Hello again good readers. Time for another chapter. I own nothing, but nothingness is eternal!

Larxene, her hood still pulled over her head, trudged through a vast expanse of forest. Trees dominated her vision, each one identical to the last. Their collective leaves bloated out the sun, creating an almost monochrome appearance to the area. Due to this, no-one, not even the most ambitious trail walker, ever went into the forest. Most people would lose their bearings and become hopelessly lost. Then again, Larxene was not 'most people.' Larxene knew this forest and all of its secrets like the back of her hand. She stopped in her tracks and glanced around for a moment. Then she spotted a massive tree, one even taller than the rest. She bent down and looked at the oak's trunk. Hastily scratched into the trunk of the tree was the number thirteen in roman numerals. Finally, she grumbled, inwardly. She walked past the tree and emerged in the bottom of a hill. She glanced up and saw standing on the top of the hill, a massive mansion.

The mansion looked more like a medieval castle, standing on the top of the hill overlooking the rest of the landscape. A massive iron fence surrounded the perimeter of the mansion like a wall. The asymmetrical peaks of the roof gave a gothic impression to the mansion. Each and every stone of the mansion was a pure, ethereal white.

Larxene walked from the grass onto the road which led to the main gate. She grumbled to herself about the rules expressly forbidding members to drive, in case the car or license plate was recognized. Eventually, she reached the main gate. The main gate featured two identical lock designs on the front of it. They were growling lion's heads, both with large horns gutting from their heads, their mains replaced with designs similar to bat wings, and pure blue gems for eyes. Larxene reached into her coats pocket and pulled out a keychain. Two keys hung from the chain. Imbedded in the handle of one was a blue gem with a single black grove down the middle, giving it the appearance of an eye. The other had a spiked cross-like design on the handle. Larxene shoved the first key into the lion's mouth and then turned it. The lock creaked and groaned in protest. Then, Larxene gave the door a firm push and walked through. After shutting the re-locking the gate, Larxene approached the main entrance of the mansion. Two stained oak doors, which, sitting next to each other, looked eerily similar a coffin, made up the front entrance. Each of the doors had a small stained glass window which consisted of multiple colors that looked like small colored pebbles had been tossed into a rectangle. Larxene pulled out the second key and placed it into the brass doorknob. She turned the key, which produced a loud bang from the lock. Larxene entered the mansion.

After relocking the door and finally pulling her hood back, Larxene looked around. She was in a large hall. The walls, ceiling and floor were the same pristine white as the outside of the mansion. The only contrast was a long red carpet stretched out over the ground. Larxene walked over to the left wall and put her hand on the wall. She began feeling the wall until a small rectangular section of the wall gave way. Then, a door shaped opening appeared in the wall. Larxene stepped through and then the door closed itself.

Larxene looked around at the new part of the mansion. It was a large square room with a spiral staircase leading down. Unlike the pristine hallway, this part of the mansion looked incomplete. The walls were colored both grey and white. Multiple parts stuck out like a workman had not finished repairing the wall. Some parts of the wall were left glaringly open, with steel beams and electric wires visible. The floor was not level, with some parts jutting up but others seemingly sunk down. Larxene proceeded down the staircase, occasionally cursing to herself when she tripped on a broken part of the stairs. Eventually, she arrived in a circular room. This room had thirteen doors spread evenly around the room. Each one was marked with a golden roman numeral. Larxene walked to the door labeled number 'XII' and then proceeded through. When she opened the door, she found herself standing on a throne in a massive circular room. Her throne stood fifteen meters above the ground. Twelve other thrones surrounded the circumference of the room. The thrones were all a sterile white and each had three spikes coming out of the top of the throne. In the middle was an image of an upside-down heart, the tip of the heart was removed, replaced with a thin spiked cross jutting out of the top. Larxene sat down in her throne and looked around. People wearing identical coats as herself sat in each of the thrones. This was Organization XIII. From what Larxene had been told, Organization XIII dated back to the 1700s. Originally formed during a time of great strife, the Organization had been created to end world conflict by uniting the entire world under one ruler, one who the Organization could guide to making the world safe and secure. The Organization worked in the shadows, quietly influencing the world outside through whatever means they could.

"Ah, Number XII, late as usual," Came a voice from her left next to her. Larxene turned to her left and saw a tall man with rose colored hair and deep blue eyes sitting in the throne closest to her right.

"Fashionably late, Marluxia," Larxene replied with a sly grin. "Come on, I've already told you: the only fashionable way to arrive at a party is to keep the guests waiting with baited breath."

"Of course, how could I forget?" Marluxia replied, a charming smile appearing on his face.

To the world at large, Marluxia Luminara was known as a beloved Hollywood celebrity. He first made his debut in a low-budget romantic comedy named War of the Roses. However, Marluxia's attractive appearance and winning on-screen personality had quickly sky-rocketed him into celebrity statues. Marluxia's popularity increased by leaps and bounds with each new film. Of course, it helped that Marluxia had an excellent interview personality. An undeniable factor in his rise in fame was how socially active he was. Marluxia always found a way of championing any worthy cause and always donating more money that anyone else involved. Overall, Marluxia's combination of talent, charisma, and generosity meant that he was beloved by everyone. However, that was all Marluxia's public face. In secret, Marluxia was number XI in Organization XIII. Marluxia had been a member of the Organization for nearly three years. Marluxia recruited Larxene into the Organization and acted as her partner and over-seer in the Organization's operations. Marluxia was the only member of the Organization Larxene really trusted and the closest thing to a friend that Larxene had within the ranks of the Organization.

"I must say, my dear, you speak as though you are the host of our little get-together," came a witty remark punctuated by a posh British accent from Larxene's right. Larxene turned and saw another man wearing the identical black coat as herself and Marluxia. His eyes were blue like Marluxia's but he possessed platinum blond hair in a cesare cut and a matching goatee. His ears were pierced with five silver piercings and four helix piercings in each ear. He shot Larxene a charming smile before holding up a coin and asking.

"Heads or tails, Larxene?"

"No thanks. I'm not in the mood," Larxene replied with a disinterested glance.

"Must you always deprive me of my fun?" He complained, though his tone remained playful.

"I believe Larxene's only attempting to help you overcome your *ahem* problem, Luxord," Marluxia said.

"Ah. And when, may I ask, did a little game become a problem?" Luxord replied with a grin before flipping the coin and catching it in mid-air, adding before the coin landed in his palm. "Besides, I think it's safe to say we all are quite used to gambling by now."

Larxene rolled his eyes at the comment, though it probably was true. Luxord Tarot was an English aristocrat, a Duke or Earl of some English country-side Larxene could not bother to remember. He attained this status at the age of nineteen. With his title, Luxord also happened to inherit an enormous sum of money, making most multi-billionaires look like paupers. Right out the gate, Luxord immediately dedicated his new found wealth to his favorite pastime: gambling. The English nobleman had been to every casino on planet earth and had attended every high-stakes poker game he could. He bet and lost millions every year yet somehow managed to stay rich enough to buy a small country year after year. This is where Luxord's more hidden gambles came in handing. To the world at large, Luxord was a rich, irresponsible, party animal that blew away millions. However, Luxord and his incredible fortune played a much more important role in the world at large. From what Larxene had gather, Luxord was the 'money-man' of the Organization. Luxord's seemingly endless supply of wealth was the primary source of funds for most of the operations of Organization XIII. This included everything from buying control of the banks and large businesses to the more menial tasks of providing weaponry for the Organization.

"There you go again, Luxord, chopping up all our work to a whim of your 'luck,'" Came an accusing voice from across the room. Larxene, Marluxia, and Luxord all shifted their attention to the fifth throne in the room. Vexen Clarkson sat, hunched over in his throne, glaring at them with a smarter-than-thou look. Larxene rolled her eyes as Vexen continued.

"If you are so intent to chalk up our actions to a mere game than you truly do not understand the importance of our mission," Vexen scoffed, obviously reveling in his supposed superiority.

And of course you understand fully the 'importance of our mission' Larxene thought irritated at Vexen's high and mighty comments. World famous scientist or not Larxene could hardly tolerate Vexen's irritating snobbishness. Larxene hardly understood why Vexen was even a part of the Organization. If she had her way, Vexen would be removed as quickly as possible.

"Ah, forgive me, Vexen. You seem to have misinterpreted my comment," Luxord said, his tone remaining calm and slightly playful. "I was merely stating that each one of us has experience with gambling something over the course of our, oh shall we say, employment in the Organization."

"The Organization isn't a job," Came a voice from across the room.

Vexen, Luxord and Larxene all looked to see a thin, short young man with steel-blue almost grey hair. His bangs covered most of his face, the right side of his face being completely obscured and a few loose strands falling in front of his left eye. He wore the same cloak as the rest. In his hands, he held a pocket edition of some book Larxene could not identify, though she could safely say it was Atlas Shrugged.

"Being a member of the Organization is not a mere employment. It is a task, a mission, to save the world from collapsing in on itself, destroying itself." Zexion said, his eyes never leaving his book. "It is an opportunity to change the world, to make history. You should not take it so lightly as a job."

"Oh come now, Zexion, it was a figure of speech," Luxord replied, his tone remaining the same.

"Heh, I suspected as much. I just merely wanted to make sure you hadn't forget your place. After all, it would be difficult to find a new number X with your talent," Zexion replied with what to him was a friendly joke, but to everyone else a threat.

Zexion Lexibute was an oddity among the Organization. Unlike Luxord, Marluxia, or Vexen, Zexion was far from world famous. In fact, after doing a little digging, Larxene had discovered that Zexion was a collage drop-out with no friends or family to speak of. Ironically, Zexion was arguably the most intelligent person in the room. Zexion had been the one responsible for hacking into every single television station on the planet and broadcasting the Organization's decoy message. He was also responsible for most of the planning in the Organization. Personality wise, Zexion was rather mysterious. He constantly held himself with a collect and calm attitude. The only time Zexion ever broke his reserved composure was when he was either praising the glory of the Organization's mission or when he regaled the other members with his rather morose sense of humor.

Speaking of dead Larxene growled internally before shifting her gaze over to the eight throne in the room. A woman around Larxene's age wearing the same coat sat in the eighth throne. She was rather skinny, almost anorexic, and had a pale complexion. Her blue eyes darted from one corner of the room to another as if she expected someone to suddenly turn on her.

Oh if anyone's going to turn on you, Naminé, it'll be me! Larxene thought infuriated. Naminé Natrie had recently captured the attention of the world as the "Return of the Renaissance." Naminé's art displayed a unique combination of the more classical, realistic art forms, with the subjective, impressionistic modern art. Naminé's art had been critically acclaimed, gaining the respect of a wide variety of art critics. Larxene could hardly drowse through a single art magazine without seeing at least five of Naminé's paintings. As to why Naminé was a part of the Organization, that was a mystery to Larxene. Larxene could tell by Naminé's constant nervous and anxious expression that she really did not want to be here at all. That meant to Larxene that the Organization had some kind of dirt on Naminé. But then, why would the Organization want her of all people. True, Naminé was famous, but she didn't have the influence that Larxene and Marluxia held over public opinion. In fact, Naminé's only real job in the Organization was maintaining communication. The thought of which immediately sent Larxene into a fury. Naminé was supposed to contact Larxene immediately after the mission. But, Larxene had not received a single communication.

Naminé caught finally Larxene's gaze and Larxene was about to give Naminé a piece of her mind when a loud snoring noise caught their attention. The two looked over to Naminé's right to see Number IX sleeping in his throne. Larxene's anger toward Naminé immediately shifted toward Number IX. Demyx…Why is he even here? Larxene growled internally.

Michael 'Demyx' Arpeggio was a young man of 25 with bright green eyes and dirty blond hair spiked up into a mullet, though that did not stop several bangs from falling in from of his face. Of course, no one could tell because his eyes were closed and he was wearing a stupid beanie hat with his own name printed on it. Deymx was the world's latest 'big hit' pop star. His songs played almost constantly over the radio, his albums flew off the shelves (or rather off the download sites), flocks of fans from around the world constantly obsessed over him, and he even had his own radio station. All of which made Larxene despise him even more because of how useless he was. Larxene had spent enough time with the real Demyx to know that he was a lazy, no-good wimp. All he did was sleep. Every chance he got he would doze off. Every time he got a mission, he would try, and usually succeed, in bartering it off to someone else. He whined and complained constantly about his assignments.

Honestly, why is he even here? Larxene wondered. She reached into her coat's pocket and fingered a small rock she had found on her way here. Larxene was very tempted to 'accidently' chuck the rock at the sleeping form of Demyx, however, she knew that none of the higher ups would appreciate that. Her eyes drifted to the sixth throne and its occupant, Lexaeus Haten. Lexaeus was not someone Larxene would cross lightly. A mountain of a man, Lexaeus stood the tallest of the Organization. He was also extremely well-built, looking more like a mountain than a man. He had a rather angular face, with a square chain, straight nose, and sharp cheekbones. His blue eyes stood out against his small eyebrows and his auburn hair was slicked back into a strange collection of spikes. His attitude only added to the intimidation that came with his appearance. Lexaeus was completely laconic, only speaking when absolutely nessecery. From what Larxene could gather, Lexaeus was the owner of a massive construction company, one which had contracts all over the world. Larxene was not really sure why the Organization needed a construction company, though if the Superior would mind letting the rest in on his little masterplan, then maybe she could start to put the pieces together.

Larxene then glanced over a throne number V and its occupant: Xaldin Lindworm. Xaldin was a broad-shouldered man with violet eyes, crossed arms and a stern expression. He had a massive collection of dreadlocks which were tied back into a sort of pony tail with four hanging in front of his eyes. Xaldin was the only military man in the Organization as far as Larxene could tell. By now, everyone knew the story of Xaldin, "the last great war hero." Xaldin, the young private who stood up to a corrupt sergeant, Xaldin, the lieutenant who led his team through incredibly dangerous missions with no casualties, and now Xaldin, the general who had reluctantly accepted his promotion at the insistence of his superior officers. Xaldin's story was inspiring and noble and all, though Larxene personally thought that he was a pill, constantly being stern and gruff. However, she could not deny that having an important military commander in the Organization was a valuable asset.

Then, Larxene glanced at throne's number III and number II, the real mystery of the Organization. A young man with spikey jet black hair and pale skin sat in throne number three. That was Vanitas. He was the shortest member of the Organization, but he was still very well built. However, the most distinctive trait of Vanitas were his golden eyes, the likes of which Larxene had never seen. Often times, Larxene had wondered why they were that color, though admittedly many of her theories sounded like episodes of the X-Files. When she did dare to glance into Vanitas' eyes, she felt like she was staring straight at a forest fire.

Larxene had done as much digging as possible, checked every hospital within 20 miles of the mansion, which she assumed was Vanitas' home, and checked every newspaper within the timeline of how old he most likely was. However, Larxene could not find a trace of Vanitas' existence anywhere she looked. He was a complete enigma.

She then looked over a throne number 2: Xigbar. Xigbar was probably the oldest member of the Organization, looking to be about in his late fifties. His black hair, which was tied back into a pony tail, was riddled in grey streaks. Xigbar wore the same black coat as everyone else, except Xigbar's looked slightly different. The sleeves of his coat were closer to his actual arms and the shoulders of the coat seemed to jut out farther than any of the other coats. Also, he looked rather poorly maintained. The bottom of the coat was covered in scratches and rips. The most interesting part of Xigbar's appearance was his face. He had an eyepatch over his right eye and a long scar stretching from the top of his left cheek to his jawbone. Both his ears and his eyebrows were upturned. His only remaining eye was gold, just like Vanitas. However, when Larxene looked into Xigbar's eye, it was like watching the distant flash of a sniper rifle.

If Vanitas was an enigma, then Xigbar was an enigma wrapped inside a mystery. When she had tried to research Xigbar, she had found hundreds of references to the name. The newspaper articles varied from: 'Xigbar: heroic soldier receives commendation for protecting company' to 'dishonorably discharged for embezzling' to 'FBI agent retires after greatest collar' to 'local gang leader slain.' The problem was that each of these descriptions could match Xigbar. For all Larxene knew, Xigbar could be anything from a soldier to a gang leader. She had tried checking possible birth certificates trying to pin down which story was Xigbar's by checking the timelines. However, that only backfired because there were even more 'potential Xigbars.' There were at least fifty different birth certificates related to Xigbar, one even dating back to the 1920s. And Larxene was pretty sure that Xigbar wasn't that old.

Then Larxene noticed something odd about Xigbar today: he was completely silent. Normally, Xigbar entertained himself with some verbal sparring. He usually threw around more than a few insults or smart remarks and then from there get into a bickering match with someone, usually Larxene. However, today he was just siting, quietly smirking to himself. It drove her crazy. What's so special about today? She grumbled.

Larxene opened her mouth to hurl an insult at Xigbar when she caught a subtle motion from Marluxia. Larxene looked to her left and noticed that the 13th throne had a black-coated figure in it. Larxene stared at the figure in amazement. No one had ever taken the 13th throne. The 13th throne had been reserved for the prince, the title that the Organization used for the figure-head by which they would unite the world. Larxene knew that the Superior had selected who would be the Prince, but she did not know the Prince had already joined. Then, she looked closer and noticed it was a plastic model wearing the coat.

Thud.

The thunderous sound of a footstep shook the entire room. Immediately, everyone responded. Demyx snapped awake and quickly pulled off his hat. Zexion shut his book and quietly slid it back into his pocket and Luxord quickly hid his coin. Naminé began shaking uncontrollably. Vexen started ringing his hands together. Even Marluxia and Xaldin adopted more guarded expressions. Larxene noticed that all Xigbar did was glance up at the first throne with a smirk.

Thud.

Soon the solitary foot step was followed by another and then another, soon increasing until the sound shook the room as if a marching band was passing through. Then, it stopped. After a moment of intense silence, the door of the first throne opened and a figure in the black coat emerged. He stared around the room for a moment, gazing intently at each member, before sitting down.

"Greetings friends," Said Xemnas, the Superior of Organization XIII.

His words sent shivers down the spines of every member. Everyone here was afraid of Xemnas. When he spoke, he spoke in a deep, calm voice that echoed throughout the room. His tone never raised above a monotone, always keeping his voice at an even, yet intimidating, sound. And if that wasn't enough, Xemnas was scary just to look at. Xemnas was a tall, well-built man with tan skin. He had long, spiky silver hair with bangs to perfectly frame his face. That was all fine and dandy until one got a good look at his eyes. Xemnas' eyes were gold like Xigbar and Vanitas. However, looking into Xemnas' eyes felt like staring into a fiery black hole, a dark flaming pit that could consume everything in its path.

"Today is a momentous occasion," He announced. "Here we begin the journey which we began so long ago. Soon, everything will be in place for the final unification of the world, under our guiding hand."

He looked over at Vexen, Zexion, and Larxene before commenting.

"My congratulations for a job, admirably done,"

"Thank you, Lord Xemnas," Zexion said, his head bowing slightly. 'Lord Xemnas' was something of an unwritten rule amongst the Organization. Technically there was no obligation as far as Larxene could tell to refer to Xemnas as any sort of 'lordship,' especially seeing as Luxord was an actual noble. But everyone called Xemnas 'lord', some out of respect, most out of fear.

"Now, onto the matter at hand," Xemnas said. "The people of the world have, as expected, become afraid. Our simultaneous attack throughout the world has struck fear into the hearts of the world."

Larxene's eyes widened. Simultaneous she repeated in her mind. She had no idea there were simultaneous attacks joining throughout the world. She was about to voice her confusion but Luxord beat her to the punch.

"Begging your pardon, Lord Xemnas, but did you say simultaneous?" Luxord asked.

"What, you really think we don't have agents other than you idiots? Pftt. As if," Xigbar said, leaning back in his throne.

"More Organization members?" Vexen said surprised.

"Oh, don't worry, you're all still the real Organization members," Vanitas commented, a sardonic undertone in his voice. "The rest of them are just uninterested third parties we hired for the big night, they're being taken care of as we speak."

"There have been and only will be thirteen," Xemnas confirmed.

"So, in other words, Daddy still luves you," Xigbar mocked.

Larxene felt like jumping out of her throne and strangling the two. Xigbar and Vanitas were the highest ranking members of the Organization other than Xemnas, himself, a fact that the two seemed to take as an excuse to mock the rest of the members.

"Our attack has spread fear throughout the world. However, that fear must be properly cultivated if it is to be of any use to us," Xemnas said, before turning his gaze at Xaldin.

"Xaldin, is the military responding as predicted?" Xemnas asked.

"Even better than we could have hoped for," Xaldin replied in his coarse British accent. "They're all panicked, frantically running around trying to find out how they were taken so completely off guard."

"Good," Xemnas said, his voice staying monotonous. "And Zexion, how are the common people responding?"

"At first, the response was equivalent to a normal terrorist attack: fear, anger, mourning ect." Zexion responded rather casually. "But, when news of the simultaneous attacks leaked out, the normal fear transformed into a sudden and consuming panic. Conspiracy theories, mass online hysteria, and desperate calls to their precious government to save them."

"Excellent," Xemnas said, drawing out the word as though he were savoring it. "That fear is exactly what will bring the world together. A common enemy. Now, we must cultivate that fear. And each of us must work to bring about its growth."

"It will be difficult to acquire the nessicery components for the next stage of the plan," Vexen said as Xemnas' gaze turned to him. "However, I am certain that I will be able to attain all of the important pieces. My prestige does allot me certain privileges."

"Preparations are being made now for the third stage of the plan," Xaldin reported. "For now, though, I will ensure co-operation becomes a relevant option."

"I have already ensured that Haten construction will be responsible for the reconstruction of the attack sights, as you wished," Lexaeus reported briskly.

"I've been keeping a close eye on various government communications. Unfortunately, it seems that they will need a larger push before they come together," Zexion stated.

"…The…piece th-that you wanted, the one to commemorate the attack, it's nearly finished…Lord Xemnas," Naminé spurt out as fast as she could.

"I've a got a new little ditty coming out, plenty of subtext about unity 'n' standing up to the man 'n' all that! It sure was hard, but don't you worry boss-man, I'll get it out A.S.A.P!" Demyx said enthusiastically.

"The stocks are dropping just as I predicted," Luxord stated. "I've been buying up assets, just as everyone's stocks are dropping. In time, we will be the only people with real money."

"I have an official press conference scheduled," Marluxia said. "I'll be sure to woe the public with disgust and out-rage."

"My new article is fresh and ready to print," Larxene said. "The masses will be enthralled with it, trust me."

"Very good, all of you," Xemnas commended. "Now, onto the next matter at hand: witnesses. I trust that no-one, outside of us, has any knowledge of the events that transpired last night."

"Not to worry," Xigbar said. "I had all of our other agents taken care of."

"My assistant, Rinoa, hardly knows a thing," Vexen assured Xemnas. "Besides, even if she did see anything, she'd be too stupid to put it together."

"I have an alibi for last night," Larxene said. "Besides, no-one saw me."

However, Larxene's words were meet with a harsh laugh from Vanitas.

"What?" Larxene demanded. "Something funny?"

"Right, no-one saw you, that's rich," Vanitas challenged, before turning his attention to Naminé. "Naminé, tell our friends what you told me."

Naminé started at Vanitas like a deer in the headlights, before plucking up her courage and beginning.

"Well…I contacted number XII as p-per regulation," Naminé began.

No, you didn't you little liar! Larxene thought venomously. But she decided to wait until Naminé was done before calling her out.

"B-but wh-when I called her, someone else picked up the phone," Naminé half-whispered.

Larxene felt like her throne was about to drop from under her. Making sure no-one noticed her, she plunged her hands into both of her pockets trying to find it.

"And who, pray tell, picked up the phone?" Xemnas inquired, leaning forward in his throne.

"A man named…Leeland, Axel Leeland," Naminé almost whispered.

Larxene's eyes grew to the size of plates. N-no no, I-I had my phone with me…how could he hav-

Then the horrible realization struck her. She knew Axel worked as a theater projectionist. But she had never bothered to ask where. What if…

"Something wrong, number XII?" Marluxia asked, tilting his head toward Xemnas.

Larxene looked up at him and quickly understood.

"No, just now I have to get a new phone," Larxene quickly replied, hiding her horror under a flippant disinterest.

"Were there any other witnesses?" Xaldin asked.

"I salvaged the theater's surveillance systems and found this," Zexion said, pulling out his phone and sending a message to the other Organization members, who quickly pulled out their phones. Larxene sat for a moment in suspense as the others all checked something. Then Marluxia threw his phone to Larxene. She caught it. Freeze framed on the screen was a picture of four people standing right in front of the bomb. Larxene started at it in horror. Sure enough, it was Axel, stupid leather jacket and everything. The other three were new faces to her. One was a tall man with an x-shaped scar on his face. The others were a little boy and girl, probably only ten.

How could this happen? Larxene thought, angrily grabbing the end of her coat.

"The other adult is a Saïx Dawson, high school teacher," Zexion said. "I couldn't ascertain the identities of the children."

"What's it matter?" Demyx asked. "I mean, it's not like they'll spill. Right?"

"Security in our mission is of the utmost importance," Vexen insisted. "We need to make sure no-one suspects a thing!"

"Quite true, old chap. It certainly would be rather unfortunate if anything were to slip to the public," Luxord commented.

"Indeed, Number XII," Xemnas began turning the full force of his gaze directly on Larxene. "Since it was your blunder, you will be responsible for dealing with Mr. Leeland."

Larxene looked up at Xemnas and met his gaze. The force of his golden eyes immediately quelled any rebellious senses in Larxene. The burning fire of his eyes made her want to curl up into a ball.

"Yes, sir," Larxene replied. She had meant her response to come out as disinterested, annoyied, and even the slightest bit sarcastic. But it ended up sounding like a meek child.

"I will accompany Number XII," Marluxia volunteered. "Seeing as she has no way of communicating with us."

"Number II, you will deal with Saïx. Meeting adjured," Xemnas said.

"Wait, Lord Xemnas, before we depart, may I ask, why is there a model wearing our coat, sitting in the prince's throne?" Marluxia inquired.

"I wanted to convey that our Prince has been chosen," Xemnas replied. "However, I cannot reveal his identity yet. Meeting adjourned."

With that, each of the organization member stood up and began walking out with the exception of the leading three, who remained sitting.

As Larxene walked out, she noticed Marluxia's gaze linger on the 13th black coated figure for a moment before continuing out. When she and the rest of the Organization returned to the circular room, they found a long rectangular table covered in bowls of fruit awaiting them. Larxene had no idea where they always came from, but she never tried any of it.

"Ah, how thoughtful, as always," Luxord commented pulling up a chair. He produced a deck of cards from his coat. "Anyone for a game of chance?"

Demyx, Xaldin, Zexion, and Lexaeus pulled up seats. Vexen left, declaring how games of chance were beneath him and Naminé scurried after him. Larxene then noticed that Marluxia had disappeared.

"Larxene, aren't you going to join us?" Luxord asked while he shuffled.

"No thanks, places to be, things to do," Larxene replied, before walking off.

Once Larxene had gotten far enough away from the castle, she let her full fury unleashed.

"How! How did this happen!" She growled kicking a rock with such force that the rock hit a tree thirty feet away.

"Dear me, I wonder, whatever did that rock do to vex you so, Larxene?" Came Marluxia's voice from the shadows. Larxene turned around to see Marluxia leaning against a tree, twirling a dandelion between his fingers.

"Oh, believe it or not, it was actually one of his cousins," Larxene joked, before her face turned serious. "So what do we do, now?"

"You received your orders. They seem rather straightforward," Marluxia replied, his eyes focused on the dandelion.

"You can't honestly expect me to eliminate my own boyfriend, for them," Larxene shot back, her temper rising.

"If you don't, then they'll eliminate you," Marluxia state matter-of-factly. "And that would be an unfortunate consequence."

Larxene remained silent. For all his stupidity and bluster, she did love Axel and she was not willing to kill him.

"Which is why, we'd have to make it look convincing," Marluxia said.

"Really?" Larxene asked, keeping her voice even.

"Yes, after all, we'll be needing some new members, once Xemnas is out of the way," Marluxia said, crushing the dandelion.

"Now, you're talking," Larxene said. She and Marlxuia had been plotting to overthrow Xemnas for years. Neither of them trusted him and the idea of a new world order with him as its leader, was not something that appealed to them.

"When are we going to get rid of him anyway? You can't honestly expect me to wait forever can you?" Larxene asked.

"Soon, but not yet. I want to know the full extent of his plans," Marluxia replied. "And who our newest member will be."

"Lord Xemnas has always been good at keeping things close to the chest," Larxene said. "But that won't matter once he's gone."

"True," Marluxia agreed solemnly before changing the subject. "Now, you must tell me, how did someone like Axel win your affection?"


"But bttz that won't matter bttz bttz once he's gone." Came the sound of Xigbar's recording device, as he sat twirling it in his hands.

"Haha, ah and who says there's nothing good on the radio these days?" Xigbar chuckled to himself. "And to think these idiots never thought we wouldn't bug the forest too."

"This is an actor and a journalist, were you really expecting brilliant strategic thinking?" Vanitas said, before turning to Xemnas. "I don't get it, why don't we just finish them off now, before they become too much trouble."

"If Marluxia is willing to be patient, then so am I," Xemnas replied. "Besides, those two could still be useful, before we remove them."

"Right, so what do you want me to do with good ol' X-face," Xigbar asked, looking at the picture of Saïx. "Hard to believe he'd show up after all this time."

"Saïx may still prove useful," Xemnas said. "And there will be a few new openings in the Organization once the traitors are gone."

"You're really willing to go easy on him," Vanitas asked, somewhat annoyed.

"Oh, do my ears deceive me, or is that a pinch of jealously I hear?" Xigbar asked, a smirk on his face.

"Your ears deceive you, old man. Why would I be jealous of that runt?" Vanitas shot back.

"I never said go easy on him," Xemnas interrupted.

"Huh," Xigbar asked.

"If Saïx is to die so easily, then he is not worth our time," Xemnas said.

"What about the other witnesses?" Vanitas asked.

"Follow them and ensure that the job gets done with Mr. Leeland," Xemnas said. "And the boy is of no concern."

"What about 'Poppet?'" Xigbar asked, his good eye drifting to the picture of the girl.

"What about her?" Xemnas replied. "She is a child. She is of no revelence."

Vanitas and Xigbar both nodded.

"So are you sure about this guy?" Xigbar asked nodding toward the 13th throne.

"He is a young idealistic fool in a position of great power," Xemnas said. "Turning him to our will should not prove difficult. And with him at our side, we will pave the way for a grand new future, with Organization XIII at its head."