Chapter One: The Beginning
Marluxia had been in his garden when he received his orders. The Graceful Assassin had been attending to some of his more lethal plants: Belladonna, Deadly Nightshade, Monkshood, Foxglove, Oleander, amongst others just as deadly. Upon the Superior's arrival, he had arisen, making sure his face did not betray his true thoughts when the Superior gave him his new orders, the orders to attend this tournament.
He had bound his displeasure in a dark place within the deepest crevice of his mind, if one could even say that a Nobody could even feel displeasure, lacking the most vital instrument of emotion, the heart. He had smiled, thanked his Superior, even when his Superior had informed him of who was to be his partner for this assignment.
Only after the Superior left, did Marluxia allow himself a frown, turning to face the flowers and trees and plants that he had tended since his genesis. This was an unexpected development for Marluxia. He had thought his next mission would be his assignment to Castle Oblivion, presumably as the Lord of the Castle.
His plans would have to be altered. He had informed Larxene first. She was his ally in his mutinous scheme, and she would have to be informed of the change in plans. That was the easy step, although he dragged it out, making the simple task take much longer than it needed to. He had no desire to speak with Vexen, let alone work with him. If he had a heart, he would hate the condescending elder, with his I'm-holier-than-thou attitude. But Marluxia acknowledged the fact that the older Nobody could be useful on the mission, if only for information, and potions for healing inbetween rounds.
Marluxia dallied for as long as he could, stopping by his garden to make sure that his plants would be well taken care of in his absence. Several lesser Nobodies were allowed to tend his garden during the duration of the trip. He figured, no he knew, that Vexen would somehow take at least part of his lab with him. The man could not seem to exist without science. Marluxia would not risk taking his flowers with him. He had learned, via the brochure, that there was a hedge maze, as well as flower shops at this mall. He would have to make due with that. Besides, he had already seen in the brochure, in one section of the hedge maze a patch of Foxglove was growing as ornamentation. The most beautiful of flowers can be some of the most deadly, or Marluxia had learned from experience.
Marluxia made sure to arrive late to meet Vexen. It was always amusing to get a rise out of the blonde, and Marluxia took every chance he got to antagonize the scientist. Today was no exception. After a terse exchange of words, the two men departed.
The two had barely arrived at the mall before they split company again. A small cafe had been agreed upon as the site for meetings, if they were necessary. Marluxia had deemed this arrangement unnecessary, but went along with it. Who knew when he would need the Academic's help.
Marluxia slowly moved through the crowds, taking in the sites. He made sure to end up by the hedge maze though, quickly moving into the winding depths. It was nice to be surrounded by his element. A smirk had grown on his face, a natural expression for the pink haired man. He made his way to the center of the maze, finding a small fountain, as well as an iron bench waiting for him in the center. He sat down, a rose held nimbly between his fingertips. He examined it idly, waiting for the show to begin.
Disclaimer: I own nothing. Kingdom Hearts, along with Organization XIII, belong to Square Enix.
Author's Note: Here it is, the beginning of my second contest entry. If anyone desires to see any other of the contest entries, check under the X-Over sections. Or, if one is unable to locate any stories there, go to Avatarjk137's profile, then go to his Forums. In his forums, under Characters, there is a list of author's and the characters they are using. Simply go to whichever author's profile you desire to read and look under their stories. Their entries should be there.
On another note, I shall be posting who my opponent author is, should anybody desire to read their side of the story.
I thank you for taking the time to read my tale, and please leave a review. Thank you, and to the rest of the contestants out there, good luck!!