"Superior," the pink-haired nobody addressed with respect, tilting in a slight bow.
"XI."
"You wanted to see me?"
"I'm changing one of your orders," came the monotone reply, the emptiness enhanced by the dead stare from the electric orange eyes. It was an odd combination.
"Mine sir?"
"No, VI's. I had an interesting conversation the other day with IV."
Xemnas did not explain his reasoning and thoughts behind his decisions often; so that was what clued Marluxia in to the fact that this change in plans was important.
"It has been brought to my attention that certain numbers have…tricked themselves into thinking they have 'feelings' for other numbers. Did you have any prior knowledge of this XI?"
"Nothing that confirmed it, Sir, but I had an idea. Enlighten me…is that a bad thing?"
"I am not yet sure. But I am sure of one thing: we can use this to our advantage."
"And Ze-VI?" the Graceful Assassin corrected.
"He will be the one to carry out my plans. I normally would not indulge you so as to explain my intentions, but I need you to convey them to IV."
"Very well Sir."
"The Keyblader and his lackeys have entered into your domain. The numbers we've stationed in Castle Oblivion need to be stronger if you plan on fulfilling your orders. IV has entertained me with a theory as to why you all aren't as strong as you could be."
Marluxia cocked an eyebrow, but did nothing else as he waited for his Superior to finish.
"He has told me that you deceived yourselves into thinking you have the capacity to 'feel'. And by doing that you have in turn grown…'fond' of each other. But unreciprocated feelings do you no good; they weaken you! IV thinks that all of your 'love', as he is bent on calling it, seems too fabricated. But if those 'feelings' were to be solidified he is certain that you'd become unimaginably strong…"
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"Yes, that's what I told him!" Vexen snapped. Marluxia was down in the basement floors now, giving Vexen the new orders. "But how exactly does he plan on having these silly 'emotions' turned into something real, hmm?"
Marluxia grinned wickedly, eyes practically glowing "Well, my dear Vexen, we are to have those desires come true…"
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"And how are we to do that?" Zexion asked boredly. He really had no idea as why Vexen had called him into the lab. Actually…that was a lie. He knew why, he had known as soon as he'd smelled that heady floral scent: Marluxia came baring new orders. But the unexpected part was that he was summoned when the taller nobody had ascended to the top floors.
"Xemnas thinks that you can accomplish that."
"What? How?"
"By disguising yourself as the object of their desire."
"…I have no choice, do I?"
"They are instructions sent directly from the Superior."
"Didn't think so," the younger muttered blandly, "Fine."
"Here is the list then. Remember; the objective is to strengthen them."
"Yes, yes," he dismissed, scanning the piece of paper before one visible eyebrow furrowed slightly, willing the inked words to rearrange themselves. Once he deemed the log of names 'time efficient' he held up the page, tapping the improved fourth line.
"Why him? Why the newbie?" he asked, already starting to work it out for himself.
"He is to be dispatched here in a couple of days time. The Superior felt it was appropriate, seeing his connection with the subject."
"If the superior commands it..." Zexion muttered somewhat mockingly as he stared at the list intently, ambling out of the lab and on his way to start his new task. His mind was swirling with plans and measures to be taken; there was no way he'd fail.
