A/N: Second-to-last chapter! Almost done, my duckies!

-pets- Yes, yes, I'm sad too...

Encounter 12. Breakdown

It wasn't like Zexion. Marluxia paced back and forth, prowling his chambers restlessly. What had happened? Zexion's presence in his mind had never before hurt, not even the first time. VI always took great precautions to ensure that there would be no pain, but that time… it had been unbearable. It was as though it had been… intentional.

Perhaps he had been right all along: the Elders weren't to be trusted. They only kept the neophytes around to act as servants, doing their dirty work while they kept their hands clean. The Cloaked Schemer was no better, as Axel and Larxene had said. He used Marluxia for his own protection and pleasure, giving nothing in return but tantalizing glimpses of a forgotten life. Two could play at that game, oh yes… When Marluxia took the Organization, he would use Zexion until his usefulness ran out. It would bring greater pleasure to take VI's head than to bed him.

But no, the Zexion he had come to know wasn't like the others. Had circumstances been different, they could have worked together. They could have taken worlds. He was just being paranoid. Zexion had made some mistake, and though it had felt like his mind would be torn apart, the pain had stopped. There was no significance.

He's one of them, a sinister corner of his mind whispered. He feels nothing for you… He feels nothing at all. He would sooner kill you than look at you.

Marluxia shook his head to clear it of such thoughts. No. There was something wrong with Zexion… but this was not the time. Sora had come. He should go and greet his guest.

It took longer than anticipated. Sora really was quite thick, and it took a lot to pound a lesson or two on the mechanics of the castle into his skull. Marluxia was satisfied by the time it was over, and back to his old self. He opened a portal to Zexion's quarters and entered, confident once more.

That confidence was shattered the moment the portal closed behind him. Zexion's coat was off. His pale skin was blemished by livid purple-and-black bruises. Red mark decorated his throat and upper chest. When he turned to stare at Marluxia, XI saw that the side of his face was swollen and bruised. Zexion shied away as Marluxia closed the distance between them.

"Heal," the Assassin murmured, and cool green magic flowed around his fingers.

"You shouldn't waste your power on something like this," Zexion said.

"Who did this to you?" Marluxia demanded. The small Nobody wouldn't meet his eyes.

"My report did not please the Superior."

Marluxia grasped at the memory of anger, taking strength from it as the bruises marring his bedmate's skin vanished one by one.

"He will pay," he vowed. Zexion laughed, suddenly and harshly.

"Pay?" he repeated incredulously. His eyes were downcast, his expression sharp and bitter. "And just how do you intend to make the Superior do that?"

That seemed to be the worst of it. Marluxia let the healing go, stepping closer.

"I will. Somehow," he amended. It was better to sound unsure—it would alleviate suspicion. He touched Zexion's uninjured cheek and VI pulled away. He frowned, puzzled.

"Zexion, look at me."

An almost inaudible sigh escaped Zexion's lips and he hesitated a moment before looking up. Marluxia studied his eyes, frowning.

"Is there something else?" he asked. "What did he do to you, Zexion?"

"Nothing he hasn't done before," VI muttered, backing away. "Marluxia… don't you have work to be doing?"

"Are you trying to get rid of me? No. I showed Sora the way inside, and Axel volunteered to test his skills. I have nothing to do now but monitor Naminé's progress… and, of course, assist you in your research."

Zexion smiled grimly.

"Oh, I'm sure you have other things to take care of," he said, and Marluxia again wondered how much he knew.

"You are trying to get rid of me," he said, frowning. "Do you mean to say that the project is finished?"

Zexion was silent for a long moment as he donned his coat, brushing invisible dust from it. The zipper sounded far too load, and the smaller Nobody's face was incredibly blank. With growing despair, Marluxia recognized the symptoms: the mask was back on. Something had frightened Zexion so badly that he had once more retreated behind an impenetrable wall.

"Number Eleven," he said at last. The cool, impassionate number was like a knife in Marluxia's gut. "The Superior expressed very strict views on our mutual research. He had lost interest in this project, with the Keybearer so nearly in our grasp. He thinks it best, as do I, that our… contact ends at this."

No.

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I have the underground to see to," Zexion said coldly, and turned without another glance at him.

"You have not been dismissed, Number Six!" Marluxia barked. It was satisfying to see the Schemer flinch. "I am still in command in Castle Oblivion, and I order you to—"

Five quiet words halted him.

"I know what you're planning."

Marluxia froze, mouth still open, but no sound came out. Zexion drew in a breath and let it out slowly.

"I know everything, and the way Xemnas sees it, that makes me a traitor, too."

"Xemnas… Xemnas knows?!" Marluxia gasped.

"There is a spy aboveground. He did not learn it from me."

"How long have you known?" XI whispered. Zexion smiled sadly.

"I've known for a long time," he answered.

"Why didn't you tell Xemnas, and spare yourself this pain?" Marluxia asked.

"Isn't it obvious? I didn't want you destroyed," Zexion said softly, moving closer to him. He laid a hand on the taller man's arm. "Marluxia… there's no way out. Xemnas has ordered me to destroy you, to prove my loyalty to him."

Another piece of the puzzle fell into place in Marluxia's mind.

"But you haven't," he murmured. "You could… at any time... but you haven't done it."

"Marluxia, if your coup falls through… you have to run, and fast, before they come after you," Zexion said. "They won't find you, if you move quickly. Only I have the power to do so, and I would sooner die than…"

"Come with me," Marluxia urged him, taking his hand in a tight grip. "They'll never find us… no. Help me, Zexion. You and Naminé together can easily take Sora, and with you on my side, who could stand against us?"

Zexion hesitated, indecision flickering in his eyes.

"I… I can't," he said finally. "Marluxia… you're against the founding six, but I… I'm one of them. They were my friends, when I could feel such things. I'm sorry, but I can't help you. But I will not hinder you, either. I can keep Xemnas out of the business with Sora until he is yours."

Marluxia gazed at him as he pondered this.

"I understand," he said. "I shouldn't have asked… but I will not destroy you. I promise. I can do no more than that."

Zexion's lips curved in a wry smile.

"Negotiations," he said. "Just as I predicted." He looked up at the clock. "You should go," he added. "There isn't much time. I… I wish you luck."

A/N: Next chapter, dear readers, will be the last. It is all written. I shall type it tonight or tomorrow. It will be up tomorrow, I believe. Yes. Very sad. Be prepared.

Review or Roxas will lock your locker. Permanently. And that is a pain in the behind.