Finally, a new chapter. My apologies to everyone waiting for an update; the past few weeks have been hectic. This chapter is pretty short, but it's just to get the ball rolling on this plot. After this, things should actually get interesting. Also, I've taken a liking to abusing Saix a little, if you can't tell. XD
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Disney and Square-Enix.
As soon as the door opened, a distinct collection of snickers served to be Saix's greeting. With a venomous glare he stalked by the ones who seemed to be so amused by his appearance, a sloshing sound with each step stripping him of what little dignity he had left. It took much willpower to not turn around and let his frustrations out on them. This day, like the several before, had not been good for him. Still unable to stifle laughter, Xigbar leaned against the wall and watched as the berserker attempted to wring his hair dry.
"Still stuck training Demyx, huh?" he asked, obviously very amused by how dishevelled the dangerous Nobody looked when he was soaked from head to toe. Saix was beginning to regret not simply taking a portal to his room to change. He just wanted to get out of that training room
"He's not a fast learner." VII growled, attempting to ignore the four sets of eyes that were soaking in his humiliation. As if Xigbar and a mildly amused Xaldin were not bad enough, two younger neophytes accompanied them, about to go in to train and hone their skills. No doubt they were numbers X and XI, the former being the pink-haired menace he had helped recruit.
"Looks to me like he is." This comment came from the young Nobody at the Freeshooter's side. He spoke with a defined accent of some sort; one that was unfamiliar. Saix snorted and continued walking.
"Hardly. If he feels threatened he starts spraying water all over the place." He said, mainly speaking to himself. He heard them exchange words, laugh one more time, and then walk into the room where Demyx was finishing with cleaning up all the water. Again, the object of their entertainment glared back at them as they were leaving. He was surprised to see that the younger of the two neophytes was staring back at him, hanging back from the group. Even though his face was framed with rather feminine looking hair, the one named Marluxia carried a dangerous, sly expression. He was casting Saix a measuring look, thinly masked by a snide sense of satisfaction. The soaked berserker, unbeknownst to himself, let a growl rumble in his throat. Without a word XI shook his head and followed the others.
Continuing down the hall, Saix bit back a curse. Something about that Nobody made his hair stand on end. He had already made himself quite involved in the Organization's efforts, but at the same time something about him was simply not right. Even for lacking a heart, he seemed cold. What's worse, he only received praise for accepting his new life so quickly, and being such a concrete and malicious thinker.
Saix began muttering softly to himself on his way to his room, possibly to attempt to ignore how cold he was from the water soaking every inch of him. He had taken to being consumed enough in his bad mood to be brooding about anything that he could think of. Being wet, that smug pink-haired bastard, his growing headache, the fact that he was only left with burnt toast for breakfast that morning... anything. That could be why he nearly walked right into a tall figure when turning the corner. Snapping to his senses, the berserker quickly stepped back and looked up from the stark white floors. Xemnas was looking at him with a rather odd expression. It was almost one of those amused, motherly, 'I look away for two seconds and look what happens' looks.
"I was wondering what was tracking water through my halls." The Superior commented calmly, glancing past Saix at the trail of water left by his waterlogged boots. Slightly embarrassed, Saix tensed his shoulders a little.
"My apologies." He surprised himself with a slight lack of sincerity. That feeling doubled when Xemnas smiled thinly. He had expected anger from the Superior, and not much else.
"You will be happy to know that IX's training is no longer your responsibility. I have a new assignment for you." Saix knew that as the taller man spoke, he was reading his expression and posture. Therefore he did nothing but raise his eyebrows a little. Xemnas then walked past him, still watching the scarred neophyte. "Get cleaned up, then join me in the meeting room." This was spoken in a tone that was more of an order than anything, and Saix nodded without a word. In the back of his head, he only dreaded what menial task would be tossed his way this time. On the way back to his room, Saix took care to watch his surroundings a little more, not wanting to collide with anyone lest he bite their heads off for getting in his way.
Once dry and calmed down, the Luna Diviner wasted no time to catch up with Xemnas. Through the darkness he materialized in his own seat, a tall white throne with his number engraved into the top of it. Several others awaited him; Vexen, Zexion, and the rather large Nobody Lexaeus. The Superior sat at the highest throne, as always.
"Nice of you to be so punctual." Vexen greeted curtly, his thin arms crossed. The scientist always had something to complain about, it seemed. Saix cast him an annoyed look, but did not grace him with a response. Xemnas spoke up once the short exchange between the two was settled. It seemed that even he had grown used to IV's sometimes aggravating critical view on things.
"I have gathered you here to discuss the possibility of the Organization obtaining a second base of operations." As always, the Superior spoke in a calm, velvet voice. Although the room was large, the great amounts of empty space allowed voices to be carried without the need to raise them. Everyone listened intently, all eyes on the silver-haired man. "After the idea has been mentioned in past meetings, Zexion and Lexaeus have begun searching for a suitable place."
Indeed, the suggestion of a new castle for the Organization had become a popular one recently. Not one member had qualms with the notion, so it was no surprise to Saix that Xemnas had already arranged for one to be found. In fact, there was a good chance that the rapid increase in new recruits was planned simultaneously, to make sure that both bases would be properly manned.
"I believe you two have found something you deem adequate?" Xemnas continued, looking from Lexaeus to Zexion. The smaller of the two nodded and leaned forward.
"It is a place that exists between or beyond light and dark. There is a large castle with at least two dozen levels - including underground. Around it is nothing but empty field. Lexaeus and I did not have much time to inspect it, but it seems to be completely abandoned." As he spoke, the small man produced an image in the middle of the room. Zexion's power to fabricate illusions was a rather strange one, but he knew how to put it to good use. Not unlike a scale model of the castle, the translucent image depicted both basement and above ground floors. "The lower levels would be suitable for the laboratories, while the higher ones seem inhabitable. There is almost no damage to the building itself."
"What strikes me as odd," Saix chimed in, still observing the castle model. "is the lack of people. No squatters, or even a Heartless?"
"There were a few Heartless, but they scattered after a short confrontation." Lexaeus spoke up. "Other than them, we found no other signs of life."
"That is a bit of a concern, but for all we know the previous owners were turned into Heartless." Vexen commented. "Nevertheless, we should inspect it thoroughly before any decisions are made. I refuse to risk good lab equipment."
Xemnas finally spoke up after apparently being deep in thought over the matter. "Saix," This brought said Nobody's attention to him. "You will accompany Zexion back to this castle. You will eliminate any threat, big or small, and report back to me. And VI," he turned his head to look at Zexion. "I want a full assessment of the building's condition, particularly the basement levels. You know what equipment we plan to place there."
"May I request permission to make a final inspection on these facilities before the laboratory is moved?" Vexen was nothing is he was not thorough. What could have easily been a look of annoyance flashed across the Superior's face.
"Granted. Zexion, Saix, you leave first thing in the morning."
Almost in complete sync, both Nobodies nodded. "Yes, Superior."
With that the meeting was dismissed, and every member went their separate ways. Saix had no real destination, but settled down on the stairs of Twilight's View. It was quiet, which he wanted. The meeting had proved to be enlightening in many ways. His presence suggested that in some manner, his opinion was valued. Still, he had quite a ways to go if he hoped to earn the respect of others. Perhaps his Somebody had possessed a competitive streak, because the berserker had found himself determined to rise above being a spineless, blind follower. He knew he was better than that, and he dared to believe that the Superior knew that as well.
