The pickles are another reference to the CoM manga.
I also happen to think Luxord makes for a great psychic.
CH 12: REM
Mustard colored doors were flung open as Luxord had finally reached the 12th floor. He would have gone to the highest level, but he already knew what was up there. He stopped for a few seconds to catch his breath, the long journey more than tiring. He had tried to convince Axel to open a portal for him, but the Flurry was too busy doing nothing at all. So travel was forced on foot.
He sighed, straitening up and headed for the lone desk that stood at the other end of the room. He figured the room would be styled to their fancy when they were alone. But when the Keybearer would arrive, they'd become bare, waiting for his memories to fill them with color and life. For now, the room was a business like, giving him a study area and a place to sleep. Reaching the desk, he pulled out the chair and sat, his eyes wandering on the neat stack of paper that occupied the table. Elbow on the table, he cradled his head in his palm, sighing once more when he heard a slight ruffle come from his right.
"Get off my bed, Vexen."
"But your bed is much more comfortable than mine." Luxord turned to the scientist, watching as the man shifted his position so his back was on the head board. His legs were bent slightly, giving his a surface to write notes down in his notepad. Luxord got up, and walked to the side of the bed where Vexen sat, but made no move to force him off.
"You were certainly stern earlier." Vexen commented first. "Any particular reason why?" Luxord didn't respond right away. He simply stood there, his arms limp at his side. His eyes were observing the notepad spine, not really wanting to read what Vexen was writing down. He already knew it was something about him and the baby.
"I want to help Larxene."
"Is it safe to say that I had assumed that answer?" Vexen asked, his eyes not leaving his notepad. Luxord shrugged.
"Sure."
"Then in that case" Vexen paused from his writing, shaking his left hand to rid it of the pain from writing so long. "Can you tell me what brought you to this conclusion?" Luxord sighed, plopping his partially exhausted body on the bed, next to Vexen's feet. For some reason, he liked the fact that the scientist kept his boots on, but it got him to wonder if they were ever taken off.
"Well...I guess you can say I have this...thing for her..." he started off, not daring to make eye contact with Vexen. "But...it's not a love thing...you know? Because we're Nobodies and all so we can't feel any emotion that we may think we have..."
"So what would you call this feeling?" Vexen asked, his pen hovering over a new blank page. Luxord sat silent, trying to conjure up the best description for a feeling that wasn't supposed to exist.
"...a memory." Vexen blinked, not sure of what to make of the answer. Wanting a better look at his temporary Superior, he sat up and crossed his legs Indian style, the notepad in his lap.
"Is it a memory from your past life?" he asked quietly.
"I guess so..." Luxord replied just as softly. "Every time I look at Larxene as of late, her face just...matches hers. They have the same skin tone, the same bright, fierce eyes...Their personalities are a bit different but her figure and everything physically just...terrifies me to no end..."
"Who? Why?" Luxord lifted his head, his wide, sad eyes boring into Vexen's.
"Larxene is..."
.:A2345678910JQK:.
"Vexen sure is taking a long time..."
"Do not worry Zexion, I'm sure he's fine."
"I'm not concerned with his well being, just everyone else's. Where do you suppose he went?"
"Perhaps to explore the castle, or discuss important matters with the Superior. They're awfully close nowadays, wouldn't you say?" Zexion nodded, a large cardboard box nestled tightly in his arms. He carried the large box to one corner of the basement and placed it lightly on the ground next to an empty bookshelf. Opening the top, he began to pull out books of many sizes and place them on the waiting shelves, starting from the middle. Lexaeus, on the other hand, was busy placing little trinkets on any and all surfaces, much of which were figurines and puzzles. After placing the last puzzle piece on a small coffee table, he smiled, the space now much more closer to home. The three of them had chosen the 5th basement as their meeting area and living space, while Vexen had decided to use the 4th basement for a laboratory. Lexaeus tried to explain to him earlier that Luxord didn't want them to be separated at all costs, but the scientist had insisted it was for a good cause. So it was left at that.
"Would you like some assistance Zexion?" Lexaeus asked humbly, watching the Schemer struggle to reach one of the higher shelves.
"No, I can do this myself." Zexion huffed, balancing a book between a finger and the edge of a rather high shelf, trying to coax the book to fall back into the shelf. Lexaeus nodded, understanding the reasoning behind Zexion's words. The smaller Nobody was indeed lacking in height, placing him as the shortest Nobody in the Organization, Roxas barley passing him by a few centimeters, but Zexion was determined not to show he was weak from that factor. Still, Lexaeus couldn't find a reason to stop himself from walking up behind the Schemer and extend his much longer arm upwards to push the book into its desired place. Zexion relaxed, looking down at the floor.
"Thanks." he mumbled, not turning to look at Lexaeus. After a few seconds, he stood up strait, walking away from his spot between the partially filled bookcase and the Silent Hero. "I'm going to make some pickles." he stated, grabbing a small white apron from an open box labeled "Kitchen". Tying it around his small waist, he began searching for the required supplies. Lexaeus looked back at him, then redirected his attention back to the unfinished bookshelf. After a quick survey of those already placed, he realized Zexion had them in alphabetical order by title. He also noted the fact that Zexion had started in the M section and finished all the way to Z.
"Lexaeus?" Zexion suddenly asked, breaking Lexaeus' concentration.
"Yes?" he answered.
"Have you, noticed something different in the castle?" Lexaeus paused, thinking back on the last few days he had in the Castle That Never Was. Nothing to him seemed out of the ordinary. No one was lost, the Keybearer had yet to show up and the usual quarrels were never forgotten. However, as he thought more on it, he did seem to notice something that wasn't part of what he considered the norm. Something with platinum blonde hair and sky blue eyes...
"You mean Number X?"
"Yes."
"Is there something wrong with him?" Zexion didn't answer right away, temporarily occupying himself with the pickles that sat in a bowl full of water.
"It's not so much that something is wrong with him than what is different about him. Ever since Vexen used him, he's been acting so strangely. I've also noticed a new scent in the castle...one that's far too unique for any Nobody to posses."
"Would you consider this a threat?" Lexaeus asked quietly, watching Zexion walk from the cooking area and sit on the couch.
"I can't say until I've had more time to be around Number X."
"Why is that?"
"Because it becomes stronger when he comes closer." Lexaeus nodded, frowning ever so slightly from the news. Picking up another book from the box, he placed it at the top of the bookshelf, the salty smell of pickles filling the room.
.:A2345678910JQK:.
"So, let me see if I can understand this: You have this voice in your head that you presume is your daughter who reveals bits and pieces of your past life through telepathy and Larxene just so happens to look like her from what your memory can provide at the moment?" Luxord nodded, now laying on the bed beside Vexen. His fingers were laced together, resting lightly on his stomach, his eyes looking up at the ceiling in thought. Gaining the confirmation, Vexen wrote in his notepad once more, the entire book more than halfway filled; and it was only the first night.
"I kissed her too..." Luxord muttered. "I'm wondering if it's wrong now, giving someone false hope of love that never existed." Vexen raised an eyebrow, looking down at the Gambler.
"You kissed a woman that looks like your daughter?" he asked, his face twisting in slight disgust. "Are you certain you weren't some kind of sick man with a taste for young children?"
"Well I wasn't thinking about Mayra when I kissed her, I was thinking of Larxene." Luxord said defensively.
"Most people think of other women rather than the one they're in contact with..."
"What?" Vexen shrugged.
"I read it in a magazine once." The conversation died for a few minutes after that, effectively becoming uncomfortable for Vexen. He liked silence when it was needed and wanted, but for some reason he despised it when it came from Luxord.
"Vexen, if you had to tell me the truth about anything, what would you confess?" he asked calmly, turning his head a little ways to look at Vexen's face, but not necessarily his eyes. The scientist didn't respond immediately, partially taken aback from the sudden abstract question.
"Are you sure you're feeling alright?" he asked, avoiding the question. "Maybe you should get some rest...or an aspirin." Luxord rolled his eyes, pulling himself up in a sitting position.
"I'm fine. I guess I'm just worried about Mayra...that's all."
"How can you be worried about this Mayra when you have a baby back in the Castle?" Luxord swung his legs over the edge of the bed, standing up and walking around to the other side where Vexen sat. He sighed heavily, running his fingers through his hair.
"I just...I don't know. This girl is talking to me, I have this baby that I'm hiding in my room that's possibly getting sicker by the hour and now I have to be the Lord of this castle with a bunch of dick heads who'll probably end up revolting against Xemnas' corrupt Organization. I can't even think to myself anymore because this whole situation is a threat to my well being and my non existence."
"And they say I'm the crazy one..." Vexen muttered. Luxord shot a glare at him, but ultimately responded with a distressed sigh.
"Do I really sound that...unstable to you?" A small smile played on Vexen's lips before he answered.
"No, actually...you sound quite stable. You're just...misinterpreted, that's all." Luxord let out a forced laugh, hoping the conversation would lighten up soon. "If I were in your position, I'd recruit some allies."
"You mean like you for instance?"
"Well, only if you trust me enough to be alone with the child on a daily basis..." Luxord frowned, suddenly becoming nervous.
"Alone? What do you plan on doing alone with my baby?"
"With your permission, I would like to see your child everyday and make sure it's basic needs are met. Like a caretaker of sorts." he paused, letting the information sink into his rather stunned Superior. After a few seconds, he received a glare.
"Why? You were never so eager to help me take care of the child before so why now?" Vexen sighed, thinking to himself.
"You grow on me." he answered casually, shrugging. "Your flaw is of interest to me and I want to know more by being around the child. I've also wanted to know why you haven't given it a name yet, or even realize it's gender for that matter." Luxord rolled his eyes.
"I don't want to destroy it's dignity by looking at it's private areas, but if you must know, it's a boy."
"He must feel so safe around you."
"Shut up."
"So what's his name?" He shrugged again, choosing to walk aimlessly around the room at a slow pace.
"I like the name Douglass. Classy yet casual. I also happen to like the name Eric. It's more of a high power name but at the same time it could be well fit with the average people." Vexen flipped a page, writing down the information. He stopped when he heard a sigh. "Sometimes I wish I knew what name I was given..."
"You're not the only one Luxord." Vexen said, trying to muster up sympathy. Luxord stopped walking, letting his arms go limp once more. He looked down at the floor, finding a hidden interest in it's stark white design.
"I know I'm not but...I guess I haven't fully grasped the surreality of this situation. I guess I'm just..." Suddenly, he let out a yawn, his vision blurring for a couple of seconds.
"...tired." Vexen said, getting up from the bed. Tucking the notepad under his arm, he walked towards Luxord, grasping his arm. "You should get some rest. It's been a distressing day for you..." Luxord nodded, letting himself be led to his bed and sat down. Slowly, he kicked off his boots and removed his coat half way before giving up from being much too tired to take it completely off. Sighing, Vexen took one sleeve and tugged it off, doing the same with the other. Zipping up the coat, he let it hand on the bed post, the boots sitting underneath. After making sure Luxord didn't suffocate himself on the large pillows, Vexen gave him a final farewell and left through a portal. He reappeared in his laboratory, the room still needing a few more renovations to be considered homely to him. Putting the notepad on his main desk, he sat down in his chair.
"Vexen." he tensed, but relaxed as soon as he could register the familiar voice.
"What do you want?" he asked bitterly, redirecting his eyes towards the sudden intruder. The Nobody stepped forward, his hood up to conceal his face from no one in particular. He took a few casual steps towards the scientist, stopping only when they were in arms length of each other.
"I came to see the progress you've made." Vexen frowned slightly, handing the notepad over. It was taken without hesitation. After flipping through a few pages, the Nobody appeared to be unsatisfied.
"What else has he told you?" Vexen shrugged, pressing his back on the chair. He didn't like it when a threat stood so close to him.
"Nothing that hasn't been written down. You should know how meticulous I am about my notes."
"My mistake then." The Nobody paused. "Tell me, how much trust has he given you?"
"Enough." Vexen huffed, folding his arms across his chest. "I should be able to see the child again tomorrow, if I'm lucky."
"If so then...?"
"Then my visits will become periodic from then on until you're satisfied with intruding on his privacy." This seemed to lighten up the Nobody's mood, his demeanor becoming more relaxed.
"Glad to hear it; in that case, I shall depart. Don't forget to keep up with your note taking, Vexen."
"I'll try to remember that." Vexen replied sarcastically.
"Try not to be so bitter." the other Nobody said, highly amused by Vexen's attitude. "Remember, you're getting something out of this as well." Lifting up a hand, he opened a portal behind him. "Do your job right and I'll convince the Superior to drop your sentence. Isn't that something you want?"
"Yes."
"Then I trust you won't disappoint me." Finishing his sentence with an eerie unseen smile, the Nobody stepped through the portal and disappeared. Vexen sighed heavily, looking back at his empty desk top.
"I wonder what penitence feels like..."
.:A2345678910JQK:.
Cool wind caressed his face, the slightest trace of flowers lingering within. Luxord walked ahead, the scenery in front of him pleasant and welcoming. Green grass crunched softly beneath his worn boots, his coat brushing the petals of flowers in bloom. Every now and then, a small butterfly would fly past him, it's wings glittering in the bright sunlight. He had no idea where he was going, but his feet pulled him forward in a strait line. He soon came upon a forest, the trees looming yards above his head, the sunlight disappearing behind elevated leaves. The ground became moist, grass no longer present. He looked back, but found only tall trees and black nothingness. His whole body tensed as his unwilling journey continued forward, his eyes trying to find something, anything besides darkness.
Time became nonexistent and he began to wonder if it had stopped or simply ceased to exist. Despite his thoughts, his body kept going forward, his destination still unclear.
It wasn't until a drastic shift in surroundings, did he realize he was getting closer; to what, he didn't know. He just knew he was close. Tall trees shrunk to mere bushes, the dirt mounds slowly rose out of the ground in green grass and the sunlight came forth from behind the dark leaves. The air around him became less foggy and more breathable, his tension faltering. Some unknown paces later, his legs finally came to a halt. Swallowing, he looked around, the meadow familiar. It was like he walked in a complete circle, yet there was a subtle difference this time around. The meadow didn't feel welcoming. It didn't feel warm and luscious. It didn't feel happy. Taking charge of himself for the first time, he sauntered to his left, unexpectedly meeting a hillside. A few paces back, it could not be seen so it looked like green grass for miles. He walked to the edge, looking down in the canyon. Nothing of interest caught his eye, but something was urging him to explore. Naturally he hesitated, the bottom of the cliff out of sight. But even as he told himself to turn back, his body denied his request and he proceeded down the hill side. Grasping the edge, he swung his body down, his feet dangling in the air. Taking one last look down, he let go.
Slowly, Luxord opened his eyes, the sweet smell of cinnamon filling his senses. Squinting from the white interior, he sat up on his elbows, the smell becoming stronger. Surveying his surroundings, his eyes soon came across a large black figure next to his bed.
"Good to see you, Superior."
"Morning..." Luxord replied sleepily, not yet knowing who was talking. After another long yawn, he sat up completely, rubbing his eyes. "What's the time...?"
"Time?" the other man repeated, confusion in his tone. "Time does not exist here, sir...but the other's are downstairs having breakfast, if that helps." Luxord gave a disappointed sigh, his eyes finally adjusting to the bright light. It was only then that he realized he was talking to Lexaeus.
"Mmm..." he said, not finding more appropriate words to conjure up a better reply. Instead, he began to busy himself with getting dressed. The Silent Hero redirected his attention elsewhere, respecting the Gambler's privacy. Lifting the half eaten cinnamon roll, he took another bite, munching it quietly. After a minute or so he looked back, finding Luxord completely dressed.
"I suppose we should go down to breakfast then." Luxord said, running his fingers through his hair in an attempt to make it look more presentable. Lexaeus nodded, finishing the roll. He had already eaten, but figured Luxord would take on habits of Xemnas; namely announcing important information at the table. Smoothing out any large wrinkles, Luxord was finally satisfied with himself, his mood lifting.
"Right then, Lexaeus if you don't mind, I would like for you to open a portal for us to the dining hall."
"Of course." Following his orders, Lexaeus opened the requested portal, allowing Luxord to walk through first. Seconds later, the two appeared in the dining room, the other members still eating. Trying not to appear too arrogant, Luxord took his seat at the end of the table, his food already in front of him. Unfortunately, he was interrupted before he was able to take his first bite.
"It seems you've finally decided to join us." Marluxia commented haughtily. Luxord frowned at the words but chose not to reply to them, seeing as it was only the Assassin. He had a job to uphold and he would not lose it to one of the subordinates. Splitting his pancakes into sections, the Gambler took small bites of his food, his attention anywhere except the others.
"What's with the grudge?" Axel asked, his plate emptied long ago. "Did something happen that one night?"
"Luxord was just being a pansy." Marluxia said, disregarding the fact that he sat to the left of him.
"About what?" Axel asked again, eager for conversation.
"He found me to be a threat between him and Lar-" Marluxia was interrupted when a piece of bacon was launched at his temple. He turned and glared at his Superior who was peacefully eating his meal. "What the hell was that for?!"
"Personal matters, or any matters that do not concern the Keybearer should not be discussed at the table. Or at any time." Luxord replied flatly, not looking up from his plate. Marluxia growled at him, but dropped the topic. Axel looked at the two of them, a smirk on his face.
"So much drama." he said casually, lacing his fingers behind his head and tilting his chair back. "This place is starting to grow on me already."
"In any case" Luxord said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "we must discuss your duties for today." Everyone dropped their utensils, watching him as he stood up from his chair. Most if not all of them were already done eating, so food wasn't on any of their minds at the moment. Clearing his throat, Luxord began the meeting. "Today we will become more acquainted with our castle, along with beginning preparations for the Keybearer's arrival. To support that, I would like Number V and VI to look after Namine. I want her daily needs to be met and I would also like for you to harness her powers; see what she can do for us. If you find anything that is beneficial, I want you to report to me right away." The two in question nodded, Zexion excusing himself from the table to prepare breakfast for the witch.
"I also want Number IV to find out about Sora's current position. Where he is, who is with him, so on and so forth. If you must, you can travel back to the Castle That Never Was to gain any additional information." Vexen nodded, understanding the literal and underlying information of his assignment. Excusing himself, he left through a portal. Lexaeus and Zexion also left through portals a short time after, their destination being Namine's room.
"Number VIII, I want you to keep in close proximity of Roxas. Make sure he's not becoming lost from the approach of his Somebody. We cannot afford for him to lose interest in the Organization." Axel grinned widely at the orders, more than quickly leaving through a portal back to the Castle. This only left Marluxia and Luxord at the table, their eyes locked on each other.
"What does that leave me?" Marluxia asked, not particularly caring.
"Oh, I have a very special job for you." Luxord replied, grinning mischievously.
Sometime later, Marluxia found himself staring at a large pile of dishes, an apron around his waist.
"God damn you, Luxord." he mumbled, holding the soapy sponge in a death grip. "Damn you to hell..." Grimacing at the scene before him, the Assassin rolled up his sleeves and started the water, suddenly disliking the fact that there were so many big eaters in the castle. Grabbing the first dish, he began scrubbing, ignoring the fact that the porcelain began cracking ever so slightly. In the meantime, Luxord had gone back to his room, courtesy of Lexaeus and was currently at his desk. He had in front of him a stack of paper and a feather pen. After thinking quietly to himself for a few minutes, he picked up the pen and began writing.
Report 1: Marluxia
Revenge is so very, very sweet...
Well, there you go, Chapter 12. I kind of lost it at the end, so I might end up rewriting that part. It'll still be the same thing just, written differently and not as rushed. However, I think we have more things to worry about. Like for instance, who was Vexen talking to?! Was it Xigbar? Xaldin? Demyx, even?! Well I can't tell you as of yet, so you'll have to wait and see until the mysterious Nobody's identity is revealed. However, if you think you know who it is by the large dialog clue I gave out, don't you DARE say anything. I want to keep the suspense, damnit!
Anyway, please review, but please make it more than one word. It doesn't have to be an essay but single words don't exactly motivate me. Not to point fingers or anything. I mean if you insist on doing that then go ahead. It's just not particularly desired.