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Report III
It took little time for my assistance with Demyx to be known around the castle. While some reactions were positive—Luxord made some kind of gambling pun on our chances of victory and Xigbar considered entering with us for his own amusement. Others were negative—Xaldin questioned my so-called "need" to help the musician. Considering that between the two of us, I played "good cop" before the Organization, his comment was expected and meant little to me.
Saïx was the most negative, almost irritated. His hair did not stand up on end just yet. He spoke down to me, as he usually did, lecturing me on how he had a mission for me yesterday, yet I chose to respond to Demyx's whining instead. He was insistent that I request permission to aid others; he concluded with accusing me, Lexaeus, of inhibiting Kingdom Hearts' progress. It is just as ludicrous as it sounds. However, I said nothing to my defense, and handed in everyone else's reports without a word, my excuse tucked into the stack. Saïx offered no chances for me to explain myself anyway.
"I will report this to the Superior," he concluded in a threatening voice. Honestly, I did not care. His threats don't frighten me. "I have nothing else for you. Good day."
The second-in-command turned to address another Nobody. No missions today, as if that was a horrifying punishment. This provided me an opportunity to complete my secret mission.
I positioned myself in the far corner of the Grey Area usually reserved for Vexen to pace when he needed to leave the laboratory. There were quite a few of us remaining—Xigbar continued to harass Demyx about his transition into a warrior-type; Axel and Roxas made plans after their missions. They always have plans, though I never inquired on them. Would their post-mission activities prove to be a worthy addition into my report?
"You're taking the day off quite well, Lexaeus," Zexion approached me in mid-thought.
The young man is one of my closest comrades—not in brotherhood or anything beyond—but as someone who has great understanding of the Organization and a terrific work ethic. Our goals are similar, though he is manipulative and I am more direct.
"I have much to do in the meanwhile," I replied, toying with the idea of informing him on the secret mission. Not here, however. For all I know, he is already aware of it.
"Yes, we have to prepare for Castle Oblivion," the schemer replied matter-of-factly. "Yet we still don't know who is stationed there."
I nodded in agreement, there was very little we knew about the mission in Castle Oblivion. Are my reports to influence who will move there?
"Has there been any information released about the objective?"
Just as we poised to discuss possible objectives, the typical occupant of the open space accosted us.
"What are you doing here, chatting when there's work to be done?" he demanded. How could something so early in the day put him in a callous mood? Vexen's large green eyes stared daggers at us, one of his attempts at intimidating us.
"We were merely discussing Castle Oblivion," Zexion explained plainly. Between the two of us, Zexion dealt with Vexen's temper the most before the Organization. I made my encounters with Even minimal when able, he was an annoyance when he had nothing to research.
"What of it? It means nothing until we know who's leaving!" he huffed as he looked around the Grey Area.
"That's what we were just discussing, actually," Zexion replied, watching the scientist continued to search the area from where we stood. "Who are you searching for?"
"I'm waiting for Saïx. I must speak to him."
"You prefer to see the Superior?"
"No," Vexen's tone changed from irksome to almost fearful. His cowardice in the Superior's presence was curious, I will admit. I am unsure of their origins; though this fear is understandable, Xemnas is capable of defeating all of us without hesitation. "I don't need him," he added, barely above a whisper. "Not yet."
Zexion and I exchanged concerned expressions as we watched our comrade alternate between glancing at Saïx and the exit of the lounge; he tapped his foot in impatience. At any time, it would be typical Vexen behavior to start pacing, as tapping his foot rarely satisfies his need to express anxiety and frustration. Too late. He took off on his usual line, giving very little time for Zexion and me to maneuver out of the way. We continued to observe his pacing; he occasionally stopped to glance at Saïx, then at the door again before resuming is usual path.
By now, Larxene was left with Saïx. It was clear that the two were not discussing an oncoming mission based upon the duration of their conversation; this only made Vexen even more nervous. His glances were longer and his pace quickened. Just when Zexion and I considered investigating, Larxene teleported from the room and Vexen made a bee-line to Saïx before the second-in-command could take a breath.
Zexion and I exchanged bewildered glances.
"What happened to him?" I pondered.
"It's strange to see him this flustered," Zexion observed. He paused for a moment, then continued. "Even stranger that he refused to speak to the Superior. What could upset him enough that he needed the second-in-command instead?"
We gazed at Vexen and Saïx: their conversation was hushed, Vexen began to use his hands to convey his stress. The two teleported out of the room, leaving Zexion and myself alone in the room.
"I suppose we will not interfere," I suggested. "It could be a minor issue."
"No worth our time, after all, we have work to do."
I was sure of his busy work schedule, but unless I find more of our comrades, I may have little to do today. I suppose I could find the Superior and clear up my infraction, however unimportant it truly is in the grand scheme of obtaining Kingdom Hearts. I continued to stroll around the castle to find other Nobodies; I found no one, not even Vexen. Whatever issue he had made itself absent with him.
Just as I was about to give up my search and rest for tomorrow's mission, I heard someone call my name.
"Lexaeus! What a lucky man to have the day off!" I turned to see Luxord approaching me. I said nothing as I already knew what he was going to ask—he shuffled cards in his hands. "Have time for a game of cards?" I reluctantly agreed, having little desire to gamble my Munny away, especially with no one else present to take damage. What does Luxord do with the winnings anyway?
We convened in the empty Grey Area, seated across from each other. He dealt the hand this turn; I attempted to be interested in the game, but when I know my fate as the loser of this round, it is difficult to be eager to play.
"Lost again! Lady Luck is indeed at my side," Luxord cheered for himself. He reached for the money on the coffee table, then paused. He pulled back to his seat and smiled. "Betting Munny isn't your cup of tea, I notice. Take it back, I've acquired plenty from our friends." I happily placed the Munny back in my pocket. "Now, I have a bet intended for you only. Since no one else is here, I will let you in on a secret. All you have to do is win. Take as many tries as you please."
I am rarely interested in secrets, though I discover most of them through Zexion. If this happens to be something unknown to the schemer, I can gain some satisfaction.
I agreed to the gamble, but I may have bet my patience more than anything else. The losses staggered, the games lasted into the afternoon. I feared that our comrades would return, or worse yet, Saïx would disrupt our game before I was able to obtain confidential information. Luxord's competitive nature only increased, as if he used the secret to taunt me into wasting my free day. The secret had to be important enough and relevant to me if he offered me a share on the secret.
Just when I was prepared to give up, I finally won. Whatever mistake Luxord made, it was fatal. I appeared as perplexed as the gambler.
"Well…ahh… Congratulations Lexaeus," he finally uttered. "I never expected anyone to beat me at my own game," he revealed to me that the games have been rigged for the past several weeks, since he received the information he was about to tell me. "I believe Marluxia is the only other person who knows about my little secret. After today, you will be in possession of it. Speak of it to no one." He motioned for me to lean in as he confessed, "I know who's going to be in charge of Castle Oblivion. It's Marluxia."
Note to Superior: I do not want to press you on the matter, but can you confirm this information?
Bum bum buuuuummmmm! What will the consequences be? Is Lexaeus the great secret keeper? What will he do next? Stay turned and find out! Thank you all for reading!
