The XIIIth Shadow: Graceful Assassin// [Marluxia]

[xigbar]

The Shin-Ra building loomed over the perpetual night of Midgar like a challenge to the gods themselves. It was oddly comforting; like a little bit of home. The Castle that Never Was had stood in the same defiance, though it had lacked the eerie green lighting from far below. Atop the drum-like protrusion on the buildings front sat Xigbar, standing on air as though it were as solid as the ground. An elegant white rifle of some sort was in his hands, being carefully cleaned by a white rag.

Xigbar looked different, for certain. He was not dressed in the cloak of Organization XIII, but rather in a gray suit with white gloves, black boots, and a red neckerchief. His old uniform from his days as a guard in his home world of Radiant Garden. Of course, he still looked much older than then, his graying black hair tied back to show his scarred face, eyepatch still in place. He had discovered that he was not alone; he had managed to find Marluxia and Zexion, two other members of his organization before they were devastated. Apparently he wasn't the only one that had managed to come back from the dead. He smirked when he heard the sound of a corridor opening behind him, announcing the arrival of the one he'd invited today.

"Well, look who the cat dragged in," Xigbar commented, smirking. "I see you're not as dead as I was told. How's it goin', kiddo?"

[scryingphantom]

This was a rather unique world, this Midgar. Even the very building he had an ‘invitation’ to attend too seemed to have a certain looming, unsettling, vibe to it. Now didn’t this atmosphere have a familiar vibe to it? Quite amusing, really, to see how several worlds could reflect upon one another. It brought memories back to Marluxia. Memories that were best off forgotten.

As his form revealed itself from the swirling, velvet, darkness, Marluxia’s musing came to a hault. It was still unbelievable – perhaps unbearable? – to have gotten word of other Organization members surviving. The news was joyous, yes, but that all depends on how much of his past schemes were leaked. He had thought on it, that perhaps this invite could very well spell his demise (once again). Yet, Marluxia wasn’t the one to scamper off like a child… he had his pride, even if it spelt disaster for him.

Once more, the male brushed the familiar rose petals from his cloak. The vortex dissipated behind the form as the figure removed his hood. Pink hair fall gently to shoulders, as Marluxia’s orbs scanned the surrounding area. He mused, ever so slightly, Xigbar was known to appear from above. Sometimes, the assassin assumed, he flaunted his power far too much. However, he wasn’t in much room to speak himself…

Marluxia perked, letting hair bounce ever slightly, when a deep voice rang out. Much to his demise, it was (but of course) in a mocking tone. It appeared as Xigbar never changed. ”I’d like to not be addressed in such repulsive manner,” his voice rang out, emotionless, though if the assassin could feel – he would’ve became irritated. To be called ‘kiddo’, the same name giving by XIII – whose other half lead him to his demise. Thoughts were shaken aside, as the assassin continued,

”To be honest, I’m amazed you’re still about,” Marluxia matched the mirroring smirk, before instantly dropping it. Taking a gaze at the former number II, the assassin couldn’t help but release a weak scoff. ”What’s with the attire? I assure you it doesn’t suit…”

”Which, I’m rather intrigued that you tracked me down. What do I owe this honor too? Surely you have not a tie anymore to the Organization…”

[xigbar]

"If you say so, Marly," Xigbar replied, shrugging. Of course he hadn't changed; he had been this way since the beginning. The only thing that could make him change was... maybe the end of the world, but he would probably like to sit back and watch that more than decide to change his ways. Indeed, he knew Organization XIII was no more; almost all of its members had been killed... but there was always use for the skills of the Organization's top members.

Xigbar calmly brought his rifle to bare, looking through a nearly invisible scope at some far off target and taking a shot. Satisfied, he flicked the 'barrel' area of it up, a faint noise signifying that it had reloaded. "I think I know someone who could make use of our services, which is why I'm wearing this getup again. I don't expect you to want to get involved with my affairs, but I thought you'd be interested in what was going on. So tell me... What was it that made you want to take over the Organization? Get tired of the boss's speeches?"

[scryingphantom]

Though not pleased, Marluxia wouldn’t let fake emotions run through his expressions. Unless said expressions looked down upon someone else, he’d do them with little trouble at all. The assassin let it slide of his discomfort for a nickname show, before masking it once more. He shook his head, as if he were disappointed, before responding, ”Nicknames were always your signature trademark. It appears that even – death? – couldn’t break you out of that habit.”

Slate blue orbs eyed suspiciously at the rifle in the former number II’s hand. He could only question to what unlucky object had piqued Xigbar’s interest into shooting. Nevertheless, Marluxia already knew the outcome of that object’s fate. It would be a perfect shot, no doubt. Is he attempting to persuade by threatening with an act like that? The assassin’s attention drew to the direction after the fire. A weak smirk came with an expected result.

Once more, Marluxia had returned his straight-forward gaze at Xigbar. Once the ‘reloading’ was complete, only then the older nobody spoke up. ”Ho~? These services you speak of could be of use to me, depending on what they are.” A smirk threatened to phase the flat-lined emotions. Indeed, these services wanted him to know more. Did he get perks during this, or once more was he disgraced with little (if not no respect; or chance to taste empowerment once more). ”That also depends if I have to wear that outfit, I do hope not on that part…” The lips began to display an expression,”Perhaps I could be persuaded to these ‘affairs’. If the said affairs, of course, benefit to me.”

A smirk revealed itself, along with a swift chuckle, as the assassin caught wind of the last question. Er, more along due to the line about the Superior. It appeared the Organization did have a clue, now if only he knew who gave it away. Here he thought he’d kept it quiet quite well. ”I do believe that’s one reason. “ Footfalls echoed as the assassin mused over his explanation. He had been put in charge, of course, at the Castle. That power (though he’d never admit it) had gone to his head.

”Let us believe it was the power of the Keyblade that persuaded me,” From the moment he’d witness its power, Marluxia envied to use that power himself (Once more, he’d never admit to envying another’s abilities). He released a light chuckle, once more, before continuing,”That and the treatment like I was a neophyte never suited to my liking.” Disrespect, obviously, with the hint that in Castle Oblivion – the rival between original (older) and newer (younger) members was a common factor to consider. Beyond that, for once, the long-winded Marluxia wasn’t going to justify his answers. Like Xigbar, honestly, had the heart to care for them.

[xigbar]

"Nah, I just figured since I had this old suit lyin' around, I'd dress myself up for the job," Xigbar replied, his weapon disappearing as he stood up. Marluxia was taller than he was, but somehow Xigbar looked a bit more intimidating, even if it was an unintentional effect. "Couple of perks to this thing; first off, our money isn't any good wherever we are, so you and I would need a source of income. Even Nobodies have to eat, after all. And another benefit; access to all the information you could need. I've got my web of information myself, but you seem more like the type to want to know what you're goin' up against."

"And who knows?" the older Nobody said, shrugging. "I might be interested in helping your plans along while I'm plotting. So what do you say, Marluxia; you interested? I'm sure you don't want that nice scythe of yours to get all rusted from disuse. Hey, tell you what, I'll even forget the nicknames on you. Don't get me wrong, this guy's no Organization XIII, but it's better than sitting with our hands up our asses, eh?""

[scryingphantom]

”Well, the uniform in questioning is a relief,” not a full-out crude comment, just a statement. An assassin like Marluxia couldn’t pull of original outfits like that (and we all know it). As the shorter Nobody rose to his feet, weapon dissipating right before hand, the taller of the two waited. As much as he wanted to speak, he knew Xigbar had yet to begin his proposition. A swift muse; it was almost like making a deal with the devil…too bad the devil wouldn’t even fuss with Xigbar. Even the devil, himself, wouldn’t take on that challenge.

”Couple of perks to this thing; first off, our money isn't any good wherever we are, so you and I would need a source of income. Even Nobodies have to eat, after all.”

A valid point, even Marluxia had to admit that - as much as it pained him to admit it. Money (and money for food) was quite a necessity. A displeased expression as Marluxia found that a pain in the ass. Sometimes, separate worlds were quite a hassle. That would have to be changed someday. The next words ushered (if it were to his character) have caused Marluxia to react like a child in a candy store. He smirked, coyly replying,”Ho~? Information, you say? Well that appeals to me, but of course.” A rough chuckle,”You know quite a bit, don’t you now? You knew of the rebellion. Now you got tabs within the cluster of worlds now. You’re quite…how would I put it?”

”…mischievous, that would be the best word.” A brief pause, as new information flooded in. Oh~? He knew all the strings from the start, didn’t he? Marluxia chuckled Xigbar was clearly former II for a reason. Persuading was something he did best, for once, Marluxia could hold a ‘truce’. There would always be doubt, yes, but right now – the greed for information had Marluxia bought.

”Ho, you’re very persuasive, Xigbar. Consider yourself worthy of my alliance. Leaving nicknames behind was the right approach. You certainly thought this out thoroughly - which, I never would have expected from you. Now, where is this ‘job’ of which you spoke of?”

[xigbar]

Xigbar smirked. He had a feeling he'd be able to win Marluxia over to his side. He was plenty tough, enough to have given Xemnas some trouble if he'd decided to try and usurp in the Castle that Never Was. Considering Xemnas had the better plan at the time, Xigbar had tipped Saix off with a very vague suggestion to let Marluxia handle the Castle Oblivion search. Conveniently, it had gotten him out of leading it, so it was perfectly fine with him.

Of course, he wasn't about to tell Marluxia that, so he just went straight to the question. "You remember the walking toaster and the sword rack you saw me heckling the other day? Talk to the dude in the armor, let him know I sent you. I'll put in a good word for you, make sure you get the position. And if not, well... No one said I couldn't hire help, eh?"

[scryingphantom]

”Of course. I’m afraid I’m not senile like several of our former partners were,” the assassin couldn’t help but give a dig at the former number four. Even though he commanded that death to occur, Marluxia still wouldn’t let one more crack slide on by. Yet, some of the ‘amusement’ had faded do to not receiving any backlashes in his direction. A shame, really, but either way – it didn’t make much of a difference to anyone now did it?

”If that is all you’ve called for, then I should be on my way.” Clicks echoed as the assassin made his retreat from Xigbar’s perch. He simply began to ruffle his hair underneath his hood once more. Once concealed beneath the leather veil, Marluxia directed his attention to the older. His mind was already formulating his ‘discussion’ to the ‘toaster’ – as Xigbar had now, apparently, nicknamed the powerful man – to gain a seat in assistance. ”Before I make my leave, any last words you’d like to add in?

Marluxia just knew he had set him up for one last smart remark. Lifting his right hand, the velvet corridor opened once more. He stood directly before the void, awaiting any last resorts before making his leave. He knew he’d run into Xigbar – it was obvious he would. Mainly if they began working for a similar goal. This will be…rather amusing to say the least…