Lexaeus Reports, 2.0
MadScientist4, 456vlz
August 2015
It's come to my attention that my usefulness to the Organization altered. Contrary to my prowess, the Superior requested me personally for a top secret mission. I cannot help but wonder what he wants me to do that cannot be accomplished by our second-in-command. I was sure to not be excited, but eager to understand the importance of this mission.
I met the Superior at the Altar of Naught. As of yet, there was nothing to view but the intricacy of the castle below. Admittedly, I never took Xemnas as someone who enjoyed urban landscapes. Naturally, he continued to gaze into the darkness around us, expecting something to emerge from it. Only when I stood a few yards away did he notice me.
"You have arrived, Lexaeus," he greeted. "Timely as ever."
I said nothing, for he usually gives melodramatic speeches that painfully detail what he could easily say in fewer words.
For example:
"I have entrusted you with a mission that no one else can do—someone who plays no particular role in the Organization. In order to fulfill our purpose, we need to maximize our efficiency. We need to understand what further defines a Nobody. Once that is discovered, our path to Kingdom Hearts will be clear."
"Yes, sir," I paused initially before asking, "How do you suggest we proceed?"
"While having discussions daily is ideal, we need to be discreet. Even Nobodies despite their surveillance. I see very little of what truly occurs within the Organization beyond what Saïx deems newsworthy. I do not trust him to provide me with realistic content of our progress." Now I understand the discretion.
"I can collect the reports for Saïx and place my observations with them. He will give them to you as usual."
He smiled, more to himself than me, whatever little scheme he had progressed from my future efforts. So long as it does not result in my elimination, I will remain content.
I later found myself at the Grey Area, where the majority of us spend our time off. I seated myself on a sofa, taking a minute to observe my surroundings: Demyx vividly retold a story to Axel and Roxas, despite the duo's lack of interest. Xigbar stirred conflict with Larxene across from them, though I cannot imagine why he would antagonize her. Knowing how mischievous Xigbar once was, I have no desire to investigate, not even for the new mission.
On a hopefully more pleasant note, Luxord persuaded Xaldin and Marluxia to a card came; I accidentally made eye contact with the gambler and was invited to play. I complied, though I do not enjoy high stakes gambling. Although Luxord does not knowingly cheat, I can never help but suspect that the field is uneven. Lately, there have been a few confrontations between him and the rest of us over winnings and close calls. Thankfully, none required extreme interventions; it also takes little time for before the player and Luxord resume good terms.
The moment I seated myself across from Xaldin, I could tell that this was not an episode of good-terms card games. Tension was thick among the three of them. Marluxia appeared the most sullen—he glowered at Luxord. I glanced at Xaldin; while he was displeased wit the games so far, he was not preparing to stab the dealer.
Xaldin and I worked together as guards at Radiant Garden; I knew him a long time before we joined the Organization. Through our days, while we are certainly not best friends, we mastered a few nonverbal signals. While Luxord dealt our hands, the lancer glanced at Marluxia, then back at me. I nodded in response.
Neither Luxord or Marluxia noticed, as the gambler continued the simple game of blackjack. I lost horribly, but it was not the end of the world as I was already aware of my inevitable defeat. Xaldin, more competitive than myself, frowned as he nearly won—closer than me, but not as close as Marluxia.
There was the main feature: Marluxia seethed in his lack of control over the outcome, while Luxord grinned, prepared to lay down his fate with no hesitation.
"Blackjack!" he declared, playing a card down. While he politely celebrated, the assassin slowly rose, his hand opened. Xaldin and I stood up quickly—I thrust an arm in front of Marluxia.
"It's not worth it," I warned; despite that, he summoned his scythe. He struggled to go around me to his target, but I held him at bay.
"I'm not a cheater!" Luxord exclaimed behind Xaldin.
"Liar!"
"What is going on?" someone shouted.
I nearly lost my balance as Marluxia teleported from the scene. Once I composed myself, I turned to Xaldin to discover Luxord followed suit.
"A card game gone awry," Xaldin replied in a gruff voice. "Go back to your business, nothing to see here."
Evidently, all conversations stopped when Marluxia tried to attack. It's out of our hands though, so long as the Grey Area remains in pristine condition, no one minds if there's a small duel. Additionally, the duel must be kept secret from Saïx.
Hopefully this is what Xemnas requested, as Luxord would never consider challenging him to a game of cards and Marluxia lacks the audacity to confront someone in front of the Superior. I still do not understand why a simple mission such as this must remain top secret.
