way. I'm thinking the way to reach the Organization's current goal needs to be questioned..."

It did, and he was going to have to bring it to Lexaeus himself. Kingdom Hearts giving them their hearts was questionable at this point; even Zexion, who considered himself one of the most loyal to the Organization, was questioning this belief. After all, Superior was the one who said that this would be the way. What if that was just another lie? There had to be another way, especially if Xehanort was seen to return with his heart. Lexaeus wasn't going to like hearing any of this from him, but he needed to do it soon.

In short, he couldn't see the Organization wanting to work with anyone but themselves. However, Zexion was more than willing to work with just about anyone to get what he wanted done as long as things were done the way he wanted them to be and tasks were actually completed. He'd be willing to work with Viola, but she wasn't the type to let him do whatever he wished-- she was actually level-headed and could see past what he gave her.

"I should be taking my leave. You and I both have things to attend to." With that, he decided to dismiss himself before she could, letting a Corridor of Darkness envelop him completely and back to the World That Never Was.

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[Nothingness]

Pity

Well, that was a shame. And here she was really hoping for a yes. Allies were preferable to people who didn't give a damn., but, what can you do? "That's unfortunate. Still, once you guys get your shit together, maybe we can find time to partner up."

Raising her feet and slamming the heels into the desk, she rested one hand on Doppleganger and listened to Zexion's farewell. "You're right--gotta make sure these bastards get their jobs done." When Zexion had gone, she stared empty eyed at the spot where the Nobody had stood and muttered to herself, "Hope you get it all fixed up."