A Meeting [Closed/Plot]

[Akito]

Marluxia stared out from the pier, his bare feet dipped into the water as he sat comfortably on the wooden planks. The sun had long set and no stars shone up above, just endless dark clouds. So calm were the seas, the lonely moon amidst that hidden sky could find its perfect match. Still, silent as if in prayer, the sea consolidated at Marluxia’s toes were rinsed with all the gentle nurture of a mother. And he deserved it, he had come so far; ran for so long towards his goals. Yet, he had still tripped and fallen, face first into the dirt. But now, now would be different. He would not repeat the mistakes of old. He would not be stopped a second time.

A cold breeze brushed the nape of his neck and he wondered if he should’ve worn something thicker. He was not wearing the usual Organization cloak, no, but rather was dressed in but a loose white shirt, unbuttoned save for a few at the end, and a casual black work pants (which was folded up so as not to be dampened alongside his bathing feet). Marluxia had allowed himself perhaps to become too relaxed under the current circumstances. However brief this respite, he thought it wouldn’t be a bad idea to enjoy it. Or enjoy it as much as an emotionless husk of a man could. This casualness should not be mistaken for having let his guard down, however; he could not afford the luxury. But a few minutes ago, he had set up his board again; his thunder queen and his hot-tempered knight. Even so, this was no time to rest, he had other business to take care of, other cards to play as a certain Gambler he once knew would’ve said.

Steps echoed behind him, too easily salient by the silence of the night. They were here. They were late. Without turning around to face the new arrivals, despite knowing full well that it might mean a death sentence, Marluxia simply stated, “You made me wait,”

[The Narrator]

The lack of formality in the meeting put off the new arrival. For a long moment nothing was let out, not a ripple of fibers announcing movement, a voice declaring presence, a vibration of motion; just the wind and the roar of the water.

There were three black robed figures, one notably shorter than the other two while the next one was in between though had a similar frame. The final, and closet figure to the man looking out at the pier, was a behemoth in comparison. They stood as if the two behind them did not only exist, but were annoying split ends that simply could not be rid of and thus followed a few steps behind everywhere. If it were a few years back, all three would be mistaken for Organization members; but this very meeting was a precedent to the now defunct group of Nobodies.

"You decided to stay." A response with a very honest warning. "Hopefully that means you understand meeting with me."

The lead figure stepped forward and in the same motion held up hand with a flick of their wrist to the two behind them. Both of their bodies froze in place (though their feet ground into the earth), heeding a silent command.

"Marluxia, Graceful Assassin, why have you called the likes of me to this place?" It was already clear, but for some reason formality was decided upon. Perhaps this figure was worried, paranoid, or really didn't care much at all. "What beckons forth those like us?"

[Akito]

"The realization of an undying dream," Marluxia replied, calmly and precisely, his breathing slowed and deepened to take in the fresh sea breeze. "My dream,"

Marluxia closed his eyes peacefully and stated without so much as a moment's hesitation, "I want to use you and in return, you will use me...to reach the end that we have both sought after," Ambiguous. Yet the cloaked three would understand. There was something only he could do for them and that may be the only reason his neck was still on his shoulders. The dark clouds that hung heavy in the sky spoke of a chance of storm soon enough. Marluxia did not seem troubled as the waters got suddenly rougher in anticipation, the gentle caress on his toes becoming a rough tug.

There was conviction in the pink haired man's voice. Startling conviction that spoke of a ruthlessness beyond simple selfishness. It was a willingness to forfeit everything you owned, everything you are, for one goal. It was the determination of a madman.

[The Narrator]

"Mutual use?" The leader mused to himself and considered the practicality.

Clearly he didn't need to test the motivation or willingness of the man in front of him. There was no doubt in what he heard or saw, much less felt. His reputation certainly preceded him. This man, or whatever was left of a man, would be a useful ally.

The leader turned to Marluxia. "Accepted. We will work with you, on the following term, however. We may move in and out of Castle Oblivion as we choose."

Silence fell over the pier for what felt like a minute, but was barely five seconds. "This scenery, would you bother with explaining the choice in it?"

[Akito]

"My home is your home," Marluxia smiled and leaned back, planting his two hands to support himself. Castle Oblivion was his since the day the Superior felt the need to bequeath it to him. He would never give it back. Every King needed a castle, after all. And every castle needed to be garrisoned. Already he had deemed Castle Oblivion to be his bastion with which to strike at the rest of the worlds; he had his generals, all he needed now was an army.

The cloaked figure questioned Marluxia's choice of scenery, to which the Graceful Assassin chuckled; not without his usual poise. Curious that such a person could appreciate the foreshadowing. Then again, stranger still a Nobody like himself could. "Is it not beautiful? This mulling trepidation; the calm before the tempest that will tear apart this pier, this fake world, as well as you and I if we are idle," He said it almost as if he was reading poetry, with passion unexpected of an emotionless shell.

Giving the sea, steadily getting more and more rough with waves, Marluxia pulled himself up and brushed himself down casually. Turning around, he smiled at the cloaked individuals, a soft but dangerous curve of the lips and, just like that strode his way past them; his business concluded.

Without breaking the steadiness of his steps or turning around, Marluxia raised a hand in adieu and remarked lastly with all the confidence of a man of his caliber, "Change is coming. Violent and bloody change, I'd advise you to be prepared,"

[The Narrator]

The leader walked out where Marluxia stood, standing by his side while looking far off into the sea. Danger Marluxia said, change. The leader laughed and looked to his side.

"Am I really someone that should be told to be warned? Be prepared for my reaction my new friend. The two with me, you will find their use very shortly." This time the leader made no attempts to curl his response or threats. A bold, flat faced answer as if he'd been put into a test for his every life. The robed leader was looking the test down the middle and straight at the answer, leaving it no possible manner to escape.

Tension broke when he spoke again. "In the shadows now Marluxia, our own plans have already taken place. At the right time, I will inform you of their developments. Whatever your own plot or motive is, they will only compliment each other. That can be assured." The leader now rested on the railing.

"I have one question. Tell me about Namine."

[Akito]

Marluxia chuckled, of course he did not have to worry about one such as this. "I will look forward to it then," The nobody was playing with fire. A dangerous ally, indeed, but an even more dire foe. It seemed everyone was scheming these days, but Marluxia could understand. When there was something one wanted, needed, it was of little consequence who got in the way. This game they were playing; how long would it stay just that?

At the cloaked figure's question, Marluxia raised an eyebrow. An unusual question, perhaps revealing a part of the cloaked figure's intentions. However, the Graceful Assassin had not the time to leisurely answer questions, nor was it the right time to play all his cards. Not now, not yet. "I will let you meet her soon enough," Was all the man would say, dismissing the question. Many petals, as if rustled by the wind, encircled around Marluxia and promptly and succinctly, he disappeared in a torrent of formless darkness; leaving but the petals lying uselessly on the pier.

And so it begins once more.

[The Narrator]

The three robed figures stood quietly, tension between them apparently was a form of harmony.
"This is our new base of operations, is that clear?" The leader made no attempt to wait for answers, though nods came.
"We have a new job to do, get ready, we leave within the hour."

The followers walked away quietly, until both were out of sight, gone from the illusion this room. They would be back soon, the leader knew this, his hood looking at the direction the door. All at once the room became white, black, then white again. He couldn't decide on which world to use first. Slowly a memory came to mind, one that was not the leader's.

An island appeared all about, one with tree houses, a waterfall, and a secret grotto. Out by the beach a group of kids played in the water. He knew very well what he was seeing. He was nothing more than ten feet behind the children, and yet they could not see him. That was not what he wanted to bother with himself anyway, this memory was not even one of theirs. Instead, it was the girl that was watching him, standing by the waterfall.

He turned to find her standing by him now. He was part of this memory, and yet not. After all, it was only a fragment, but it was plenty enough. Steps were heard in the distance and immediately the memory disappeared.