Adrian, coping with the shock of almost getting killed by the Nobody soldier, was brooding in his room, refusing to talk to anyone. Xigbar took a small peek inside where he saw Adrian curled up into a ball, laying on the bed while being completely silent.

"This will take a while," He said with a sigh, closing the doors behind him with little care if Adrian noticed or not.

With nothing to do, because Xemnas didn't give him any orders, he decided to pay the third member of the Organization a visit. Even if you were a Nobody, boredom was something Xigbar had to tackle somehow, and shooting several magazines of bolts onto moving targets wasn't as enticing as before since now he had nobody to share the activity with.

Sure, he had to endure the noble and tactical-minded Xaldin to do so, but he was willing to bite the bullet this time. Picking up his stride, he aimed for Xaldin's quarters to see if he was available or not.

It took some time since the castle was quite large, but he eventually found the room, even though the entrance looked exactly the same as any other. Without knocking, he entered the place at his own leisure, much to Xaldin chagrin, who was present.

"Will you ever learn to knock?" He asked, switching his gaze from whatever he was doing on his desk to Xigbar.

"Maybe," He answered with a shrug, "I have a hard time finding something to do and our other companion that isn't a Dusk is dozing off from his first fight."

Xaldin's eyes narrowed. "Is he unharmed?"

"Unharmed, yes. Mentally scared, probably. In need of new clothes, definitely," Xigbar reported, making Xaldin sigh.

"At least you actually helped him. Xemnas would not be pleased to hear his prisoner ended up dead because he wandered too far into the castle without an escort. He already has his hands full looking for potential members," He explained while standing up from his chair.

"Tell me about it. I wouldn't hear the end of it if I didn't," Xagbar said while scratching the back of his neck.

"Now, why are you here?" Xaldin pressed and Xigbar exaggeratedly leaned in while spreading his hands.

"Like I said, I have nothing to do," He whined, "And the only person in this damned fortress is you."

"I don't see how that is my problem," Xaldin pointed out before shooing away Xigbar, "Go, I have better things to do than entertaining you."

"Now why would you say that? How about a good old chess match? I think you're somebody who would appreciate a game or two, right?" Xigbar offered, maybe more desperately than he intended. "Besides, I don't see anything important on your desk"

Xaldin turned to the aforementioned furniture where he was, in fact, not doing anything. He was just trying to pass time, just like Xigbar, loathing was he to admit it. Xaldin turned to Xigbar again with another sigh.

"Very well, I'll get the board," Was all he said before he dug inside a single drawer and pulled out the game without much fanfare. After acquiring two chairs and pulling the table, he set the board and readied all of the chess pieces while Xigbar took a seat. Xaldin did so soon enough as well.

"White pieces go first," He said while prompting Xigbar to play with a hand motion.

"I prefer black pieces myself," He said while turning the game board with the right pieces on his side. Not a single chessman wasn't knocked over, and without saying anything, Xaldin made the first move with Xigbar following suit.

They played in silence as they moved their soldiers in a rhythmic fashion. One move followed another while Xaldin focused on the game fully with a hand mostly on his chin. Xigbar on the other hand had one leg perched on the other, his arm behind the chair, and always leaned in whenever he had to move.

Eventually, when Xigbar moved his queen into the middle of the field, he turned to Xaldin.

"So, any idea when the old coot is going to come?" He asked and Xaldin shook his head.

"Sadly no. Xemnas is very tight-lipped when it comes to new members. Only he chooses who is and isn't worthy," He answered while moving his rook to take down the queen, only for it to be a trap for Xigbar's strongest piece, "I have no clue what that boy is supposed to be however."

"Oh yeah, him. I have no clue either, I don't even know his name," He mused out loud, moving the queen away to a safer position.

"His name is Adrian apparently," Xaldin said, pressing the advantage with his rook to take a free pawn, "And I have found zero redeeming qualities in him so far."

"Wow, harsh. But I guess meeting your standards is like climbing a mountain," Xigbar remarked, not fazed by Xaldin removing a piece and moving his bishop, "There has to be something about him though, right? Xemnas doesn't seem like a type that would just snatch a kid from who knows where."

Xaldin stopped his move, adorning a contemplating face while having a piece in his hand. He took a look at the chessman, a pawn, and inspected it thoroughly.

"Combat wise, unless he is made into a Nobody, which is something that wouldn't happen anyway, then his upper body strength was a little surprising, but that was it," He then placed it down on the board, but still didn't let go of the pawn, "But…"

"But?" Xigbar pressed, his smile growing ever so slightly.

"Xemnas told me that people from his world are quite knowledgeable," He said, moving the piece forward, almost getting to the other end. Xigbar's smile fell.

"And Xemnas isn't already all-knowing? Why does he need someone like him?" He said, making Xaldin look at him straight into his grey eyes.

"Because that boy knew my name before I even told him anything," Was all he said, taking Xigbar back.

"Wait, seriously?" He asked, bringing his own hand to his clean chin after he moved a knight next to a bishop, "So… you weren't exaggerating when you said he knows a lot."

Xaldin nodded, "And now I am starting to believe what Xemnas said more and more. But until the boy proves me otherwise, I won't bother with him much until it becomes more urgent."

He then moved his own queen to get rid of the knight while saying, "Check."

Xigbar raised an eyebrow and looked at the board again, realizing that he was being beaten to a pulp. He looked back at Xaldin with a smirk, "You don't like to hold back, huh?"

A mirthless chuckle escaped the lancer's lips, "I wouldn't let somebody like you beat me in a game that is purely strategic."

"Too true," Xigbar admitted before moving his king to the only position that was safe, but Xaldin made one move with the same pawn to block Xigbar's key piece from moving anywhere safe.

"Checkmate," Xaldin proclaimed his victory, making Xigbar relax in his chair.

"I'm defeated, I guess," He said lazily, but he wanted to discuss one last topic with Xaldin.

"I was thinking of actually teaching the kid how to fight," Xigbar said, but Xaldin raised an eyebrow.

"You? Teach? I've heard a lot of things in my past life but this one is first," He remarked, "What would you even teach him? He is as magically attuned as a lifeless rock."

The ponytailed archer waggled his finger in front of him, "Ah ah ahhh, you know well enough that a lifeless rock can have a gem inside. I'm just gonna try to find it, and if I don't, well, I'll let Xemnas do whatever he wants with him."

"You do realize that's not what Xemnas' orders are, right?" Xaldin asked with narrowed eyes.

"Well yeah, but when do you think he's going to talk to the guy?" Xigbar shot back, "Besides, he would go crazy eventually if he was alone. He is still a Somebody after all."

The lancer closed his eyes before breathing a sigh.

"I frankly do not care about him, not as much as you do apparently," He said.

"I wouldn't say it like that. It's more so to make this stay in this damned fortress more interesting," Xigbar explained, "He is going to make use of it eventually when nobody is going to be here to keep an eye on him."

"I highly doubt that."

Suddenly, both Nobodies tensed up at a sudden surge of energy through the castle that would make a person shiver with cold. They stood up from their chairs, ignoring the game at the table.

"Well, looks like the old coot finally arrived," Xigbar remarked and Xaldin nodded.

"Let's go, he probably has new members to be introduced," He urged, opening the doors outside and leaving the room without waiting for Xigbar. After one last look at the finished game of chess, he followed suit as well.

{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}{*}

Within the courtroom of the castle spanned thirteen unbelievably tall chairs surrounding a single platform with the crest of the Nobodies present. The chairs themselves were so tall, that a person would question how the standing members of the Organization were even able to get up there in the first place.

On the platform stood a sharp-faced Vexen with long blond hair who kept his head held high so he could even see the ones he was supposed to be meeting. He already was wearing the same dark cloak all of the members wore and had his hands behind his back.

All three of the current members had their own chair, waiting patiently for Xemnas to introduce them to the new addition to the Organization.

"This is Vexen," Xemnas said, perched on the highest chair possible while he looked down at the blond-haired Nobody, "He will play an extremely important piece once the time comes, but until then, he is to reside here."

He turned to the lancer who had his hood up while having crossed arms, "Xaldin, will you show Vexen around once the meeting ends? I am sure you'll acquaint yourselves eventually."

Xaldin didn't even bat an eye or tilted his head in Xemnas' direction. He only nodded.

"Of course," Was all he said.

"Good. Now friend, take a seat. It doesn't matter which one," Xemnas offered, allowing Vexen to pick one of the tall thrones.

He looked around, quickly scanning all of the available seats before choosing one with a pointed hand.

"That one," He answered to which Xemnas nodded and summoned a dark portal right on top of Vexen which didn't bother him. He soon reappeared on his chosen seat and hid his face behind the hood. With a slow and methodical nod, he gave Xemnas the signal to continue the meeting.

"Now, down to pressing matters," Xemnas started, leaning his hands on the handles of the throne, "I grow weary of all the scouting of the new members and our time is short. Two of you will come with me which will allow us to reach our goal as soon as possible. There is a threat that won't wait for us once we are found out."

"Well, that's all great and all, but I have a question," Xigbar said while raising his hand, "What about the kid we have locked up?"

"There is a reason why only two of you will come with me," Xemnas explained, "That boy has little way of defending himself, and while our allies are with us, they can get a little restless."

"Yeah, I already had to shoot one because he almost got himself killed," Xigbar reported, much to the non-apparent Xemnas' annoyance.

"Truly?" He asked.

"Yep, a good-old bullseye on one Dusk. Hope you won't miss him," Xigbar said while making a single finger gun, shooting it to emphasize his point.

"Hmm, is that the case? It seems he needs to be guarded at all times," Xemnas mused out loud, his tone still neutral.

"Of course, that kid wanders once into a wrong place, and boom, your catch is going to vanish into the darkness," Xigbar said.

"Then can I rely on you to keep an eye on him?" Xemnas said and Xigbar gave him a thumbs up.

"Was planning on doing that anyway, but I believe we deserve to know why he is here," He demanded. While Vexen was out of the loop, he still kept his attention to the two of his fellow Nobodies while Xaldin was inspecting his lance, not really caring for Adrian's fate.

"In due time, Xigbar. I've already said this once, and while I hate repeating myself, our new member might be interested as well," Xemnas explained, switching his gaze back at Vexen who gave him another nod, allowing him to continue.

"He is not integral to our plans, but there is something I have to ask him before we move out. He might know the locations of our members which would shorten the time to find them."

Vexen only raised an eyebrow, however.

"And how would he know that?" He asked. To his surprise, Xaldin was the one who answered him.

"There is some truth to Xemnas' words," He began, dismissing his weapon away in the process, "He knew my name before I even told him anything."

Vexen's eyes widened, putting a hand on his chin while Xemnas lips twitched upward ever-so-slightly that it was almost impossible to spot.

"Hmm, it seems that my search for him might already show some merit," Xemnas hummed, his voice slightly ominous, "I shall meet him immediately after this council ends."

He then turned to Vexen, "Get ready to leave the palace once Xaldin shows you around. I want nobody to be late. You two are dismissed."

With the wave of his hand, two dark portals appeared under the two aforementioned Nobodies, leaving behind only Xemnas and Xigbar.

"Now, I am not one to gossip but I've heard you want to teach our guest a few lessons in combat," Xemnas pointed out, "I thought you were one who would rather lay back and wait for others to do your work."

"Yeah, since I will have nothing better to do when I'm going to be guarding him all the time, might as well give him a few pointers when he will be all alone," Xigbar explained, leaning on his chair with his leg perched atop of the other, "Besides, when your plans are going to be fully in motion, I doubt we will have time to guard a single kid."

"You are surprisingly sharp when you want to be," Xemnas mused out loud before he shook his head, "But that isn't important. Do whatever you see fit during your time guarding him. Now, bring him here."

"Right, right," Xigbar said lazily while waving his hand, "But I think he won't be in a talkative mood."

With a snap of his finger, he disappeared within another dark portal and quickly reappeared right in front of the doors to Adrian's room. He barged in without knocking, making Adrian, who was laying in bed, snap to the doors. He looked tired with barely visible dark circles around his eyes and had a scowl plastered on his face while his hair was disheveled.

"What do you want?" He asked, his tone mimicking his expression.

"Guess what, Xemnas wants to see you now," Xigbar said, inching closer and closer to Adrian's bed, "Don't make things hard for now, will you?"

He shifted in his bed, repositioning himself so he would sit while staring daggers Xigbar's way.

"And if I don't want to?" He said.

"Well, kind of have to obey the old coot whether I or you want to or not," Xigbar answered before he took Adrian by the arm, "Hang tight."

Adrian wanted to retort but was caught off-guard by teleporting again. The world shifted into nothingness for a fraction of a second, his eyes couldn't focus on anything. As soon as it began, however, he reappeared on the platform of the courtroom, Xemnas already standing in front of him as well.

The sudden shift made Adrian completely disoriented, making him scan his surroundings while jerking his head from side to side. Once he realized where he was, he switched his gaze at Xemnas.

He had his hood down, revealing tan skin and a sharp, stalwart face, not a single emotion seeping through his expression, or lack thereof. His long white hair reached down to his shoulders while nothing was keeping his bangs away from his face.

"We finally met, Adrian. What a pleasure," Xemnas said, spreading his arms wide as if trying to make him feel welcomed. Adrian only scoffed.

"Trust me, the feeling isn't mutual," Adrian seethed, crossing his arms while looking away from Xemnas' amber eyes, "What do you want from me?"

"Straight to the point, a virtue I certainly commend. It isn't anything unreasonable," Xemnas reassured, unfazed by Adrian's hostility, "I just need to know where the rest of our members are located. Nothing more, nothing less."

Adrian was taken back by the question, staring at Xemnas with his mouth slightly agape before clicking his tongue.

"I don't know that," He said, his voice, while low, was clearly heard in the emptiness of the room. Xemnas quirked a brow.

"Hmm, it is hard to differentiate if you're lying or just refuse to tell us anything," He said, leaning closer to Adrian who instinctively took a step back, "I will ask this once more. Where are our future members located?"

"I told you I don't know!" Adrian shouted, "What do you not understand!?"

A red lightsaber sprouted from Xemnas' arm, leveled exactly above Adrian's shoulder, a mere inch away from his neck as it crackled with electricity. His breath hitched, stifling immediately.

"I really don't know," Adrian's voice was filled with fear, his legs growing weaker by the second, "Please…"

Xemnas only stared at Adrian with a piercing stare, contemplating over if he should lower the saber or not. Xigbar beat him to it, slowly but surely prying the lightning weapon away with his crossbow.

"Look, I told you he wasn't in the mood," Xigbar said, defending Adrian who had his legs ready to give out but then breathed a sigh of relief. The archer then looked at Adrian with a small smirk.

"Go on, tell him something that will keep you alive or whatever," Xigbar prompted, making Adrian gulp down whatever spit he had in his mouth before steeling himself.

"You're Xemnas, the leader of Organization XIII, and from the looks of things, you're still looking for the rest of the cast," Adrian started, surprising both of the Nobodies to a slight extent, "I don't know where they are, but I already know all of their names."

They stared at Adrian for a moment before Xemnas retracted his saber, with Xigbar following suit with his crossbow as well.

"While it wasn't something I was hoping to hear, I have to say you have rekindled my interest, Adrian," Xemnas said, backing off ever so slightly, "Tell me more."

Adrian took a deep and calming breath before continuing, "Your goal is to collect hearts to create artificial Kingdom Hearts so you would become Somebodies again."

Once those words left Adrian's mouth, silence filled the air between the three, creating tension that Adrian didn't like at all. Xemnas kept his stare for a few moments before it eased, his lips curving upwards slightly.

"Consider my curiosity sated, for now at least," Xemnas said, turning his back on the two, "Escort him back to his quarters, I have members to find."

"On it," Xigbar said before grabbing Adrian by the shoulder, making him yelp.

"Wai—" He was cut off by Xigbar teleporting them away from the courtroom in a black and blue blur, leaving only Xemnas behind. He put his hands behind his back, gazing at the thirteen chairs ready for the upcoming vessels to come.

Another small smirk formed on his features.

"It seems we have much to talk about, Adrian."

AN: Not really a whole lot to add, just needed to do some much-needed exposition on when Adrian appeared.. I hope it gives enough information for you to connect the dots.

God's speed.