Castle oblivion was originally established to be a research facility. They conduct vital studies on memories. Made significant breakthroughs on the Replica Project, which was dedicated to recreating the powers of the Keyblade.
It used to be the main sanctuary of pioneering, dedicated to the arts of science and curiosity. A worthy place where one could find themselves among the intellectuals of the Organization.
Or so Vexen complained bitterly when Xemnas had entrusted the castle to Marluxia.
Even now, the Chilly Academic was on Marluxia´s heels as he crossed into the castle. The scythe wielder was surveying the fortress's halls, hoping to gain an understanding of the layout. From the outside, the architecture had been remarkable; a lone structure standing in the midst of large grassy plains and hills, reaching towards the sky.
Intricate emblems were embedded the walls inside. Instead of straight walls the hallway has a curve, disappearing from sight in a hundred meters or so. Closed identical doorways edged in grey, begging him to reveal their mystery.
Without pausing he bypass them all heading for very top, because that's where the greatest puzzle was waiting.
He could have taken a portal straight to it, but Marluxia liked to take things in. There was so much in their environments one could failed to notice. This was now his domain. Since it was his first visit, he wanted to experience it. He had a feeling that this castle was labyrinth of passages and chambers. Yes, it had the feel of a graveyard of secret.
He could, however, have lived without the snide remarks of his persistent company.
"-we scientists are the bearers of the torch of discovery and the most important pieces in the organization's quest for knowledge! Why, I would even go as far as say we-" Vexen said, strutting behind him. Large, bright green eyes locked on him with loathing.
Marluxia was not paying him any particularly attention. For all Vexen´s insinuating that he was simpleton, the scientist was the one struggling to accept the simple facts of reality. Marluxia was in charge. He was not.
"-Not to mention that I´m the highest-ranking member of the Organization present. It would be a pity if our efforts would be foiled by limited expertise." Vexen paused. Looking at Marluxia expectably. Perhaps anticipating a humble renouncement of his claim to this castle? Hah!
Truthfully, Marluxia felt quite above the mediocrity of their Organization. Most of the members were unsophisticated and dreadfully plain, though they might have a glimmer of potential, if allied to his vision and brain. Which was why he was planning the coup of the century.
Yet, it was almost too tempting to indulge in the irony of using the authority, bestowed upon him by their leader, to eradicate this loyal member of the Organization immediate. Vexen carried deep-seated aversion towards him and would most likely be hinder to his plot. The two other basement members would however be suspicious of his disappearance.
Marluxia could not afford to bare his teeth and ambitions this early. So instead he smiled and assured him they would work together for the Organizations best interest. However, he could not resist reminded him with haughty indifference; "This operation was entrusted to me. I will heed your consul, when you offer something besides this broken record speech."
As luck would have it, he was spared Vexen´s lengthy replay when they arrived at their destination. For Larxene, blessed may she be, interrupted the beginning of his tirade.
"Ooh, there they are! I see you´re living up to your name, Vexen?" She said, smirking as she walked towards them. There was a certain overly-proud lilt to her steps, a confidant sway in her hips and a mocking grin on her face. It screamed Larxene and stood in great contrast to the timidness of the small child she was violently pushing forwards.
A child Marluxia assumed was the very centerpiece of their plan. The strange nobody who had suddenly appeared in this castle. Her extraordinary abilities of memory manipulation drew their attention and lead them to keep her. After all, the Nobodies of the Organization, where begins who only had their memories to form personalities with. Thus, finding her powers quite fascinating.
And now she the main actress of the play to chain the keyblade wielder in servility. To make him see the world the way Marluxia intended and further his ambitions.
He studied the girl carefully as she walked timidly towards him. Her lace dress was torn and more tapered than white. She held herself like she was trying to take up even less space than she already did and her clothes look at least a size too small, emphasizing her skinniness. Soft blond curls fell to her shoulders, while the shorter strands hung forwards to hide her eyes. He could only catch glimpses of dull blue, reflected weariness.
Vexen passed a scratching remark to Larxene. Her reply was lost on Marluxia.
For he was transfixed by that small blond girl. In that moment, everything felt stretched. Marluxia found himself sinking beneath a cold surface, arms dragging along the bottom of memories. Yet, only darkness engulfed his thoughts, stealing his ability to navigate through old familiar emotions hurtled on him.
He should not be able to feel! They did not possess feeling.
Nonetheless, here they appeared like a shove from behind, toppling him over, leaving him barely able to catching himself before he hit the ground.
Anger. Fear. Worry. Happiness. Confusion. (Please, please, be alive. I won't fail you again)
A sense of anguish, more so than pain, had taken rule of his mind, and he became extremely light-headed.
She looked deathly pale, like her breathing would stop any moment. Staring down at her ill-fitting light blue sandals. She was still, so quiet, almost non-existing.
Surely, she was a ghost? For Marluxia felt positively haunted.
"-Marluxia?"
The uncharacteristic concern in Larxene´s voice brought him out of his haze. A startled gasp escaped his lips as he re-surfaced to reality. All three blonds stared at him. Trying to regain his balance he addressed the cause of his distraction.
Still feeling dizzy, he stepped back and turned to the girl hesitantly. Then, far softer than he intended, he said. "Namine, was it? Allow me to introduce myself. I am Marluxia, Number XI."
