Paradigm [Xiggy, Zexion, Another]

[Another]

All must go according to plan

Even Xehanort couldn't help but smirk in response to Xigbar's mocking. It was certainly an accurate description of the events, but everything did indeed have its purpose. No matter what had happened, this was an inevitability. His first plot failed, that young man's heart proving stronger than he had anticipated. The following separation of heart and body, while the effects were not entirely planned, gave him two more chances. And, should both fail, well, here he was, whole once again.

The moment Xigbar brought up the "third person" who would be aware of his plan, Xehanort couldn't help but smile and shake his head. "Don't be concerned with him. As wise as he is, he is an impotent fool. He would rather none knew of what we do know, and I doubt he would have passed on such information. Sweeping such matters under the rug would be...preferable to him." Not to mention that fool of a wizard, Yen Sid, had given up his status as a Keyblade Master.

"You needn't worry yourself, Ienzo." Xehanort spoke, softly. A glint of malice flashed in the corner of his eye, and his voice became harsh. "Although, I do not believe one such as yourself should be in the position of questioning me. Having a heart once again is, indeed, interesting." Turning around, he raised a hand up, contorting the fingers into a claw-like position. "While I feel that I should dispose of you, the very agent of my murder, I also believe thanks are in order. For without your betrayal, I'd never have regained my true form once again."

Clenching his fingers into a fist, he lowered his hand and turned around, speaking directly to Zexion. "I won't kill you. However, consider that to be the extent of my mercy towards you. Seven and Eight, should they cross my path, will meet much less kinder fates."

[Fate]

Right... that plan.
Brotherhood of the Assassins
--

Zexion wasn't able to gather much from what Xehanort said about this man, only that he needn't be worried about him. The man didn't pass down the information that only Xehanort and Xigbar seemed to know, which only drove the Schemer to be more curious. What information? What did they know that he didn't? How long had they known? When Ienzo had seen Xehanort and Braig having that deep conversation before, had it been about this? For all he knew, it was. But, questions and references about the past weren't going to get him anywhere here.

Except possibly killed. How had he forgotten about that silly little coup d'état? As soon as Xehanort's voice changed tone, Zexion knew that he could have possibly set up his own death-- how ironic that would have been. No, Xehanort wasn't going to kill him, instead extending mercy. Axel and Saïx weren't going to receive that same mercy if they should cross his path, which meant one of two things to the Schemer. Xehanort either simply didn't want to kill him and was going to let him go on his merry way, or he planned to use him at some point.

He expected the latter, naturally. It wasn't if that would be new to Xehanort anyhow. And, it wasn't as if Zexion had anything better to do than be used-- it was either that or wander aimlessly. "Thank you Xehanort," he said, "I appreciate it." He had nothing else to say. It was best to stick to being the wallflower at the moment and observe what Xehanort and Xigbar had planned; even if the both of them felt the need to be absurdly cryptic with every other word.

[Lagunamov]

Blahblahblahcryptic.

The Freeshooter simply shrugged. Arranging the murder of one lonely old man wouldn't have posed a problem. Particularly if they were allowed to unleash the beast in the jail back at the hallway. "Whatever you say, boss," he simply answered.

Then, he simply listened as he went on and on with Zexion, pretty much hanging a metaphorical sword above his head from now on. It seemed the Schemer was only kept around because... well, because Xigbar himself had predicted the two fallen parts would reunite to bring back Xehanort, and as such, had pushed the Bookworm, the Matchstick, and the Walking Target, into such behavior. Surely enough, they had still contemplating such an act, but it took the Freeshooter's final reassurance for them to pull through. And they did so splendidly.

"So, what's our first move?" he broke his silence, looking out of the corner of his eye at Xehanort. "I don't think we have the necessary tools for the forging process anywhere near our reach this time around."

[Another]

It begins anew...

"Finding the tools is easy enough. We are all so easily entranced by power, after all." Xehanort grinned, remembering how easily his former apprentice was controlled, even without the want for power. Hopefully one with a much stronger heart could be found. All thing's considered that broken piece of trash was lucky to have even survived the process.

Walking towards the door, it opened with a lazy wave of his hand. "We can't allow past mistakes to be repeated. Braig, continue as you were. Should you come across any noteworthy candidates for the forging process, tell me. I'll be searching for them, myself." Continuing down the hall, he stopped in front of one of the locked cage doors, he stopped to look inside. Sure enough, the heartless inside was just as ravenous as before.

"If your talents are required, I will contact you, Braig. This will only be a momentary lull. Keep one eye open." The heartless growled menacingly in its cage. Xehanort gained a mysterious glint in his eye. "It will be a wonderful sight to see at such an age. Ha, ha, ha. I'll be able to see so much more of it than I ever could before!"

[Fate]

Back to square one.
--

Forging process? Xehanort was trying to forge something, and yet it didn't sound like Kingdom Hearts. What was it then? Zexion knew he wasn't going to get an answer if he asked, or at least so it seemed; the unwillingness to trust others was a common trait in all of the former apprentices of Ansem. All would reveal itself in time, he supposed. He didn't need everything to be revealed right at this second; he just wanted that.

For now though, it seemed things would be going slowly. Braig --no, Xigbar-- was set out to look for a candidate for something or other for this forging process. What sort of person would be qualified for this? Did he even want to know? Another thing he'd have to wait for. As for him, he'd be contacted if he was needed. He'd have to find something to do in the meantime then, as usual.

"As you wish," he replied, not taking his eyes off of the Heartless. If this creature was ever unleashed, the chaos it would cause would be unimaginable. Xehanort wasn't focused on it though, almost talking to himself. Part of Zexion wondered if he was just making the same mistake over again by following Xehanort, especially since he had no idea what the man was looking for or what he wanted. He was in this far already though-- he couldn't back out unless he wanted Xehanort to revoke his mercy.

Time to leave then. "I'll be taking my leave. You know where to find me if necessary." He couldn't hide the wariness in his voice. It didn't matter. He walked out of the room and created a Corridor of Darkness to walk through. Next stop: whoever knew.